Operating System for Home Server
Operating System for Home Server
Search Ubuntu server Samba for file sharing, use Plex for streaming. Find plenty of tutorials online and follow along step by step. It’s easy to learn and completely free.
Arch and Freenas believe Debian Linux is wonderful. Linux represents life itself.
Ubuntu! I’ve been using it myself, I had no idea about Linux back then. Now I can’t live without it. The only reason I still stick with Windows is for games... My university laptop will definitely run a Linux distribution when I get one soon. https://help.ubuntu.com/14.04/serverguide/index.html
I use a Windows server because it makes things easier with a mostly Windows network and supports many applications. But since it seems like you're investing in it, I'd prefer Linux instead. If you're new, try a few live distributions, set up some server tools, and then decide based on what feels right for you. I’d recommend starting with Ubuntu for better support, though smaller distros aren’t to be ignored.
You're right about using a Windows copy. It makes setup simpler since you're familiar with it. Server features are there, but I usually prefer other options.
If you believe a Linux server in a Windows setting adds complexity, you haven’t explored its full potential. Server applications work across platforms. The Linux environment often outperforms Windows in specific areas. Around 67% of servers globally run some Linux version. The initial two weeks can be tough, needing research on basic operations, but progress follows. Dive in and test it out. Samba, Apache, MySQL, OpenSSH, plex, rtorrent+rutorrent, virtualbox+phpvirtualbox, pydio, mdadm are worth checking.
He merely implies the original poster would likely feel more comfortable with W8 rather than a Linux distribution, since they are already familiar with its use.