Installing Asterisk, where to start?

Question

Asterisk

Hello! I want to integrate Asterisk and SuiteCRM according to the manual from Habr :

It is necessary that from CRM it was possible to call directly from the browser window with one click of the mouse. So that when you call (incoming / outgoing), CRM immediately shows a client card with the necessary information in the browser window.

I did this for experience, we will test 2 - I and a friend.
This is the first time I've come across a PBX, I'm asking for advice as for a beginner who has just learned about Asterisk, its capabilities and wants to use IP telephony.
Where to start?..
1. There are many tips on the net to install pure Asterisk on CentOS or Asterisk 13 + FreePBX 12 Ubuntu 14 ?
2.1. Suppose I have decided on the operating system, what will be my server?
2.2. What are the requirements for the server "for tests"? - except for memory to store records.
2.3. Can I install it on a Windows laptop?
2.4. Is it possible on VirtualBox?
2.5. Can I use shared hosting?
2.6. VPS hosting? - what would you recommend to start with?
2.7. Advise manuals
3.1. Can I apply for numbers 812 St. Petersburg / 495 Moscow time? Through whom?
3.2. What telecom operators would you recommend using for calls within St. Petersburg + Moscow time / Russia / CIS?
3.3. Do I need to somehow set up call forwarding to mobile?
3.4. Or buy a special phone?
3.5. Or only through the web interface?
Thanks for the detailed answers!

Answer 1

I use pure Asterisk on Ubuntu LTS. It's easier for me to write my own config (consider a program) than to deal with additional concepts, requirements and limitations of FreePBX. Windows, EMNIP are not supported, a virtual machine is possible, but then not VirtualBox, but HyperV, Xen, etc.
Ideally, the server should be local, VoIP is critical to the quality of communication. Large delays, jitter, packet drops will immediately be heard in the conversation.
Decide what the incoming lines will be. To use analog telephony, E1 or GSM, you will have to buy additional gateways or expansion cards in the server. If only IP-telephony, then I recommend organizing a separate small Internet channel or trying to negotiate with the provider on traffic prioritization.

Answer 2

You can start with Elastix (like a boxed solution) https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elastix

Answer 3

https://ab-log.ru/smart-house/asterisk
here, read how he assembled