Need helping setting up a server.

I need some to help me set up a server, namely the plugins and mods. I've had multiple goes at this and it leads me nowhere fast. Usually I've ended up doing more harm than anything else.

I'm not in anyway, asking for someone to do this for me, but rather to help me set up this and teach me what I'm doing wrong. If anyone would be so kind as to help me, let me know.

Thanks.