OT: I need to set up a small business server

[The Avon Lady]

Dummy here in need of establishing some web accessable applications on a server. No prior experience.

This is a start-from-scratch project. The ultimate objective, if possible is to make everything K-I-S-S compliant. That stand for "Keep It Simple, Stupid" for those who thought otherwise.

Let's start from the top down. I work for a small company that needs to implement the following 2 applications, for starters:

1) Problem/Incident tracking, allowing for registered customers and company staff to submit incidents and recommendations as well as company staff updating records as necessary.

2) A wiki, to be used to retain product documentation and FAQ information, with full public read access, and update access to registered users only.

FYI, these apps must be hosted from within the company's domain name. So subscription services for such apps hosted elsewhere is out.

There are several commercial and freeware packages available for both of the above. Recommendations will be needed.

However, now comes the really tricky part:

What kind of server should these be hosted on? Dedicated? In house? Hosted by a WEB hosting company? If the latter, some of these apps need to be installed by running an installer locally on the server. Can that be done?

What kind of server? Windows? Linux? Other?

What about security?

I'm sure there are other points I've missed between the top of the post and here.

Finally, and very important, where is there an appropriate forum where ignoramuses like me can continue this discussion, with a helpful forum members present, where I won't be laughed at too much?

TIA!