Want hands on learning...

We're learning networking 101 in school. We're just droning through a textbook. We're not going to be doing any labs or hands on stuff, because of learning curves and time restraint (which results from the learning curves and people putting foreign objects into the computers:-D).

I have average tech knowledge. I don't really know much about 'networking' though. I was wondering if you guys could recommend some networking 'labs' I could do at home? I planned on Googling how to setup an FTP and how to setup a home 'server' (though I don't really know how many versions of a home 'server' I'll be recommended or which one to choose and why). I've also been sharing files and folders between PCs. Other than that, I'm fresh out of ideas.

I'd really like to learn about 'networking' and take some of the very basic book-smarts I'll learn from school (and reading online) and get hands on experience from it.

I have 2 desktops (1 very old and one current), virtual machines (XP, Win7, Ubuntu, and Server 2008), and a netbook. I have an Actiontec:crap router and no money:cool

Thanks.