Linux Installation

[Enigma]

Well,I must admit it. I'm a complete newbie to Linux but hell I want to learn it! so if anyone could help me with the following query, I would really appreciate it. Please remember I have been tuned in to the Windows platfrom for 17 years now.

I am wanting to set up a Linux Mail Server if possible either Mandrake or Red Hat distribution however am baffled by the installation menu. which packages do I install and which don't I install. I don't intend to have any multimedia or games or anything of that nature of the server since its main purpose is to act as a server. Could anyone enlighten me with a list of packages I should have when I install Linux?

Thanks

[pcast]

i am using both mandrake and red hat but i recommend red hat. in the packages section unselect everything except mail (and web server if you like), it will prompt you for package dependecies anyways. from there on read the FAQS and man(ual) pages, it is where the fun and adventure starts.