i got an older computer running windows 10 and i need some help converting it into a media server but am clueless on how to go about it any help would be appreciated. my puter is a little old but fast and a large hard drive and lots of storage and room. i was told it would be great for a media server
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I took an older gaming computer and made it a media server, so sounds like you have the same idea. I have mine through Plex, but there are other options. Troy has a good tutorial for Plex, but if you had something else in mind let us know.
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A long time ago I built a media server from the ground up. Slick looking case and tons of storage. It was running Windows 10 and XBMC (now Kodi). I loaded all of my media files onto it and it was good for a couple of months until I realized it was the building of the media center that got me going more than actually using it. I sold it a short time later. Anyway, have fun configuring it and take a look at Kodi along with what @AMD237 suggested with Plex! (Make sure you have all the latest codecs installed so that you can play all media file types)
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Do some research and begin the trial and error process. Depending on your knowledge level it will take some time and do expect to fail multiple times before you find the one thats just right. I consider building a server a learning process each time you discover more that you can do. I use emby rather than plex and dont forget the all free Jellyfin.
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I would think anything from around 2014 or newer would make a cracking good HTPC. I have a 2015 Dell Chromebox that I repurposed as a HTPC by putting in a 128 GB m.2 drive and added a 4 GB stick of RAM (for a total of 6 GB) and now runs Mint 21.3 (I hate to throw out anything that still works just fine and keep it out of the landfill). I run Kodi on it and it does everything I want it to on my ancient home theater equipment.
So you don’t need cutting edge to get a decent HTPC that will “never” go obsolete. However you will have to “jailbreak” windows 11 after October 15 of next year, or throw caution to the wind and join us linux users.
edit: I should have added that my media server is my main computer (2014 HP refurb that originally ran win 10), running Mint 21.3 that holds all my media stuff on a 4 TB drive and I access it from several different linux/windows computers including my Kodi Chromebox.
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thanks a load, that is just what i was looking for, the plex tutorial. i will have a busy weekend.
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Ahh the Master has another Padiwan. I love seeing insiders help each other to learn. New and useful methods, techniques, tools, apps, settings. This is what Troypoint insider is all about. Teach and learn together,
Big TX @AMD237 @TXRon @Masterofmydomain If I get some time this weekend I’ll do some reading as well
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I’m glad you’re feeling a little better!
Hey @AJS1 was somebody not feeling well? Hope they’re ok.
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Simple and free answer to your media server. I’ve been using this for probably ten years or more. https://serviio.org/ Any DLNA app will find it and stream and that includes our beloved x-plore. It streams flawlessly and finds all shared devices on your network. In all likely hood, your tv will be DLNA capable but if not, no worries.
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now i need to figure out how to hook up either a firestick or onn 4k pro thru the plex server
The standalone Plex apps are available for either device. It will link with the media server to access your content. Is that what you are asking?
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i guess so. i want to be able to do everything from the plex media server. where are the standalone plex apps available at?
They should be in both Play Stores. Just search the Plex app, not the Plex Media Server app.
This is worth repeating. It’s free, it works perfectly. It’s simple and intuitive. https://serviio.org/
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Jellyfin
I used Plex Pro until i discovered Jellyfin.
Personally i prefer Jellyfin. takes much less resources and can be ran as a service.
So you don<t need to be logged on your computer for it to work.
Plus, its 100% free.
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Cool tutorial video (scroll down for video) on building a media server focused on energy savings.