I looked for this info but didn’t really see a thread about it, if there is one, a link is sufficient :)
I have a win 11 off-shelf mediocre pc for my Plex/jellyfin servers (basically nothing else on that pc; it also functions as a playback device, but it has all the libraries on it so does not matter at all how I access them) and fuck windows and stuff… it was a temporary replacement for my mobo-dead Ubuntu tower, but knowing more things than I did back then, I don’t want to ‘buntu either.
So I’m looking for a good stable distro with really good file management options; bulk rename with rules is a must even if it’s an additional program (built in to Ubuntu, very very nice utility for my exact use).
I’m thinking about trying pop, tbh mostly because I’ve heard of it and mostly good things, but idk if that’s good for the use case I have, and I do NOT want to distro-hop this specific computer. Whatever it gets has to be good enough to be a long-term stable choice (to the best of anyone’s knowledge), because I’m not going to change it later; that’s almost certainly too much work. I’ve tried a few Debian-based distros, and whatever Mint is (I do not like mint at all, please don’t suggest it) on a real old enterprise tower with 16 USB ports and 4gig ram (literally nothing, including antixlinux, runs well on it and I don’t really know why…). and plan to convert a laptop with touchscreen for gaming down the line, but this specific machine is not meant for change. Ever. That’s why it’s taken me 2 years to be willing to go back to Linux. Because change means a lot of work.
Skill level: meh? Not a total noob, learned how to split tunnel just to keep my server up while VPN was active back when that was necessary, and figured out how to solve most of the issues I had with it (fucking nvidia…). Prefer CLI for program management and GUI for everything else. Worked windows tech support dealing with sql and winservers for SaaS, but no official skills or training. Only used windows, Ubuntu, and antix for any significant time.
Bonus round: anyone who’s ever transferred Plex servers from win to Linux (insert flavor), is it actually possible to keep my collections and playlists and stuff? I haven’t really messed with my jelly stuff because nobody but me ever uses it, but Plex is sort of a thing for like a dozen people I know, as “home” users. The last time I went from windows to Linux, in 2019, nothing transferred other than the files… but my library is 30tb now, not 10, and has a lot more curation than it used to, so that’s a much bigger problem than it used to be.
That’s super fair and probably much more so than the tech bros…
Holy shit have the answers to my question just been docker bros… super not into that focus.
I’ve been running my shit for over a decade without docker/docker-like stuff. I’m just really flabbergasted that almost nobody has a non-docker option… like… it’s Linux, there has to be a good middle ground, right? For basic uses, like mine with my whopping 12 total users… maybe this is the wrong community to ask… maybe Lemmy is the wrong platform to ask. Idk.
And frankly it’s turning me off to Debian… like Debian is great as a base system!! But nobody seemingly wants to interact with someone who doesn’t docker which defeats the purpose of finding a good distro? And like I “know” Debian core is… apparently difficult to use as a daily driver? and needs tons of modification?.. And I know this is sort of the same thing but at least it isn’t -docker- holy fuck.
But you are probably right, pick something and cross fingers is probably the right option for what I’m doing because… this has not been a helpful thread overall tbh. But I appreciate you interacting with me, this was worth the effort. :)
Bro. Debian. People here have said Debian. You’re talking about distros like you’re going to be using this machine to do your personal banking, gaming, or whatever else you use your daily driver pc for. This is a server that will run a service. You can install it on a headless machine if you want. If you don’t want Docker just install Debian and call it a day.
I mean if you want to try Ubuntu go ahead, but it’s just Debian with some extra shit slapped on top. If you want to try Arch going ahead, but it’s rolling and updates will bork your Plex. If you want to try Kali go ahead, but it’s just Debian with different extra shit slapped on top.
I’m not trying to be a dick, but I really don’t understand what kind of answer you’re looking for here.
My recommendation is to run your PMS on TempleOS.
Cool, I’m well aware of what people have told me thanks. I’ve gotten literally all of the notifications.
You -are-being a dick, whether you are “trying to” or not :) and clearly didn’t even read the OP, so have a great night friend.
Temple isn’t even a valid useable os, how are you -not-being a giant dick? 🙄
I read your entire post. You sound like you want to use either Ubuntu or Pop. If you want to use them, use them.
Why ask for recommendations if you’re just going to say “Thanks but no thanks”?
Being a dick would be attacking you directly, which I’m not doing. Being a dick would be asking a question that looks a lot like bait, then passive aggressively shooting down everyone that gives the answer that 99% of people will give to the bait question.
;)
Hey, good for you going through and downvoting all my comments on my own post.
Good for you. So very mature.
I don’t see anywhere that I wasn’t engaging with people and asking questions so… I guess I’m super sorry I don’t know the things you think I should.
But honestly please just go away. :) I don’t want you in my notifications :)
You should use PopOS for your Plex. :)
Fella, you have a huge knowledge deficit for what you’re trying to do here…
Docker does make running services easier and isn’t overkill for what you’re doing. But it’s not necessary and it’s fine if you don’t want to use it.
Debian is fine as well.
You need to get some experience before you continue self-hosting. Start firing up some vms or something. If that seems like “too much work” then perhaps this hobby isn’t for you. Running servers isn’t like grabbing an app from the app store. You’re going to need to invest some time here.
:) you don’t have to use containers, but they do simplify the install.
I don’t use containers.
There’s also no Setup.exe to download run where you just Next, Next, Finish.
So, instead, I have to install separate packages, configure them, deal with conflicting requirements, etc…
Did I have to learn Docker? No. Did I have to learn something else? Yes.
As someone else mentioned, spending some time learning what / how / why you’re doing will help massively later on. Probably why you’re getting Docker answers, they’re auto-suggesting it to start you off with something simpler…