The “kidding” was in too small a font!
As for setting up a web server - the first question is, is your Ubuntu box running the web server now?? Just aim a Web browser at the box and see if it serves up the default apache page? http://IP_ADDR_OF_UR_UBUNTU_BOX
To allow this to be seen on the web you need to do a couple of things. 1) Put a hole in your router to allow HTTP requests (port 80) get sent through the router to your Ubuntu box. This will allow anyone from the outside world to see your web page. 2) Get a domain name and set up a DNS server (look at www.granitecanyon.com- free dns services).
Now the problem with doing this and using the box as a Disk server as well is that you have your families files on a web server that may get hacked some time in the future.
Finally - I’ve been using Webmin to administer multiple boxes at my house for about 8 years. I think it is a great tool.
Took your suggestion and browsed to the server box url, and got the following message: It Works!
Coolness so far :)