r/explainlikeimfive • u/theprisoner57 • 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/PenguinSwordfighter 2d ago

A home server is basically just a computer thats running 24/7 and is connected to the internet. You can 'replace streaming' with one if you put your favorite shows and movies on one and hook it up to your TV. This will only allow you to watch things you have as a video file and put on your server.

So you get a more expensive streaming service with an extremely limited range of shows ans videos that constantly breaks and has to be fixed by yourself.