Ubuntu as a File server and an HTPC--Any Issues? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

telekinetic · 01-30-2009, 09:37 AM

As a part of my home network, I've decided to install Ubuntu on two of my computers. One is a file server that will also act as a small personal ftp/web server, (and occasionally display media--it will be located in my exercise room's closet once I run the CAT5) and the other is an HTPC that will be running XBMC and possibly some to-be-determined PVR software.

The file server will be serving media files to my Ubuntu HTPC, my WinXP laptop, and my Leopard iMac. It will be fed files by my WinXP dedicated downloading computer-cum-media stream generator, which in turn will be running uTorrent and PlayOn.

I'm familiar with creating home networks, but I've never used Ubuntu (or any linux flavor, really). Is there a good starting point to get the hang of it, or should I just dive in with my setup and learn as I go? Any books people suggest? Amy I making this more complicated than it needs to be?

guyy · 01-30-2009, 10:05 AM

It sounds kinda complicated to me, but i am a fan of the "learn as you go" method. So jump in. I'm sure you'll figure out a way to simplify things once you get comfortable.

My recommendation would be for Slackware rather than Ubuntu, especially for a file server, but it doesn't really make that much of a difference.

telekinetic · 01-30-2009, 10:15 AM

I was going for Ubuntu mainly because there are explicit instructions on how to install XBMC on Ubuntu, and it's available in an Ubuntu PPA. That made up my mind for the HTPC, and I was going to use Ubuntu on the server for consistency. Are there advantages of slackware for the fileserver that override not having to learn two versions?

Edit: I'll probably go ahead and throw Intrepid Ibex on at least one system, even if I switch to slackware down the road, since I've got the CD for it downloaded and burnt already.

guyy · 01-30-2009, 06:29 PM

Slackware doesn't have extra stuff on it that a file server doesn't need, and it forces you to configure things the old school way. It's harder, but you learn more.

Wait -- if this will be more than a file server, Ubuntu is probably better. You can get Slackware to do all the home theatre stuff, but if you're short on time, it's not worth the trouble.

ASU2003 · 01-30-2009, 06:53 PM

| Mythbuntu

I've been using this for the past year (1 year on Feb 5th, Yeah!) And it is the best. It might not be a full install of Ubuntu (no src directory to build from), but it is Ubuntu with MythTV pre-installed. It is my HTPC and it is working perfectly, and didn't take that long to get setup.

01-30-2009, 09:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
telekinetic zomgomgomgomgomgomg Location: Fauxenix, Azerona	Ubuntu as a File server and an HTPC--Any Issues? As a part of my home network, I've decided to install Ubuntu on two of my computers. One is a file server that will also act as a small personal ftp/web server, (and occasionally display media--it will be located in my exercise room's closet once I run the CAT5) and the other is an HTPC that will be running XBMC and possibly some to-be-determined PVR software. The file server will be serving media files to my Ubuntu HTPC, my WinXP laptop, and my Leopard iMac. It will be fed files by my WinXP dedicated downloading computer-cum-media stream generator, which in turn will be running uTorrent and PlayOn. I'm familiar with creating home networks, but I've never used Ubuntu (or any linux flavor, really). Is there a good starting point to get the hang of it, or should I just dive in with my setup and learn as I go? Any books people suggest? Amy I making this more complicated than it needs to be? __________________ twisted no more

01-30-2009, 10:15 AM	#3 (permalink)
telekinetic zomgomgomgomgomgomg Location: Fauxenix, Azerona	I was going for Ubuntu mainly because there are explicit instructions on how to install XBMC on Ubuntu, and it's available in an Ubuntu PPA. That made up my mind for the HTPC, and I was going to use Ubuntu on the server for consistency. Are there advantages of slackware for the fileserver that override not having to learn two versions? Edit: I'll probably go ahead and throw Intrepid Ibex on at least one system, even if I switch to slackware down the road, since I've got the CD for it downloaded and burnt already. __________________ twisted no more Last edited by telekinetic; 01-30-2009 at 10:22 AM..

01-30-2009, 06:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
guyy Addict Location: Cottage Grove, Wisconsin	Slackware doesn't have extra stuff on it that a file server doesn't need, and it forces you to configure things the old school way. It's harder, but you learn more. Wait -- if this will be more than a file server, Ubuntu is probably better. You can get Slackware to do all the home theatre stuff, but if you're short on time, it's not worth the trouble. Last edited by guyy; 01-30-2009 at 08:22 PM..

01-30-2009, 10:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
guyy Addict Location: Cottage Grove, Wisconsin	It sounds kinda complicated to me, but i am a fan of the "learn as you go" method. So jump in. I'm sure you'll figure out a way to simplify things once you get comfortable. My recommendation would be for Slackware rather than Ubuntu, especially for a file server, but it doesn't really make that much of a difference.

01-30-2009, 06:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
ASU2003 immoral minority Location: Back in Ohio	\| Mythbuntu I've been using this for the past year (1 year on Feb 5th, Yeah!) And it is the best. It might not be a full install of Ubuntu (no src directory to build from), but it is Ubuntu with MythTV pre-installed. It is my HTPC and it is working perfectly, and didn't take that long to get setup.