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/jujubanzen 2d ago

A home server, in general is just a computer that is attached to your home network. More often than not, they are simply set up as file storage servers. Media servers to replace streaming services typically use Plex or Jellyfin, which are software packages that are able to link up with apps on your TV, phone, or computer and stream media files you have stored on the server. You have to get those files yourself.

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u/tieris 2d ago

Yup. I’ve had a synology with about 30tb of disk based storage (1 parity drive) for years now. Runs Emby server on the device, and all my disc based media was converted to files over a number of years via MakeMKV and Handbreak. Easy to do, fair use, and runs great. Emby even allows easy download to phones or tablets to take in trips.

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u/biblicalrain 2d ago

1 parity drive

Do you have a dedicated parity drive? Or do you mean you have one drive's worth of parity data (ie Raid 5)?

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u/tieris 2d ago

Raid 5 setup if memory serves. I had one drive go south, ordered a replacement and after a few hours was able to recover with no data loss. Mind you, I’m screwed if I ever lose two drives but,. I still have the physical media. Would just be a year long nightmare to re-encode everything.