I have a 9th generation Celeron mini pc and I want to leave it on 24/7 to serve as a personal server.

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My main goal is to be able to keep running scripts I make in python (I’m studying computer science), create a personal VPN and also be able to manage some files, put or remove movies to use in something called “plex”.

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What would be the best operating system to do this?

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Important detail, I’m going to keep this mini PC in my house, but I’m going to live abroad for a few months, so remote access would be a fundamental part.

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PS: I have 0 experience in home servers.

  • HSVMalooGTS@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    i reccomend Windows Server, you can add many roles. IIS for web server and FTP, easy remote access (its windows compatible), and you can instal plex on it

  • TorrentplsZOMG@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago
    • Just python on a box? Any Linux you are comfortable.
    • Python and a bit of self hosted services? Look into CasaOS (which is an app for Linux).
    • Full fledged NAS with Docker support? TrueNAS or Unraid (which does cost a bit).
    • zyberwoof@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      With Proxmox, OP’s system would have very little chance of fully locking up or powering off. VMs and/or containers could. But the hypervisor itself should remain up and stable. This would be a big plus for accessing the system remotely.

      After installing Proxmox, create a very lightweight VM or container running a VPN server and forward the correct port(s) on your router. I think most people here favor Wireguard. And make sure the VPN service starts at boot up, and the VM starts up automatically.

      Once that’s done, you should have remote access to manage Proxmox. From there you can create one or multiple VMs to do all of your home lab stuff. If and when you mess things up and you can no longer access your services, you can still VPN into your network and access the Proxmox console. From there it is trivial to gain console access to your VM for “local” troubleshooting. And you can easily manage snapshots and reboot your VM(s) as needed. Just make sure you keep the VM with VPN up and running.

      Last tip for OP:

      Configure your system’s BIOS so that the machine powers on after power loss. That way it comes back up after a power outage. Also, consider getting a smart plug you can remotely control. Then you can force a power cycle if needed.

  • Sparkoba@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I would go for a plain debian. Also, there is an application called CasaOS (although its not an OS) which is kinda handly for managing and monitoring your server.

  • hidepp@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I have a mini PC with a Celeron N100 and just installed a minimal Debian + cockpit. So I create some VMs when I want to test something and keep some small VMs always on for some stuff like DLNA and Pihole.

    So far it’s working quite well.

    • INtuitiveTJop@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      9 months ago

      Can someone explain the downvote? If someone needs to run regular Python scripts is this not the easiest way?

  • newenglandpolarbear@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Proxmox with smaller virtual machines for each task. More stable up times and better resource management. And since they will all be on separate VMs: they will be less likely to have conflicts.