I am not completely new into Linux, but my skills could probably be better, and I'm completely new into hosting. So I'm thinking of renting a dedicated server, and just use it to play around with, hosting a few sites for me and my friends in the beginning, before actually going into the hosting business for real.

So I was wondering, which server and software is the easiest kind to start up with when it comes to installing software, backing up etc? (I've heard Cobalt has some easy software installation features, but I don't know much about them though).

What other things should I be aware of before I decide what server I choose?

Any feedback appreciated!

I think redhat server with cpanel will be easy to administer and setup any software using RPM.. mybe you should get a reseller account (cheaper, fully managed)? as you said you are going to host few sites..

If you're new into hosting, Cobalt is a good choice as it's very easy to manage and would allow you to learn about your server quickly.

Just make sure to get your server from a company with good customer service. Check out the Special Offers forum and try to contact the company first, you will know if they're really good company or not from their responses.

i would definitely say get wet on a cobalt RAQ. put a few sites on it, get used to the admin and so forth.

then move on.

good RAQs for lease
www.rackshack.net
www.serverrack.net

good white box ensim/plesk servers
www.webreseller.net
www.eservers.biz
www.rackshack.net

I'm in the same situation as you, tried the "heavy" servers but too techie for me so I'm learning a bit on a Cobalt Raq4i and doing okay.
I got mine from Pronicsolutions.com and Bert is excellent, friendly, helpful, and will assist with server support etc (he's just adding some patches for me now!).
I would certainly recommend learning on a Raq and I would certainly recommend contacting Bert at hostmaster@pronicsolutions.com