beginner (again)

Hello.

This being my first post, you might find curious that I would give it such a title.

It just so happens that I've tried/used Linux before, but it's more than 10 years ago.

Now I'm looking into using it again, for very specific purposes, which is what brought me to join this forum, since I will most likely be needing (much) help, and I've quite a few questions before 'adventuring' myself into it...

My Situation:

I am about to start a company with a friend, and we'll acquire a server. This is where Linux comes in! I believe we are better of using/installing Linux on this server, for security reasons and cost (I understand that we can get a Linux OS for this machine with zero cost... if this is incorrect, please let me hear it).

My Intentions/Needs:

There are two main reasons for using a server:

a) storage of database (PostgreSQL) for the ERP system xTuple (free edition);

b) storage of files such as PDF, JPEG, PNG, Excel, etc;

Both me and my friend will be accessing the database simultaneously using a client, from each our computers/laptops.

We will both need to access the 'file server' (simultaneously) to view/edit/save files like PDF, JPEG, etc.

The 'Machine':

HP Proliant N54L Microserver

I am open for other suggestions...

My questions:

1 - From what I have been reading online, I understand that I should choose Ubuntu Server 13.04 (or new 14.04).

Is this correct? Or do I have other options?

(I believe this is a free option... correct me if it isn't, please)

2 - What will I need to do to 'separate' disk space for the database and for the files? (2 partitions?)

3 - Must I have 2 user accounts/login on this server (one for me and one for my friend)?

It would mostly be because of the files, since the ERP client will have user accounts/roles to control the login to the database.

But I do believe that we may want to create a private folder for each of us, which will require the needs for permissions as well.

If we decide to do this, what would I need to do to setup user accounts and permissions on the 'file server'?

4 - When you have read what I wish to achieve, would you advise me to start reading/learning about virtualization?

I'm not quite sure about what it is, but I've read the term in several articles/pages I came across...

I do have many more questions, but I will keep posting as they come to mind...

Pardon me for possibly using some incorrect terminology, but servers are really not my strong side (yet)...

Best regards,

maps

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