Which Distro for a Home Server?

[falconed]

Hey all!

I'm looking into building a home file server and I would like the following:

• File storage
• Media streaming to PS3
• Remote access to server: over the internet (web browser?) - to upload files to server and download files stored on the server when overseas

Please note I have never used a Linux distro (except Ubuntu desktop for 2 weeks).

I have been looking at operating systems to do these jobs and have come accross so many:

• Ubuntu Server
• Fedora
• OpenSUSE
• Debian
• Openfiler (seems simple but can you stream and access from overseas?)
• CentOS

Which one would be the best to use? I was looking at Windows Home Server so are there any that function similar to this?

Any help would be great!
Cheers

[GNU-Fan]

All of the above seem fitting. Except Openfiler, which I don't know.

I use Debian for all my serving needs. Others will work, too, but why compromise?

[falconed]

All of the above seem fitting. Except Openfiler, which I don't know.

I use Debian for all my serving needs. Others will work, too, but why compromise?

Thanks for that.

Yeah I understand all will work perfectly, it's just which one would be best for me. The last two weeks I have been playing around with ubuntu desktop and still don't think I am ready for a CLI only environment. However, I do like the idea of Ubuntu server being very safe and secure (without GUI added).

My main concern is probably streaming and remote access (to upload files when overseas). What would be the best way for these to operate?

Thanks for the help!

[daark.child]

Nobody can pinpoint the exact distro for you, because personal preference differs a lot. Why don't you try a few distros and cut down the list until you find the one that you are most comfortable in terms of using and administering. Personally I use CentOS for most of my server needs and I have an Ubuntu 8.04 network server.

[falconed]

Would you reocommend I try a distro with a GUI first?

How would I setup remote access to files on my server? Are there web-based clients out there?

[daark.child]

If you are comfortable working with a GUI, then its probably ok to install one on the distro you choose although getting familiar with the CLI maybe a great advantage. You can try an app called webmin if you need to do remote administration or access files via a web browser.