1. Normal broadband Internet connections usually have an unbalanced bandwidth, i.e. the upload speed is lower than the download speed. However, a normal server requires a higher upload speed.
   
2. It may not be as a stable as a professional server, since no consistent power supply and professional support can be guaranteed. Also, the hardware for a desktop PC is not optimized for the purpose.
   

(10-09-2010, 09:04 PM)RichardGv Wrote: Huh, it depends. If you want a home server that serves in your home network, it should be relatively easier to set up; If you want, however, a public server in your home, it may not be a good choice:

1. Normal broadband Internet connections usually have an unbalanced bandwidth, i.e. the upload speed is lower than the download speed. However, a normal server requires a higher upload speed.
   
2. It may not be as a stable as a professional server, since no consistent power supply and professional support can be guaranteed. Also, the hardware for a desktop PC is not optimized for the purpose.
   

For detailed instructions about setting up a server with Ubuntu Server Edition, check the official manual: https://help.ubuntu.com/10.04/serverguide/C/index.html.
I'm not really sure about its difficulties. It's certainly pretty difficult if you lack of the knowledge about Linux the system, though. And more knowledge about the server software would be required. Zack, HK, or others that have used a server or VPS may be able to give you a better answer.
Also, Ubuntu is not the best operating system for a server. Debian, CentOS, and FreeBSD are more common choices. Gentoo and Arch may also be usable.

(10-10-2010, 02:09 AM)HiddenKnowledge Wrote: It would be very easy to install and setting it up is also easy if you have another computer with internet nearby but please remember that you will have to work without a gui and do everything from the command line. For running small sites on the internet it's ok but don't try to run a hosting company or a website like youtube on it. if you need any help on this I'd be happy to help you on the irc with this because it's easier to talk about this in realtime. Because as you might see posts about this topic will become pretty large and possible hard to read. If it's the first time setting it up I would advise ubuntu.

Public = Hosting it on the internet.

(10-10-2010, 01:06 PM)mghq Wrote: Just a FYI no ISP will allow you to run a server from your home. You must contract it out through them or else you are liable to termination of service