Server

The Site Administration block includes many settings for adjusting how Moodle relates to the server and the server settings. Most of the default settings should be left as they were configured by Moodle on installation; however, you need to be familiar with a couple that involve setting permissions for teachers to be able to use certain tools:

• System Paths: Server information. Leave the default settings.
• Email: Options to change hosts and usernames, e-mail forwarding, and so on. Leave the defaults unless you have difficulties with e-mails.
• Session Handling: Server information related to database, timeout on users logged in to the system, and cookies. Leave the default settings.
• RSS: You need to enable the RSS feed by selecting the check box. This page has only one selection.
• Debugging: If errors occur or users experience problems with any aspects of Moodle installations, debugging is useful for developers and anyone helping you. If you post questions to the Moodle help forums, a developer may ask you to turn debugging on and e-mail the report. Leave the default settings.
• Statistics: You need statistics enabled if you want graphical representations of user activities and summaries, as discussed in Chapter 14.
• HTTP: These options are for developers who want to make changes to frames, slash arguments, and so on. Leave the default settings unless you know what you're doing.
• Maintenance Mode: The settings enable you to secure your site while maintenance is taking place. If registered users attempt to access their courses, they will receive a message stating that that Moodle maintenance is taking place.
• Cleanup: Enables you to tidy up the sites by unsubscribing users from courses after they've completed those courses. You can also delete unconfirmed users and clean up the log files.
• Environment: This is a system check so you can ensure your server meets all the requirements to run the Moodle version you plan to download and any future Moodle updates.
• PHP Info: Provides info about the version of PHP being used. Leave the default setting.
• Performance: Information on memory status, cache, and so on. Leave the default settings.