Hello all,
I am not what people who refer to as a Linux guru, user, etc. I plan to have a 2u or 3u rackserver built r custom, The server itself will be put in a colocation which the supporting features needed is IRC bot, Multi-domain hosting, such as 5 or more domains hosted, each domain will be a different site. What i would like to know is what linux OS should be used or recommended and how should it be configured. I will nee a remote management software as the colocation and my current location will be about 9 hours away. I would appreciate any assistance int his endevaor.

what you probably want is a rather basic linux setup. with

webmin (for server managament) and WEB-CP:// for webhosting managament...

if you look at irc controlls there are quite a few webmin modules for those kinds of task...

what the best setup is or best distro i leave it up to the *REAL* pro's
btw you might want to look around at <this> website

http://www.howtoforge.com/perfect_setup_debian_sarge

Shows you how to run a complete webserver WITH a web control panel to add domains and accounts, etc...

I agree with the suggestion of Debian. It is the best OS out there when it comes to server use. I personally prefer Ubuntu on the desktop, but that's just me.

That makes sense because Ubuntu is based on Debian and aimed at desktop use