Can't decide on what OS to use!!! Help!

Here's my situation, i'm looking to build a file server/webserver (internal only). The server will be running on the following hardware:

Intel P4 2.4
1 gig ram
1 80gig HD
2 300gig Maxtor DM10 HD's
Antec Oveture case

I want this machine to store my various files, also server media files (xvid, dvd's, mp3's) to my xbox's running xbmc via samba. I also plan to use the webserver to run a couple of web based apps.

My dilemma is whether to run this on Linux using Samba or to use Windows Server 2003. I own a copy of 2003 Standard. I also own a copy of Naslite+ which is a striped down version of linux but does not have any type of security or user management which i do need. If i go the linux route i was thinking Ubuntu 5.10 Server since i am very new to linux but figured it was a good way to learn.

I am open to suggestions on which way to go and if linux it the best choice then which distro would be best!

Thanks in advance!!

UB

I'd go with linux. Chances are, you'll learn to love it so much you'll instal it as your primary operating system

I recently made a test file server at work using Ubuntu 5.10 and it worked out pretty well. I didn't do the webserver part, but Apache is available for install in the Synaptic Program Manager.

You could run that on nearly anything. XP Pro would even do the trick and would be the easiest to setup if you only need one web page.

What do you want to learn more about? You can setup a DC and learn some AD stuff with 2K3, or go linux if you want to learn more there.