How is it better for a beginner to set up a VPS server?

Question

PHP

I am a web developer, not a server administrator. But it is necessary to raise a server with Apache, php 7, MariaDB 10.1 on a new VPS with Centos 7. Before that, I used only hosting - it’s convenient there that everything is through cPanel. On a bare VPS, I went down a difficult path - manually through the Linux console (connected via SSH - Putty), using instructions from the Internet, installed Apache, PHP, MySQl, but then it turned out that PHP version 5.4, and reinstalled to 7.0. It turned out that MySQL 5.5, and I kind of upgraded to MariaDB 10.1, but it does not start (Job for mariadb.service failed because the control process exited with error code...), and still MySQL 5.5. Among other things, I somehow tried Webuzo free, but they didn’t want to update php there, and I scored on it. I suspect that all these different settings somewhere can interfere with each other.
Maybe it was necessary to immediately buy some kind of panel or install a free one? Would they solve this problem? For in this whole story, I didn’t even understand if they install Apache, MariaDB, PHP, or just manage it all.

Answer 1

Vesta CP will pull up the necessary Apaches and php

Answer 2

In your case, you need the ISPmanager 5 control panel

Answer 3

You just need experience.
From the first time everything is very difficult. Each time it will be better and easier.
And there is not far from automation.

Answer 4

serverpilot.io - only for Ubuntu OS

Answer 5

If you do not even have basic knowledge of administration, you can not start.
You'd better use the services of an administrator.
In addition to installing LAMP, you will need to install additional security modules, make changes to configuration files, and so on ...
PS: Installing any panel will not solve the problem 100%