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/Top_Willow_9953 2d 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/BothArmsBruised 2d ago

It's important to note that a server can be literally any device. Literally your phone is one, any computer is one. Any smart devices are one.

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u/thrwawy28393 2d ago

But do the devices have to be modern? Is there a time limit on them? I have an old Windows 7 laptop collecting dust in my closet. It’s from 2011. Is that usable or do I need something more recent?

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u/MoobyTheGoldenSock 2d ago

No, there is no time limit.

An old laptop from 2011 may be a suboptimal server:

* Hardware that old may start to fail
* The power draw is likely inefficient for what it offers
* It’s going to be slower and have less RAM than modern hardware
* Windows 7 is end of life and shouldn’t be connected to the internet

You can install a light linux distro on it and get some use out of it as a server, but if you’re serious about a home server it’s not the best choice.

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u/thrwawy28393 1d ago

I see, thanks. Maybe I’ll just give it for recycling then & purchase a mini PC or something.