I'm interested in setting up a Linux home server primarily for storing movies and potentially hosting an email server. My hardware includes a machine with 8GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and two external 2TB USB drives that are currently empty. I've downloaded the Ubuntu Server ISO but haven't installed it yet. I could use some guidance on how to start! I also have a laptop with Linux Mint and another with Windows 11, so I think I need to set up Samba for file sharing between them. I'm relatively new to using the terminal and would appreciate any tips or advice.
3 Answers
If you're looking to set up a media server, Plex and Jellyfin are both great options. They work well on Ubuntu and will allow you to stream your movies easily within your home network. Just remember that with Plex, you might need to consider their subscription if you want certain features.
You're on the right track with Ubuntu Server; it's user-friendly for beginners! However, I recommend skipping the email server for now since home setups usually have dynamic IPs, which can cause issues receiving emails. If you're only accessing your server at home, that's fine! Just focus on the media storage part. Setting up Samba will help you share files across your devices without much trouble.
Consider using Docker for your setup! This way, the services you run won't rely heavily on your operating system, and you'll get cleaner updates. You don’t need a desktop environment since most tasks can be done via command line. But if you're more comfortable with a GUI, you can always set one up for maintenance tasks. Using Docker can make managing your server much easier, especially as you learn more about it.
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