Update: I'm going to use Windows Server 2008 R2 for my home server

After a lot of thought and suggestions from all of you, I've decided to beef up my old machine a bit and use Windows Server 2008 R2.  I was able to obtain a copy of this at a discount, so it makes more sense.  Also, it's nice having the version with all of the features... I guess I'm a "just in case" type of guy.

This is going to be quite a project, and if I can get my hands on Microsoft Exchange 2010, I might put it on there too.  It'll be nice to play around with this and host my own Exchange server too.  I'll keep you all updated. 

Setting up a home server?

I'm thinking of setting up one of my old machines at home with Windows Home Server... does anyone have any experience with this?  I have an increasing amount of files to store, and I want to be able to remote desktop into my home server from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Do you think this is a good idea?  Please share your thoughts.