Software for home server

[fjgenieter]

Hey there, this is my first time posting here. 

 

I want to build and setup a home server and I know my way around Windows, but also find it interesting to learn a bit of Linux. 

The main purposes would be running a fileserver, Plex and HomeAssistant. But maybe there will be more things in the future, more fun projects. 

 

I have read about people using something like Proxmox or TrueNAS / OpenMediaVault or just stand alone Windows or Ubuntu. 

What would be the pros and cons of these types of software. 

I want to start out good so I can expand my knowledge and not have to switch OS's often. 

Experimenting is fun, but only after everything I need is stable. That is why I prefer Windows but would want access to Linux. 

 

Can anybody help me or point me in some kind of direction or further explanation? Thank you in advance. 

[Oshino Shinobu]

I personally use Windows as the bare metal install and run VMs through HyperV. I like group policy too much to switch to Linux TBH. 

 

If you work in or are planning on working in IT, probably the best option is VMWare ESXi as it's basically the industry standard at this point so it's good to learn. Other than that, Proxmox is a good solution that gives you basically all the control, along with ZFS and a bunch of enterprise features.

 

I don't have any experience with TrueNAS. If it's anything like FreeNAS, I wouldn't really recommend it as a Hypervisor if that's what you're wanting to go for. As a NAS while running some applications and VMs, should be good enough. 

 

EDIT: Also, regardless of which route you go, anything that supports VMs will allow you to experiment with Linux and the such. One thing I will note with Proxmox is there's some additional steps to get Windows VMs working properly as you need to load in drivers to install them. 

[mr fobs]

I recently set up a Plex Server using Linus, I was in the same boat as you not knowing much about it. There are plenty of tutorials online for getting it set up. 

 

I felt confident enough after doing this I also set up two Minecraft servers and have them backing up to my Plex Server using Deja Dup, which is built into Ubuntu. 

As far as Home Assistant goes, I am not familiar.

[Dedayog]

I just use Windows and Plex Server on the box, but I am curious what others recommend.  I haven't had any issues but there may be a more efficient and better way to go about things.

[tkitch]

linux or windows can do all the tasks you want.

 

But remember:  a 'server' should be long-term stable.  You don't want to learn and fuckup your box in the process.

 

If you know windows?  Run windows on it, and let that sit in the corner not being a problem.

 

If you want to learn linux, get a super cheap tiny pc and install linux and learn on that, so there's no impact to your actual services.

[Dedayog]

One thing I did do...

 

I set my BIOS to wake on power.  Then I plugged the box into a Kasa wifi outlet.

 

That way I can reboot my server remotely if there is a hangup or something.  

 

 

[fjgenieter]

17 minutes ago, Oshino Shinobu said:

I personally use Windows as the bare metal install and run VMs through HyperV. I like group policy too much to switch to Linux TBH. 

 

If you work in or are planning on working in IT, probably the best option is VMWare ESXi as it's basically the industry standard at this point so it's good to learn. Other than that, Proxmox is a good solution that gives you basically all the control, along with ZFS and a bunch of enterprise features.

 

I don't have any experience with TrueNAS. If it's anything like FreeNAS, I wouldn't really recommend it as a Hypervisor if that's what you're wanting to go for. As a NAS while running some applications and VMs, should be good enough. 

 

EDIT: Also, regardless of which route you go, anything that supports VMs will allow you to experiment with Linux and the such. One thing I will note with Proxmox is there's some additional steps to get Windows VMs working properly as you need to load in drivers to install them. 

Thank you so much for the answer. I am not planning on working in IT, will be pure hobby and home learning and fun. 

Plex is for me and the rest of the family.

 

Thanks again!

[fjgenieter]

17 minutes ago, tkitch said:

linux or windows can do all the tasks you want.

 

But remember:  a 'server' should be long-term stable.  You don't want to learn and fuckup your box in the process.

 

If you know windows?  Run windows on it, and let that sit in the corner not being a problem.

 

If you want to learn linux, get a super cheap tiny pc and install linux and learn on that, so there's no impact to your actual services.

Thanks this really helps.

Can I use Proxmox and just one machine, that way I can have a Windows VM running stable and experiment with Linux. 

 

Thankss for the plug tip, that is really good.