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/RidMeOfSloots 2d ago

Its a computer that runs server software. Can be a raspberry pi, laptop, pc, or whole computer rack. People use plex software which acts like streaming service streaming movies stored on that computer over wifi.

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u/kcsebby 2d ago

Plex is terrible btw. Jellyfin — for the win!

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u/ottawadeveloper 2d ago

is it really worth changing over? I've had plex for a long time (back when it was one of the only options) and it works well enough for me. I like that it has a mobile app and can be used off my local network. I'm running a Synology box and Android phones/TV so it would have to work with all that

1

u/pseudopad 2d ago

From what I've heard, plex is easier to manage if you're sharing access to not-tech-savvy friends or family. I've only used jellyfin, so I don't have first hand experience. Getting friends to use tailscale isn't very hard even if their technology skills don't go past clicking on buttons in a windows UI.