1)
Once we install Moodle successfully, does it matter which Linux
version we are using?
In
theory no, in practice possibly.
TL:DR
Use Ubuntu. The Longer version: the
key sources of issues are not the underlying operating system (Linux
in this case) but the PHP, it's extensions and possibly the
web server.
In theory these install and run on just about any Linux. Sometimes
there are subtle differences and it is hard to tell what they are.
There are even subtle differences between the same version of Linux.
2)
What is the major difference between installing Moodle using
Softaculous apps installer or directly?
TLDR. Don’t use Softactulous. The longer version….Installing
under Softaculous will typically give you a working Moodle that
people in these forums will not know about and if you have a problem
they will assume it
is
a Softaculous issue. It offers short term gain with potential long
term pain. The problems may come later when you upgrade or need
something slightly unusual. Do a search on these forums for the word
Softactulous to see typical questions and responses.
3)
Once VPS is set up and Moodle is installed, then do I need services
to manage the server or management processes can be automated or easy
to manage?
No
Short version: Most
of the time it will require little intervention. However once a year
or so you really, really want to upgrade. Not just for the features
but to ensure it is secure and supported. It
would be much easier to get someone who knows about these things. The
people who manage your VPS will probably know very little about
upgrading Moodle.
At
some point you will need a person who is familiar with web server
administration. Its a bit like replacing a significant bit of your
car. I have non mechanic friends who can do this sort of stuff but I
take my car to someone who does this sort of thing regularly. Would
you replace the head gaskit on your car or take it to a mechanic?
There
is a global network of specialists who do nothing but look after
Moodle they are called Moodle partners
https://moodle.com/solutions/certified-service-providers
They are rarely the cheapest option but are almost always the best.
If
you use a standard setup (e.g. Ubuntu with non
Softaculous
install), the people in these forums are very knowledgable, many
with over 10 years of day to day experience and a desire to answer
well asked questions (like how you asked this question)
*I have no
idea what a head gaskit is..
