Configure My Linux Server

I have a new server that I just installed Linux on. The following are the other specs: 1. P4 3GHz dual core processor 2. 1 GB Ram. 3. 200GB harddisk. Well, I want this server (has an IP address) configured so that I can be able to host websites. I believe you will need to instal the current version of php and other necessary software to allow it run websites. I tried to do it myself by installing php but for some reason I could not run a MySQL website there. The right candidate can suggest to me what I need and should also do the configuration remotely.