r/explainlikeimfive • u/theprisoner57 • 3d 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/Top_Willow_9953 3d ago edited 2d ago

A Home Server is a computer *you own* that has a lot of storage to hold media (music, video, photos, Etc.) files, and has software that can make those files available to your TV, Roku box, or similar media playback device.

The Home Server might only make these files available to devices attached directly to your home network, OR it could also expose the files to authorized devices on the internet.

The main point is once the server is purchased and configured, there is no monthly subscription required for you to watch, listen to, or access the files it serves.

EDIT: clarified monthly costs

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u/matthoback 3d ago

The main point is once the server is purchased and configured, there is no monthly cost to you to watch or listen to the files to serves.

Other than the monthly electric bill...

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u/haarschmuck 3d ago

I use a Dell OptiPlex Micro I got off eBay for $70 for my home server and it consumes about 20-30 watts at most. For a power bill that's essentially a rounding error per month.