Stream your media with ease 🎥
Welcome to our guide on setting up a media server for Ubuntu 14.04! In today’s digital age, we are constantly consuming content on our devices. With the help of a media server, you can easily stream your media such as movies, music, and photos on any of your devices. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about setting up a media server on Ubuntu 14.04.
Introduction
Ubuntu 14.04, also known as Trusty Tahr, was released in April 2014 and is still widely used today. Ubuntu is a free and open-source operating system that is based on the Linux kernel. It is a popular choice for servers due to its stability, security, and ease of use. With Ubuntu, you can easily set up a media server that allows you to stream your media on any device connected to your network.
In this guide, we will cover the installation of Plex, a popular media server, on Ubuntu 14.04. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of setting up a media server on Ubuntu 14.04.
Installation of Plex media server
Before we proceed with the installation of Plex, let’s first ensure that our system is up to date. Open the terminal and run the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get update |
Updates the package list for upgrades and new packages |
sudo apt-get upgrade |
Upgrades the installed packages to their latest versions |
Once the updates are completed, we can now proceed with the installation of Plex. Follow these steps:
- Open the terminal and run the following command:
- After the download is complete, run the following command to install Plex:
- Start the Plex service by running:
wget https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-media-server-new/1.21.3.4014-7f7a4cdbc/debian/plexmediaserver_1.21.3.4014-7f7a4cdbc_amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i plexmediaserver_1.21.3.4014-7f7a4cdbc_amd64.deb
sudo service plexmediaserver start
Once Plex is installed, you can access it by opening your web browser and entering http://localhost:32400/web. You can then set up your media libraries and start streaming your content on any device connected to your network.
Advantages of setting up a media server on Ubuntu 14.04
There are several advantages to setting up a media server on Ubuntu 14.04:
- Easy to set up: Ubuntu is known for its ease of use, and setting up a media server is no exception. With the installation of Plex, you can have a media server up and running in a matter of minutes.
- Centralized media storage: By setting up a media server, you can consolidate all your media files in one place. This makes it easier to manage and organize your media libraries.
- Multi-device support: With a media server, you can stream your media on any device connected to your network. Whether you are using a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV, you can access your media library from anywhere.
- Remote access: With Plex, you can easily set up remote access to your media server. This means that you can access your media library from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
- Customizable: With Ubuntu, you have complete control over your media server. You can customize it to your liking and add additional features and plugins as needed.
- Cost-effective: Ubuntu is a free and open-source operating system, which means that setting up a media server on Ubuntu is a cost-effective solution.
- Secure: Ubuntu is known for its security features, which makes it a safe choice for setting up a media server. You can be sure that your media files are protected from unauthorized access.
Disadvantages of setting up a media server on Ubuntu 14.04
There are also some disadvantages to setting up a media server on Ubuntu 14.04:
- Requires technical knowledge: Setting up a media server on Ubuntu requires some technical knowledge. If you are not familiar with Ubuntu or Linux, it may be challenging for you to set up your media server.
- Not as user-friendly: While Ubuntu is known for its ease of use, it may not be as user-friendly as other operating systems such as Windows or macOS. This may make it challenging for some users to navigate and use their media server.
- Hardware limitations: Depending on the hardware specifications of your system, you may encounter performance issues when streaming media on multiple devices simultaneously.
- Updates required: Ubuntu requires regular updates to ensure that your system is running smoothly and securely. This means that you will need to dedicate some time to update your media server regularly.
- Complicated setup: While setting up a media server on Ubuntu is relatively straightforward, it may be more complicated than other media server options such as using a pre-built NAS device.
- Limited support: As Ubuntu 14.04 is an older version, it may not have as much community support as newer versions. This may make it more challenging to troubleshoot issues that you encounter.
- Not suitable for beginners: If you are new to Linux or Ubuntu, setting up a media server may be challenging and may require some trial and error.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use my existing hardware to set up a media server on Ubuntu?
A: Yes, you can use your existing hardware to set up a media server on Ubuntu. However, it is recommended that you have a system with a graphics card that supports hardware transcoding to ensure smooth playback.
Q2: Can I stream media outside of my network with a media server on Ubuntu?
A: Yes, with Plex you can set up remote access and stream your media outside of your network.
Q3: How do I add media files to my media library?
A: You can add media files to your media library by selecting the “Add Library” option in the Plex web interface and selecting the location of your media files.
Q4: Is it possible to set up a media server without using Plex?
A: Yes, there are other media server options available for Ubuntu such as Kodi or Emby.
Q5: Can I access my media library on my smartphone or tablet?
A: Yes, you can access your media library on any device that has the Plex app installed.
Q6: Is it possible to password-protect my media server?
A: Yes, with Plex you can set up user accounts and password-protect your media server.
Q7: Can I add subtitles to my media files?
A: Yes, with Plex you can add subtitles to your media files.
Q8: Can I stream live TV with a media server on Ubuntu?
A: Yes, with Plex you can stream live TV with the help of a compatible tuner and antenna.
Q9: Can I use a Raspberry Pi to set up a media server on Ubuntu?
A: Yes, you can use a Raspberry Pi to set up a media server on Ubuntu. However, it is recommended that you use a Raspberry Pi 4 or higher for better performance.
Q10: How do I update my Ubuntu system?
A: You can update your Ubuntu system by running the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
Q11: Can I use my media server to backup my files?
A: While you can use your media server to store files, it is not recommended to use it as a backup solution. It is recommended that you use a dedicated backup solution to ensure that your files are properly backed up.
Q12: Can I customize the look and feel of my Plex interface?
A: Yes, you can customize the look and feel of your Plex interface with the help of themes and plugins.
Q13: Can I integrate my media server with other smart home devices?
A: Yes, with the help of plugins and third-party integrations, you can integrate your media server with other smart home devices.
Conclusion
Setting up a media server on Ubuntu 14.04 can be a great way to consolidate your media files and make them easily accessible on any device connected to your network. With the help of Plex, you can easily set up a media server that allows you to stream your content on any device. While there are some challenges to setting up a media server on Ubuntu, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Ubuntu is a cost-effective, secure, and customizable solution that can provide you with a great media streaming experience.
We hope that this guide has been helpful in setting up your media server on Ubuntu 14.04. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out to us.
Closing Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not assume any liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. You use this information at your own risk. We recommend that you consult a professional before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article.