I want to make a server for hosting media through Jellyfin, and maybe some Nextcloud functionality. I prefer to use containers, but something like TrueNAS’ extensions/plugins sound good as well. This is my first server, so I don’t know what to choose. My possible options are:

  • Debian
  • Ubuntu
  • Fedora
  • TrueNAS Scale Which one should I choose? I am fine with using either Docker or Podman. (Edit: The server will be running on an old laptop with a single drive slot.)
    • Otter@lemmy.caEnglish
      3·
      2 years ago

      As someone who doesn’t know as much about the differences, why?

      Say debian vs ubuntu

      • gravity@infosec.pubEnglish
        2·
        2 years ago

        I agree w what others have said. Just some personal background: started with Ubuntu (well technically I started with Suse, then then Ubuntu). But I found on the server, Ubuntu required a lot of manual upkeep. Debian was just always worked, never had to think twice about it.

      • Jerry1098@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        2·
        2 years ago

        Honestly, I would say because you just have less struggle. I had just a lot more problems when I was using Ubuntu instead of Debian. But I thinks it’s mostly personal preference

  • Atemu@lemmy.mlEnglish
    9·
    2 years ago

    Based on that generic request, you’re just going to get everyone’s personal favourite server OS here. You’ll need to give more details to get something tailored to your needs.

  • Coud@lemmy.worldEnglish
    93·
    2 years ago

    I would like to recommend an Ubuntu Server LTS which is almost as solid as Debian in my opinion but with many useful features like nonfree drivers accessible right away and newer packages.

  • dinckel@lemmy.worldEnglish
    51·
    2 years ago

    It doesn’t matter what your host os is, if you’re using docker. Choose whichever one you like more

  • bigdog_00@lemmy.worldEnglish
    41·
    2 years ago

    Proxmox. I’ve been using it and deployed jellyfin in a container, they have a bunch of one-click deployments and it’s great. Or you can just use a VM to group Docker containers together. Having a beautiful web interface is huge, Plus being able to access that interface from anywhere via WireGuard/Tailscale is great.

    If you do choose to go down this route, there is a “no-nag proxmox” script somewhere, and it will disable some warnings and give you deeper customization options. Well worth a look!

    • jkjustjoshing@lemmy.worldEnglish
      3·
      2 years ago

      I’ve never used Proxmox, but have a Docker setup on Ubuntu Server with Jellyfin, Nextcloud, Immich, and a bunch of other smaller things. I still don’t understand why use Proxmox over Docker. What does it give you that Docker doesn’t?

      • Lem453@lemmy.caEnglish
        2·
        2 years ago

        I run proxmox, then an alpine VM which has all my docker containers.

        I do this so that I have the flexibility to run more vms if needed

  • dblsaiko@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
    3·
    2 years ago

    Never not going to mention NixOS. :)

    You just need to set services.jellyfin.enable = true; in your system configuration and that’s it. It’s not containers, but it’s better than containers.

    • Nine@lemmy.worldEnglish
      3·
      2 years ago

      I haven’t had the time to look into NixOS… but damn that’s just fucking magical…

  • mlg@lemmy.worldEnglish
    41·
    2 years ago

    Debian or Fedora

    Debian if you want something easy and stable, Fedora if you want latest updates and are comfortable with occasional SELinux settings, TrueNAS if you don’t want to spend any time at all setting up disks

    Ubuntu if you want infinite dependency hell and 5 minute boot times

  • kekvrose@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    3·
    2 years ago

    Debian, Ubuntu and Fedora should be good (in that order); I’m not very aware on truenas to give an opinion, but it seems it will work just as well from other comments.

    I personally use Fedora, and it’s been a solid experience too, with the only gripe bring SELinux. I required a fix for SELinux, but it has worked flawlessly since.

    However SELinux might make it annoying to work with containers, so you could consider either switching it off, using another distro or using appropriate configurations to work with it correctly.

  • warmaster@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    2 years ago

    I’m running Fedora Server + Cosmos Cloud. Freaking awesome. Fedora Server comes bundled with Cockpit, which makes admin work much easier, and Cosmos Cloud makes Docker very easy, and automates your security.

  • 12bitmisfit@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    2·
    2 years ago

    Whatever you’re most comfortable with. It’s a simple enough ask that you can do it in Ubuntu server or Debian quite easily.

    I would recommend at least using docker but you don’t have to.

    Truenas isn’t very forgiving with drive configuration. I really like it but it isn’t great for randomly adding drives here and there. Unraid might be a better choice for home usage. I have never had good luck with their built in app stuff but I’ve also never really tried past it not doing what I want.

    I run truenas with a ubuntu server vm and docker some stuff in that. I also run proxmox on another server and a dev server running Ubuntu server that I docker things on.

  • d13@programming.devEnglish
    2·
    2 years ago

    I use Ubuntu with no complaints, but Debian is probably better, like others are saying. I wouldn’t use Fedora for this.