Sharepoint Server installation and prerequisite

Has anyone set up a sharepoint server and what are the recommendations on a server to run this application.

Basically I am thinking about having my access database accessed from an intranet, and VPNS.

I have not got a server so to speak, I have a basic linux server that I backup onto etc at home, but was wondering what would be a minimum recommendation for a local server?

one that would be very power friendly as well, I have to much equipment running lol.

Thanks for any help.

Mick