UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Hopefully this post won't be too long

I've been in data processing for a number of years running on a windows system, and working with perl and MySQL to get the job done.

I'm now part of a team who have bought a company and have been asked to investigate how we setup a new Data Processing Department in the new business.

After reading a few bits, I like the sound of LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP), as we will be integrating heavily into web interfaces for data capture, etc. We will also be dealing with graphics libraries for variable printing services.

My Questions:

1. Does LAMP seem like a good solution? if not what might a better alternative be in terms a software suite?
2. I'm drawn towards SUSE linux, is there any reason why a different 'flavour' might be better?
3. I'm Looking at a mirrored server setup so as to avoid down time when installing new software, maintenance, etc. - Is this a waste of time?
4. I could do with a good up to date spec on server hardware - this isn't a big company and so the ceiling for 1 server box will be about £2000 (sterling).
5. Any other tips on putting this together from scratch?

P.S I'm only just now learning UNIX

Cheers

We're a huge company and use Red Hat on Dell boxes... your idea is not far-fetched at all. And a decent server starts at about 1200 pounds (1800 $US). No VAT here in the US though....

One caveat. Get somebody on contract who knows sysadmin, and another who is good at security to help set up your system. It takes a while to learn those disciplines, and you'll have a lot of angry customers during your learning curve otherwise.

In regards to the Suse && Lamp solution - i've tried it, and it was ok for me, plus Lamp is very easily to be recovered, has some extra security features, and it's easy to be managed, in other words - it's good for a quick start. However, if you need more stable solution, consider apache || installing the modules by yourself - you will have more freedom to choose the options during the installation.

Thanks guys - Much appreciated!