Running programmes in a virtual server

[in_flu_ence]

I have a spare server with multi-core processor & 4gb ram in a server farm. While it is not the best compared to many grids, I just don't want to keep it idle and rather put my cases to run it remotely.

What should I install to control the server remotely and transfer files easily between my desktop and the server?

I am thinking of installing octave, openfoam and just some python scripts for various calculation work.

Any idea?

Any security issues I have to look into?

Thanks

[madsmeg]

For remoting check the thread i started a few days ago here (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=695642).

Not sure on file tranfer i am afraid