Choose Windows or Ubuntu Linux for your dedicated server. Both offer strong options depending on your needs.
Choose Windows or Ubuntu Linux for your dedicated server. Both offer strong options depending on your needs.
I've experimented with various Linux distributions on older laptops before, and I haven't run into major problems. Just keep in mind it does involve some learning if you're new to Linux.
I acknowledge this. I'm accustomed to Windows and would need to search online or ask in the Ubuntu forums.
These platforms are perfect for what you're aiming for. Linux is a powerful system, and I'm excited to explore it. My Raspberry Pi is sitting around, but I haven't found a clear use yet.
desktop windows (and honestly, windows server too) consumes a lot of resources—it's almost funny. Still, I share a few tips whenever I post: - Never run anything public on your home network unless it's safe; otherwise, keep it limited to avoid problems like cyber threats or service interruptions. - Laptops aren't ideal for continuous use; monitor temperatures carefully and consider alternatives. - Avoid using Windows-specific software if you don’t need it. Linux is a better option, especially Debian or Ubuntu for beginners—there’s a wealth of information available. - If you don’t need a graphical interface, stick with Linux. LXDE works well if you prefer it out of the box; Lubuntu is a good choice if you want something ready to go. - Refrain from using Ubuntu Desktop on servers—it’s just as resource-heavy. - Explore the screen package for Linux; it changes how you approach server management. (For example, run apt-get install screen). - For Minecraft or Gmod, Java 8 is recommended. If you run multiple instances, there are tricks to save storage and simplify updates.
I've compared Debian and Lubuntu and am uncertain which to choose. Most likely, Debian is the better option due to its popularity and broader support.
this is all off memory and it's been quite a while since i messed with Gmod so it'll be a bit vague, but here we go basicly, a Gmod install is X number of gigabytes (iirc, it's quite large) but only a very small amount of that is actually necessary to be unique per server. so for example the executable doesnt need to be unique, neither do the stock content files, and some other stuff. but things like config files, custom content (you'd have different content loaded on a sandbox than on for example prop hunt), and eventual saves need to be unique. so what you do is have a "master" instance that is controlled by the steam updater thingy. the "slave" instances that are the actually running copies have all the static files "symlinked" from the "master" (i'll have to go dig up scripts for this, it may just be better i set up some Gmod instances on my new rig, needs to be done anyways ), and each "slave" instance has a local copy of the files they need to be unique, and the folders of custom content. -- so. off memory, my master instance was something like 27GB, but by doing the file management clever every slave instance was only ~500MB depending on the custom content. math: one instance = 27GB + 500MB instead of 27GB two instances = 27GB + 1GB instead of 54GB three instances = 27GB + 1.5GB instead of 81GB and so on. and with some clever scripting, you can basicly make this a modular system that scales infinitely. ------ and on the debian or lubuntu question i'll keep it very simple: - lubuntu if you want to have a desktop interface - debian (without a desktop interface) if you're okay with using the terminal only. if you're a bit scared to "jump in" chances are lubuntu is the safer bet, because the debian installer is also rather confusing