Creating a Webserver step-by-step

[prostudent]

So here's my problem:

I have an old computer (OS Windows 2000) which I have to turn into a webserver running Moodle and a website I'm going to create from scratch.

I need that server running at the maximum speed possible ASAP.

So I though about asking you about how to do it since I've got no idea of what system to use (it doesn't need to have a GUI. It can be text based if it improves speed) and how to install the software (I've never used ubuntu before).

[cariboo]

You got a pretty stiff learning curve ahead of you. Hopefully you've got at least a couple of weeks before the server needs to be up and running.

Have look at this page for a web server howto.

For a moodle setup how to have a look at this page.

The web server set up page, is a bit dated, but all the information is still valid.

Before setting up your server, it probably would be a good idea to learn a few Linux basics, which you can do here

[Lars Noodén]

When setting up the web server in preparation for Moodle, it will be essential to also enable and use HTTPS. A self-signed certificate will be sufficient. There are lots of tutorials and howtos for Apache2, but here is one to get you on the path:

http://www.debian-administration.org/articles/349

It's important that Moodle use HTTPS otherwise the students will be able to get the staff passwords and have more fun than should be allowed.

[volkswagner]

I have an old computer (OS Windows 2000) which I have to turn into a webserver running Moodle and a website I'm going to create from scratch.

I need that server running at the maximum speed possible ASAP. ...

For quick deployment you may want to use a TurnkeyLinux prebuilt appliance. They have one for Moodle!

Yes, running a CLI only will reduce the necessary RAM.