if you want to create a server i suggest first you move off whatever operating system your on and get an OS set up for server use (i recommend BSD based).
You can not (and should not attempt to) set up a dedicated server on the same PC you use to browse the internet/porn/game. (wouldn't be dedicated anyway)
Most operating systems have a way to run daemons and other stuff on start up if you name the os you'd like to use i can direct you to a tutorial.
In terms of crashing get a phone that can SSH or use some other tool but it's pretty much up to you as the sysadmin to keep crashes to a minimum (this is why you should never use windows).
if you are the kind of computer user who uses only graphics based interfaces building your own dedicated server is most likely over your head.
Last edited by Orion; Jul 25, 2011 at 07:52 PM.