The Best Way to Stream Your Media from Ubuntu Server
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to set up Plex on Ubuntu Server 18.04. We understand that managing a media library can be a daunting task, but with Plex, you can turn your Ubuntu Server into a powerful media center that is easy to navigate and use. In this guide, we will walk you through the entire process of installing and configuring Plex, as well as highlight its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s get started!
Introduction
If you are not familiar with Plex, it is a free media center software that allows you to stream music, movies, and TV shows across all your devices. With Plex, you can manage your media library from a web interface, making it easy to add and organize your content. Plex also offers various features such as transcoding, allowing you to stream high-quality content even on low-bandwidth connections. Additionally, Plex provides apps for all major platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows, making it easy to access your media from anywhere.
In this section, we will guide you through the process of installing Ubuntu Server 18.04, setting up the necessary libraries, and installing Plex.
Step 1: Installing Ubuntu Server 18.04
Before you can start installing Plex, you need to install Ubuntu Server 18.04. Here are the steps:
Steps |
Description |
|---|---|
Step 1 |
Download Ubuntu Server 18.04 ISO image from the official website. |
Step 2 |
Create a bootable USB drive using the ISO image. |
Step 3 |
Insert the USB drive and boot the server into Ubuntu Server 18.04 installation wizard. |
Step 4 |
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu Server 18.04. |
Step 2: Setting up Required Libraries
Once you have installed Ubuntu Server 18.04, you need to set up the necessary libraries and dependencies for Plex. Here’s how:
Steps |
Description |
|---|---|
Step 1 |
Open the terminal and run the following command: |
sudo apt-get update |
|
Step 2 |
Install the required libraries: |
sudo apt-get install -y avahi-daemon wget |
Step 3: Installing Plex on Ubuntu Server 18.04
Now that you have installed the necessary libraries, it’s time to install Plex. Here’s how:
Steps |
Description |
|---|---|
Step 1 |
Visit the official Plex website and download the Ubuntu package. |
Step 2 |
Open the terminal and run the following command: |
wget -c <Plex package URL> |
|
Step 3 |
Install the Plex package: |
sudo dpkg -i <Plex package> |
Step 4: Configuring Plex on Ubuntu Server 18.04
Once you have installed Plex, you need to configure it. Here are the steps:
Steps |
Description |
|---|---|
Step 1 |
Open your web browser and navigate to http://<server IP address>:32400/web. |
Step 2 |
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Plex account and library. |
Step 3 |
Once you have set up your library, you can start streaming your media from Ubuntu Server 18.04 using Plex. |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Plex on Ubuntu Server 18.04
While Plex offers numerous advantages, it also has its drawbacks. In this section, we will discuss both:
Advantages of Plex on Ubuntu Server 18.04
1. User-Friendly Interface – Plex offers a simple yet elegant user interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible to all users.
2. Cross-Platform Support – With apps for all major platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows, Plex makes it easy to access your media from anywhere.
3. Transcoding – Plex uses transcoding to ensure that your media is available in high-quality, even on low-bandwidth connections.
4. Remote Access – With Plex, you can access your media library from anywhere, making it perfect for travelers or individuals who are always on the go.
Disadvantages of Plex on Ubuntu Server 18.04
1. Cost – While Plex offers a free version, the premium version is quite expensive, which may be a barrier for some users.
2. Limited Customization Options – While Plex is customizable, it does not offer as many customization options as some other media centers.
3. Requires High Bandwidth Connections – While Plex uses transcoding to optimize streaming quality, it requires a high-bandwidth connection to deliver high-quality content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I install Plex on Ubuntu Server 18.04?
A1. To install Plex on Ubuntu Server 18.04, you need to download the Ubuntu package from the official Plex website and install it using the terminal.
Q2. Can I access my media library remotely using Plex?
A2. Yes, with Plex, you can access your media library from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.
Q3. Can I customize the Plex interface?
A3. Yes, Plex allows for basic customization, but it does not offer as many customization options as some other media centers.
Q4. Does Plex use transcoding?
A4. Yes, Plex uses transcoding to optimize streaming quality, even on low-bandwidth connections.
Q5. Does Plex offer a free version?
A5. Yes, Plex offers a free version, but the premium version is quite expensive.
Q6. Can I use Plex on all major platforms?
A6. Yes, Plex offers apps for all major platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows.
Q7. Is Plex easy to use?
A7. Yes, Plex offers a simple yet elegant user interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible to all users.
Q8. Can I set up multiple user accounts on Plex?
A8. Yes, Plex allows you to set up multiple user accounts, making it easy to share your media library with friends and family.
Q9. Is Plex secure?
A9. Yes, Plex is secure, as it uses SSL encryption to protect your data.
Q10. Can I stream high-quality content using Plex on low-bandwidth connections?
A10. Yes, Plex uses transcoding to optimize streaming quality, even on low-bandwidth connections.
Q11. Can I use Plex to stream live TV?
A11. Yes, Plex offers a live TV feature, allowing you to stream live TV channels from your Plex media library.
Q12. Can I share my media library with friends and family using Plex?
A12. Yes, Plex allows you to share your media library with friends and family, making it easy to enjoy your favorite media together.
Q13. Can I set parental controls on Plex?
A13. Yes, Plex allows you to set up parental controls, ensuring that your children only have access to appropriate content.
Conclusion
We hope you found this guide helpful in setting up Plex on your Ubuntu Server 18.04. As you can see, Plex offers numerous advantages, such as a user-friendly interface, cross-platform support, and remote access. However, it also has its drawbacks, such as cost and limited customization options. Nonetheless, Plex is an excellent media center that is easy to use and highly functional.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you!
Closing Disclaimer
This article is created solely for educational and informational purposes. The authors of this article do not endorse or promote any of the products or services mentioned in this article. The information contained in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication, but it is subject to change. The authors of this article shall not be held liable for any damages or losses resulting from the use of the information contained in this article.