I'm a relatively new Ubuntu user and would like to use the latest version of PHP 5.6 and Apache 2.4
I've been using the latest versions of Apache and PHP on Windows without any problems for a few years now, but I'm switching to Ubuntu since they provide better performance.
I've noticed that the versions in Ubuntu are older, I've read some tutorials and some people recommended to install Ondřej Surý PPA's.
I've read that PPA's can contain malicious software and such, and since I'm not familiar with his PPA's I'm asking for advice about (his) PPA's on here.
I've read that he is an official maintainer for some of the Debian packages. I was wondering if his packages for Ubuntu have a big user share and if they are safe to use. (e.g. is there anyone else that contributes to his PPA's or that checks for possible malicious code)
Note: I don't want to suggest he can't be trusted or anything, but I'm just curious and careful ;)
Additionally since Debian keeps up with the latest versions of Apache and PHP I'm considering switching to that, since it has more people contributing and using their packages.
I know how to use the command line and the text editor nano quite well (I run Ubuntu server after all ;)
My question is, how hard is it to switch to Debian? Is it comparable to running ubuntu server, as in I install software with apt-get and configure it with a text editor? or is it more like having to edit source code and compile stuff my self?