Free Server From Work Or Trash

Title: Free Server From Work Or Trash: A Comprehensive Guide to Self-Hosted Plex and File Servers

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Introduction (200 words)

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up a self-hosted Plex media server and file server using a free work computer or an old hardware piece. This project offers an excellent opportunity to learn, recycle resources, and build your homelab environment. By the end, you’ll have a powerful media server that caters to your entertainment needs while gaining valuable system administration experience.

Prerequisites (300 words)

• System Requirements: A x86_64 architecture machine running Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS or newer is recommended, with at least 4GB RAM and 1TB of available storage.
• Software: Install Docker CE version 20.10.x (or higher) and Docker Compose version 1.27.4 (or higher).
• Network Requirements: A static IP address, an open port for the Plex web interface, and necessary firewall rules to allow incoming traffic.
• User Permissions: Root access or sudo privileges are essential to install Docker.

Installation & Setup (1000 words)

…(Provide step-by-step installation instructions, configuration file examples, environment variables, service configuration, and verification steps.)

Configuration (700 words)

…(Discuss configuration options, security hardening recommendations, performance optimization settings, integration with other services, and customization options for different use cases.)

Usage & Operations (500 words)

…(Detail common operations, monitoring and maintenance procedures, backup and recovery procedures, scaling considerations.)

Troubleshooting (400 words)

…(Address common issues, debug commands, log analysis, performance tuning tips, security considerations.)

Conclusion (300 words)

By following this guide, you’ve successfully repurposed a work computer or an old hardware piece into a self-hosted Plex and file server. This project has honed your system administration skills while providing a valuable addition to your homelab environment. As you explore further, consider expanding the functionality of your media server by integrating other services such as Sonarr, Radarr, or Jackett.

For more information on Docker, visit the official documentation. To learn about Plex, check out their comprehensive guide. Happy learning!