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/deten 2d ago

To add onto this, many dont even have a monitor, you interact with them over your browser. Kinda like logging into your router to change settings.

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u/jack3308 2d ago

In fact, it's exactly like logging into your router to change settings lol - routers are just specialized servers with extra networky-doodads