Windows server person wanting an easy way to migrate to Linux/Java (LAMP I guess)

open ended question I realize.. and probably well documented somewhere!

I used to write a lot of Java server code way way back - mostly banking etc...

I have been using mostly a windows platform for quite some time.. so I am about to re-embark on the Linux/Java/PHP/MySQL travels...

Just wonder, given the administration for Windows Server, is there anyone out there who has found some good tips.. i.e.

Choice of Linux flavours that might be easier to move to from a Win Svr background
Any LAMP stack tools that might ease the process of installation/setup..
A Java server implementation that is good for beginners to get up to speed.. all I can remember is things like JBOSS etc!

Any thoughts or pointers gratefully received!

Solution

I would suggest using Ubuntu as the Linux platform. It is both user and developer friendly.