Mini Home Server Setup – Online Guide or Website?

Just purchased the low end Core 2 Mini and wanted to use it as a headless server for a home network. I currently have my video and audio on a drive running off of the Airport Extreme Base Station. Is there a website or guide for how to specifically configure a home system (services etc...which are necessary and which are not...) ? I have a copy of "Server Essentials" & "The Little Black Book". For instance: Here is a simple question- I have successfully configured a local dns and can get services running on a local network. If I start over and create my actual home network, should I register and create a domain or can I use anything I'd like for the local dns?" I'd like to also remotely access my files with a VPN setup. This may appear elementary, but what are the minimum services required for a home enviornment? A "real world" style guide.. Any ideas or pointers?