Best Distro for a Self-Hosted File Storage and Media Center?

July 2, 2025 4 answers
Asked by CuriousCat97
I'm planning to set up a simple server where I can store my data and use it as a private streaming service. I was considering Debian for this purpose. Are there any better distros that could work well for that?

Answers

DistroDiver88
You could also explore the distro selection page on our wiki for more options. Remember to back up your data regularly, and maybe test things out in a VM before you dive in!
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LinuxGuru33
Honestly, Debian is a solid choice for a server. Itโ€™s reliable and widely used. If you need enhanced security features like SELinux, you might look into RHEL, Rocky, or Alma, but for most users, Debian is just fine.
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BeginnerBuddy99
Definitely consider Debian. It's the go-to for many server setups because of its stability. Just make sure to tailor it to your needs!
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FileWhisperer42
You might want to check out TrueNAS Scale. Itโ€™s a pre-configured NAS solution out of the box and it supports Docker, so you can easily set up something like Jellyfin for streaming or Plex if that's more your style.

TechFanatic85: I agree, TrueNAS Scale is awesome. While itโ€™s not a typical Linux distro, itโ€™s built on Debian and is tailored for storage solutions like yours.

NewbieNerd23: I'm interested too! As someone new to Linux, can I run apps like RustDesk or a VPN alongside the NAS functions with TrueNAS Scale?

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