Webhosting and VPS services; help please!

Hello Sythe.

I was wondering if anyone here can help me with Web hosting and VPS services.

I need help with the basics.. Like what software and hardware I need. I know I will need some servers and etc but I'm not sure what to get. I want to start small till I get an idea of what I'm doing.

I am even willing to pay for this information or for someone to help me out. Thanks.