Turning an older laptop into a NAS+media server

[ZesPak]

Hi,

Through my job I have quite some experience with NAS/server setups.
However, my mate has some spare hardware lying around that could well be a proper home server setup.

The hardware in question is a 5yo laptop with reasonable spec and a big external HDD.

Now I want the stuff to do two things:

1. Serve as a NAS for the home network
2. Run Plex so we can 'cast' movies to devices

I have no problem investing some time in this for him, he'd do the same for me. But, the thing has to be very stable so ideally it doesn't need a monthly reboot.
The computer in question has a Win XP key on it, which I wouldn't mind at all, but since it's a fresh install and I have a bit of linux experience I wouldn't mind giving a Linux distro a go.

The 2nd part then comes in question. Plex installs on Windows and OSX, but I'd like to give one of the free options a go: FreeBSD, Ubuntu, Fedora and CentOS.
Of those 4 I only have experience with Ubuntu, but I'd like to give the "geeks" here a shout out as to their opinion of the OS's above. I imagine all of these will easily meet my needs and more though, which one would be:

1. easiest to set up
2. most suitable for the job at hand

Thanks for your input!

[tribbles]

I use FreeBSD for my file/web/mail/SQL server - but that's what I'm used to.

I did have a look at Plex a while ago, but it looked like it was too much hassle to get going on FreeBSD, and came to the conclusion that a Linux distro would be easier.

But I never got around to it (not terribly keen on Linux - it has better hardware support, but I feel it's much more desktop orientated with server versions "because we think we need them" whereas FreeBSD is more server with desktop versions "because we think we need them").

[pcameron]

I have a very similar configuration to the one you are suggesting. I run Ubuntu Linux, Plex server and NAS functionality all on a single system, and it works great - and has done for about 2 years.

You can download Plex server for Linux from their web site [https://plex.tv/downloads], just make sure you choose computer not NAS (that's for special NAS devices). It's not quite as straightforward as a WIndows or OSX to install, but it isn't hard. For NAS functionality you can use SAMBA for Windows clients, NFS for other LINUX systems, and OpenAFS for OSX clients. I run Ubuntu desktop rather than Ubuntu server (i.e. without a GUI), but both should work fine.

[JimbobVFR]

I'd say Vortexbox might be worth a look for this.

[ZesPak]

JimbobVFR said:

I'd say Vortexbox might be worth a look for this.

??

pcameron said:

I have a very similar configuration to the one you are suggesting. I run Ubuntu Linux, Plex server and NAS functionality all on a single system, and it works great - and has done for about 2 years.

You can download Plex server for Linux from their web site [https://plex.tv/downloads], just make sure you choose computer not NAS (that's for special NAS devices). It's not quite as straightforward as a WIndows or OSX to install, but it isn't hard. For NAS functionality you can use SAMBA for Windows clients, NFS for other LINUX systems, and OpenAFS for OSX clients. I run Ubuntu desktop rather than Ubuntu server (i.e. without a GUI), but both should work fine.

Thanks, I'm aware of the Plex installations, just haven't done it on an Unbuntu yet.
Good to know that it works as well.

[Polariz]

FreeNAS may work out for you by the way. It supports Plex server and is a pretty good alternative to other OSs out there.

Personally I use Windows for various reasons, but don't use XP if you can help it! Its old and pretty insecure.

[ZesPak]

Hi, thanks all for the input!
In the end I'll think I go for the stuff I know, which is ubuntu. It's more of a desktop environment but it has all the software I need available for it so...

[Lucas Ayde]

ZesPak said:

Hi, thanks all for the input!
In the end I'll think I go for the stuff I know, which is ubuntu. It's more of a desktop environment but it has all the software I need available for it so...

Should be no problem - I use Ubuntu on an old netbook for a makeshift NAS at my folks' place, an absolute doddle to use and easy to administer with VNC allowing you to use the GUI.

Although it is (very) cheap, consumer grade hardware it's been running close to 3 years continuously so far, barring reboots when there's a new kernel issued. Even a crappy netbook has more than enough performance running Linux to do all your typical NAS stuff and the fact that there's a standard Linux distro means there are loads of pre-packaged extra utilities available for more functionality. e.g. Squid Proxy lets you surf from your UK IP address even if you're abroad. VPN server for secure access or just use SSH tunneling.

[JimbobVFR]

ZesPak said:

JimbobVFR said:

I'd say Vortexbox might be worth a look for this.

??

Vortexbox is a Linux distro (fedora based) but specifically designed for the task you want.
It's headless so no window manager, has a nice web interface for managing it remotely and has options to install and run various media servers, Plex etc etc. It has automatic ripping of discs and automatically sets up shares.

Ultimately nothing you can't do with for example Ubuntu, manually installing servers and other stuff, maybe booting to the command line and using SSH and webmin

http://vortexbox.org/about

This article is quite old but you'll get the idea.

http://www.homenetworkenabled.com/content.php?129-...

Edited by JimbobVFR on Friday 25th July 22:28