Deciding the type of server to host:

There are a few different types of Minecraft Servers, and game-modes. This post  will explain them, so you can get a better idea of the type you want to host.

Vanilla
          A Vanilla server is a server that is relatively standard, and has very few plugins. They will usually have a regular map, and build/destroy rights.

Creative 
          A Creative server is a server built around exploring your creativity. They usually allow you to spawn items, or give you items upon request. They are good if you want to build without gathering resources 

SMP
          SMP or Survival Multipayer is the default for most minecraft servers. Most Vanilla servers are in fact SMP. In SMP, you start with nothing. You gather resources to build weapons/tools, and also must build a shelter. 

RPG
          Roleplay servers usually have quite a few plugins. In some RP game types, you must take on a job such as a Cook or Blacksmith. Some RPG servers have plugins that create an economy, and give you the ability to join or create a town.

Spleef 
               I would consider spleef to be more of a game-type than a server-type, although there are several Spleef servers. Spleef is a game in which two or more opponents face off in a stadium. The goal of the game is to be the last man standing by destroying the blocks underneath your enemies.

I hope this was helpful, I will be posting more in the near future.

Server Requirements, commands, and known issues

Server requirements

1. Refer to http://canihostaminecraftserver.com/ to see whether you should host a server, based on your internet bandwidth.
2. The more memory your computer has, the better. It's recommended to have more than 2 GB, that way plenty is left over for the operating system, and you have the possibility of allocating more to the Minecraft server.
3. Minecraft servers, as of beta 1.8 are only capable of using a single processing core. However, multiple cores can increase performance if your server is performing other functions.

Server commands and known issues

See the known bugs page for known single/multiplayer issues.
Special note: Atheros and Realtek network adapters are known to not work well with Minecraft in general. If you experience a total loss of internet (requiring a reboot), or constant disconnects, check and see if you have either brand of network adapter installed. If you do, you can try updating the driver for the device directly from the manufacturer. If a driver update does not fix the issue, the general solution is to buy a new adapter (anything from Intel is recommended as a replacement).
The server commands page has a list of useful commands.

Tutorials/Setting up a server. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 10, 2011, from http://www.minecraftwiki.net/wiki/Setting_up_a_server

Some Recomendations

1. It takes time and some computer skills to set up a server
2. Make sure your computer is powerful enough to run a server, don't host it off of a laptop because they overheat. 
3. If you still want to manage a server, but not from home, check out the Minecraft server hosting area of the Minecraft forum. Expect to pay monthly for this type of server.

Welcome To Mine Tuts

I have made a few Minecraft Tutorials, and will soon start making alot more. Very soon I will be posting a tutorial on setting up a dedicated server . Some of the topics included will be : how to  host dedicated server , and how to find a good dedicated server host. There are several dedicated server provider that have packages tailored specifically for minecraft. some of these host even provide a  cpanel.

I will also be posting a tutorial for hosting a basic server to play with friends.