Yes you wont to turn it into a server whats your OS, internet type(dsl, cable, T1, dial up ) what server softwar will you use, what port will it operate off of, why type of database will you use, what modules will you use, will you need mod_rewrite enabled, will you run php as threaded, what php will you use etc.... Ask your self this first so you know what your getting your self into I suggest that you have T1 or cable connection or else it will be slow for your users, next check your processor i suggest a dual core at the very least, and apache 2.2, php 5, and mysql 5 for the most part. you can added ruby and python as cgi if you want. Also getting zend and ioncube loaders is a must inorder for your server to run right if ya need help ask me here and I'll give you the walk through of installing the software. Or use WAMP(win32), LAMP(linux), MAMP(mac)