Well I have to be honest with you. I didn't tried a lot of Distributions for
Server, but the ones I've tried, I have to say that, if you want something
easy to use then use Trisquel, if you want something a little bit harder but
better customization, then use Parabola Gnu/Linux.
I would wanted to say Ubuntu instead of Trisquel but I can't promote non-free
distributions (even know I almost already done it several times and I'm
sorry). But for Trisquel just don't do the same error as me.. don't forget to
select an Environment (like the Trisquel Console Environment), or you will
have... well... a beautiful, shinny, glossy black screen with nothing :D (Btw
is there anyone that could explain to me what is the "Trisquel Sugar on
Toast" thing ? That made me laugh for half an hour but I still don't know
what is it xD).
PS: For servers, you have Ubuntu Server which is excelent but cames with a
lot of non-free software, and worse (!) a lot of Ubuntu garbage like the
Ubuntu Landscape message (that is very annoying). Debian I only tried it with
Turnkey Linux and it was amazing (even if not good for a personal Server). So
my recommend would be (if you don't want to have a lot of work but still are
capable of using only the console) to install Trisquel Gnu/Linux (last
version available stable) NetInstall, why Net Install ? Because it is small,
and only installs what you want and nothing else... (and it says GLAMP :D It
is the first Distro that says GLAMP instead of LAMP and just because of that
I will donate money when I get some xD).
I mostly recommend terminal-only for a server because (in my opinion) it
doesn't make any sense to use precious resources with visual environments,
but once again, you are master of you Software and Hardware.
So just to resume this whole messy text (like I always do), install
Virtualbox (if you can... I honestly had problems using it on Trisquel to be
honest), and just install the version you may like of Trisquel 5.5 (or 6 when
it's out), after this just try out stuff :D Install GLAMP (don't forget to
select Bridged Network in order to have access from the Host to the Guest),
install phpbb3 or moodle or even drupal since it is easier and try out stuff
and see if it is what you want and what you need.
I really had in mind to use Parabola GNU/Linux as a server but then I saw all
the work done automatically by the .deb version of GLAMP (and others) that
are available in Trisquel, Ubuntu, Debian etc... and I just changed my mind
:D
(Sorry for the long text... If you need any help with anything, even
Parabola, just ask and I would be glad to help)
