I’m planning to turn an older computer into a self-hosted storage server and would like a graphical way to manage files. Is Debian a reasonable choice, or is there another OS that would suit this better? I use ChromeOS day to day, so I’m also wondering how to make the installer.
What OS should I use for an old PC as a personal cloud server?
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v6.Packetry
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Debian can run with a desktop environment. During installation you can choose one, so it isn’t limited to command-line use. If you want a familiar desktop for local file management, that’s a straightforward option.
For a server, though, you may not need a desktop running all the time. You can manage it remotely over SSH and use a file manager on another computer to browse its shared files.
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I’d keep the server headless if the old hardware is limited. A desktop uses resources, and it’s often simpler to leave the machine running its storage services and connect remotely when you need to administer it. Debian is a solid general-purpose choice for that setup.
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If a desktop interface is a strong preference, installing Debian with one is perfectly reasonable. Just separate that preference from the storage setup itself: the OS choice won’t automatically provide a private cloud experience. You’ll still need to choose and configure the file-sharing or synchronization software you want.
Before putting important files on it, make a backup plan and test the setup with nonessential data.
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You don’t need a Windows computer to create a bootable installer. A Chromebook may be able to prepare one, depending on its model and software setup, but check the device’s supported method before starting. You can also make the installer from another available computer.
Pick an OS you’re comfortable maintaining. Debian is a sensible place to start, and other Linux distributions can work too, but choosing a different one won’t remove the need to learn its administration basics.
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v6.Packetry:
So the file browsing can happen from my regular device, rather than on the server itself?
C7!Pipette:
Right. The server stores and shares the files, while a client device can browse them. SSH is for administration, and a network file-sharing setup can handle ordinary file access.