Setting up a home server with Linux can provide many practical benefits.
A home server lets you centralize common tasks on dedicated hardware.
But what kind of things can you accomplish, and what benefits will this setup bring?
Six Uses for a Linux Home Server
1. Repurpose Old PCs
If you have an old computer that you are not using, you can put it to good use as a server by installing Linux.
While it’s possible to buy enterprise-grade hardware cheaply on the used market, the power and cooling requirements for such powerful computers are impractical for residential use.
Luckily you don’t need fancy rack-mount machines to set up a Linux server.
Because Linux requires low amounts of storage and RAM, older PCs are able to run it.
Since many servers will run without a GUI, that just makes them more powerful for serving your stuff.
2. Share Files Efficiently
If you have several devices around your home, you probably have important files scattered across them.
Wouldn’t it be great if all your files were in one convenient location?
A home server can help you manage your files. You can install a network-attached storage solution or even a personal “cloud” on a server.
You can then access all your files from any device on your network.
A solution like this will allow you to preserve important files like family pictures and videos.
If you do this, you should have a backup setup, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
You might also consider an offsite backup, like a cloud backup service, in case the worst ever happens to your home.
3. Set Up a Home Media Server With Linux
Regarding home media, a Linux-based home media server is a fun way to have all of your favorite video content accessible on your network.
With some services, you can store your favorite DVDs and personal videos on a home server to watch whenever you want, as well as stream your favorite movies and live TV on your Apple TV or other service.
4. Block Malware, Viruses, etc., Across Your Home Network
A Linux home server can help keep your network safe. The Linux kernel includes the ability to filter packets.
You can also install tools for firewalls in addition to whatever your Wi-Fi router supplies as standard.
If you want ad-blocking, there are services you can use to do this.
These services will typically run on any spare machine and block ads, even with sites like YouTube that serve ads very efficiently.
This can also have the advantage of blocking a major route for malware on your network.
Your home server could protect all your machines, and they don’t all have to run Linux to benefit from this protection.
The advantage of a home server is that you’ll only have to set up security on one machine.
5. Keep Control of Your Data
One major reason to set up a Linux home server is to maintain control over your data.
Some people prefer to be able to control all of their data themselves instead of relying on cloud storage service.
Of course there is quite a lot of convenience using cloud server management, there is also reason for some users to retain control of their data and operations,
With a home server, your data stays under your control. Serious Linux advocates love to talk about how the community values user privacy, and here’s one case where it definitely applies.
6. Get Hands-On IT Experience With a Home Linux Server
As with many skills and techniques, learning to set up and manage a Linux server is best done through practice rather than just reading about it in books or on the web.
You’ll get lots of valuable hands-on experience this way.
Some people who run Linux home servers want to upgrade their skills for their professional careers or accomplish the practical tasks mentioned earlier.
But many just do it for fun and for additional challenges it may present.
Home Server
There are many online resources from beginner level to advanced level.
The documentation for Linux online is very extensive, so it will be quite easy to find information to get started, or to improve the setup that you already have in place.
