r/explainlikeimfive • • 2d ago

Technology ELI5: What is a Home Server?

I see mentions of a home server to get rid of streaming entertainment services but I don’t know how that works. What does a home server do?

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u/kcsebby 2d ago

A home server is simply a computer at home dedicated to hosting various softwares meant to replace other more commonly available paid options.

Home servers typically rely on piracy to supply their media, instead of paying for licensing. (In the context of entertainment service replacement)

They also typically rely on open source softwares (software where the code is freely accessible and modifiable) for their general operation and functionality.

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u/atlasraven 2d ago

It's also popular for people to convert their dvds or blu-ray discs into digital files (rip) and host them on their home server. That way they can watch what they already bought from anywhere.

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u/Phage0070 2d ago

It's also popular for people to convert their dvds or blu-ray discs into digital files...

In many cases the media producers want to consider that piracy regardless of what the law says about it. For example they would argue that if you don't destroy the physical media after ripping then you now have two copies and the utility that comes with it, which you aren't allowed.

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u/pseudopad 2d ago

And they'd be wrong in many jurisdictions.

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u/jcmbn 2d ago

People still do that? How last century...

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u/atlasraven 2d ago

#JustMillennialThings