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Hello, LTT forumers!

At the moment im running a PLEX server (when i need it) from my gaming pc. As i've been studying Golang a bit lately i would like to try to "launch" a Golang web app, at least accessible on my LAN.
So the idea in my head is brewing that i should reutilize my old laptop as a server just for that purpose and that exactly is where it starts to get tricky.

What my soon-to-be server would need to do:
- Plex
- Nextcloud (probably just some pictures)

- Golang apps + databases
- maybe something more?

Questions related to that:
- Should it be a virtual machine on top of my W10 laptop?
- Ubuntu server or desktop?
-- Or maybe even something else?
- How do i "deploy" a Golang app on my server?
- Or should i buy an "old random pc"?


So the idea is to have at first a sandbox server to be able to try out how things work etc, hence, should i run a VM on my W10 laptop or just go to (some form) of Ubuntu etc.. I hope you guys can direct me in a path to choose. 
Thanks!

[TheLANguy]

Hello,

I would recommend running Ubuntu server natively. I have have found it more difficult to run a server off a VM without experimentation. Unless you are currently using the laptop or it is extremely old, it would work just fine.

-I do not have much experience in Golang apps so I hope someone more knowledgeable can help you with that.

-If your looking for a separate PC to run it, I have found success in buying old 5th and 6th gen HP Pro and Elite Desks off Ebay for under $50.

 

Hope this helps!