Need help finding an OS

[Delnith]

I am looking to utilize a secondary pc as a "server" for my home. I want to run either XBMC or Plex for media streaming, have the ability to run one or two virtual machines, and have some network storage. It does not have to be accessible via the internet...yet at least, and only needs to be local. Does anyone have suggestions of how to start this project?

[inactive account]

ubuntu

[Delnith]

ubuntu

How should I set it up to best fit my needs?

[inactive account]

Ubuntu is linux and if that XMB or Plex is ubuntu supported you can look up guides on how to install it on that and then stream from there pretty straight forward.

[tyrz_939]

How should I set it up to best fit my needs?

 

You'll have to work that out yourself with google and plenty of time. It's great learning. Go with Ubuntu server or Debian and set up things you need 1 by 1.

[Delnith]

You'll have to work that out yourself with google and plenty of time. It's great learning. Go with Ubuntu server or Debian and set up things you need 1 by 1.

Any particular benefit of ubuntu or debian over the other? or is it more personal preference?

[tyrz_939]

Any particular benefit of ubuntu or debian over the other? or is it more personal preference?

 

I personally like Debian more, Ubuntu is based on Debian.

Just google Ubuntu Server vs Debian and you'll find some rough info, they are mostly the same but most packages on Debian are more "stable".

[d3sl91]

I am looking to utilize a secondary pc as a "server" for my home. I want to run either XBMC or Plex for media streaming, have the ability to run one or two virtual machines, and have some network storage. It does not have to be accessible via the internet...yet at least, and only needs to be local. Does anyone have suggestions of how to start this project?

 

If you have a copy of windows - that would work perfectly fine as well. 

 

(Looks over at my server that has Win 8.1 that has been running 24/7 for a couple years with zero problems).

[Delnith]

I personally like Debian more, Ubuntu is based on Debian.

Just google Ubuntu Server vs Debian and you'll find some rough info, they are mostly the same but most packages on Debian are more "stable".

I am looking them up and it seems that debian is indeed more stable, HOWEVER, this server is more so for personal use, files, media, being the main center for my calendar and such, and because of that stability isnt OVERLY important, and I would enjoy the newer features it seems ubuntu is able to provide. I am going to go with ubuntu as well because I have a bit more experience with it, still will be a great learning experience.

 

If you have a copy of windows - that would work perfectly fine as well. 

 

(Looks over at my server that has Win 8.1 that has been running 24/7 for a couple years with zero problems).

I have been considering it, but windows doesnt seem to offer much in terms of a file server. It also does not seem as easy to use in terms of a server applications if I try to add more uses down the line. I will definitely keep it in mind though

[d3sl91]

I am looking them up and it seems that debian is indeed more stable, HOWEVER, this server is more so for personal use, files, media, being the main center for my calendar and such, and because of that stability isnt OVERLY important, and I would enjoy the newer features it seems ubuntu is able to provide. I am going to go with ubuntu as well because I have a bit more experience with it, still will be a great learning experience.

 

I have been considering it, but windows doesnt seem to offer much in terms of a file server. It also does not seem as easy to use in terms of a server applications if I try to add more uses down the line. I will definitely keep it in mind though

 

What does windows not do for filesharing that you need? (Just wondering - as I have only used windows on my NAS, never bothered with ubuntu). 

[Delnith]

What does windows not do for filesharing that you need? (Just wondering - as I have only used windows on my NAS, never bothered with ubuntu). 

I may just not have enough experience with windows in terms of file server actions to know its potential. I always here about people running file servers with ubuntu and there seems to be a lot of information about it, windows I know does have windows server, but that eliminates the potential for secondary tasks such as XBMC and VMs....as far as I know. Correct me if I am wrong

[tyrz_939]

I may just not have enough experience with windows in terms of file server actions to know its potential. I always here about people running file servers with ubuntu and there seems to be a lot of information about it, windows I know does have windows server, but that eliminates the potential for secondary tasks such as XBMC and VMs....as far as I know. Correct me if I am wrong

 

Windows can be a file server pretty easily and it does have Hyper-V on 8.1 Pro or Server 2012 R2 but it's up to you. Learning how to do it in linux is in itself valuable and you'll end up with equal or better outcome.

[d3sl91]

Windows can be a file server pretty easily and it does have Hyper-V on 8.1 Pro or Server 2012 R2 but it's up to you. Learning how to do it in linux is in itself valuable and you'll end up with equal or better outcome.

+1 Windows can do all of that just fine, server version, pro version, even home version can be used for most home servers. My current NAS is running windows 8.1 home, and has done most of what you mentioned. 

 

However, it's all up to what you are most familliar/comfortable with. 

[Delnith]

+1 Windows can do all of that just fine, server version, pro version, even home version can be used for most home servers. My current NAS is running windows 8.1 home, and has done most of what you mentioned. 

 

However, it's all up to what you are most familliar/comfortable with. 

I think for know I'm going to give ubuntu a shot. That being said, via dreamspark I have a server 2008 or 2012 key, so if things dont work out Im going to use that

[Guest trucker2]

At distro-watch you can find links the the many types of Linux. A popular distro will mean a ton of people on the related forums to help you. With Linux an active forum is tech support.