I’m interested in this a bit. I worry about setting up some sort of server that is going to be facing the Internet though. Is there a good guide or starting place for something like this? If I just want an easy or approachable solution with some limitations as a trade off for easy and safe setup? I feel like I’ve heard of Plex servers before, but no clue if that’s the best way to go or not. Where would one start to learn more?
That method does not get you a GUI though. You will be using the terminal. I recommend pairing it with MobaXTerm, an enhanced terminal, as Moba presents the file system in a windows like way. It’s great for learning and you don’t have to have the paid version, though it is a perpetual license.
I’d always recommend Ubuntu for beginners. It’s not necessary the easiest, but it’s pretty simple and where you’d struggle prepares you well for other Linux Distributions, or distros. It often comes with a windows like GUI.
There’s also an option to “Try Ubuntu” by running it off a USB. It won’t persist, or remember anything, between reboots, but that can be an advantage. I personally carry a drive with my own Live USB on my keychain.
When you’re ready you can try setting up Dual Boot, where you choose to enter Windows or Linux on startup or jump in all the way.
You can run Linux off an old laptop, a raspberry/orange/banana pi or build something dedicated. I’m happy to help with any of them.
I’m interested in this a bit. I worry about setting up some sort of server that is going to be facing the Internet though. Is there a good guide or starting place for something like this? If I just want an easy or approachable solution with some limitations as a trade off for easy and safe setup? I feel like I’ve heard of Plex servers before, but no clue if that’s the best way to go or not. Where would one start to learn more?
Are you just looking to share files or swap to Linux? If it’s just Linux you can dip your toes in the water first: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install
That method does not get you a GUI though. You will be using the terminal. I recommend pairing it with MobaXTerm, an enhanced terminal, as Moba presents the file system in a windows like way. It’s great for learning and you don’t have to have the paid version, though it is a perpetual license.
I’d always recommend Ubuntu for beginners. It’s not necessary the easiest, but it’s pretty simple and where you’d struggle prepares you well for other Linux Distributions, or distros. It often comes with a windows like GUI.
There’s also an option to “Try Ubuntu” by running it off a USB. It won’t persist, or remember anything, between reboots, but that can be an advantage. I personally carry a drive with my own Live USB on my keychain.
When you’re ready you can try setting up Dual Boot, where you choose to enter Windows or Linux on startup or jump in all the way.
You can run Linux off an old laptop, a raspberry/orange/banana pi or build something dedicated. I’m happy to help with any of them.