I am working on a Linux server as well. From what I have learned so far I believe some of the programs GCC, G++?, MySQL, etc that are in the Ubuntu and Debian Lenny repositories are newer versions that will not easily work with the current emulator.
For ease, I suggest you do as I have done and download Debian Etch 4.0r, i386 netinstall
http://4megaupload.com/download_file...86-netinst.iso, burn to disc, and install.
Following guide
http://www.eqemulator.net/wiki/wikka...ianLinuxServer