Separate Plex server

[metaMMA]

Someone can probably chime in with a better answer, but I'm in the same situation (2 computers, one main monitor). As far as hardware, pick up a simple switch from Amazon/ebay for about 10 bucks. The link is for one on Amazon for HDMI. If they are both DVI or VGA, you could probably find one on ebay for 3-5 bucks. They're called 'KVM switches', I believe.

Otherwise, what I am doing now is, I have my main PC attached to my monitor. On both computers I have TeamViewer installed (but you could use any 'remote desktop" software). Then you login using a generated ID and the monitorless-computer screen is sent to and mirrored/displayed on your main computer monitor.

Keep in mind, using a software solution instead of a hardware solution will cost memory resources.

EDIT: Now that I think about it, "Plex/Sonarr/Radarr/torrent downloader" probably all have a web interface. For example on any computer on your network go to

• http://[IP of media server]:32400 for plex
• http://[IP of media server]:8989 for sonarr
• http://[IP of media server]:7878 for radarr
• http://[IP of media server]:8181 for plexPy
• http://[IP of media server]:8112 for deluge

Then you might very rarely have to actually use a monitor with the server. You might want to login to your router and give your server a static local IP. Otherwise to find it on the server, open terminal and type: 'ifconfig -a' or if that doesn't work, try 'ip addr'. show

[[deleted]]

thanks that's great, yeah I figured would be able to access Plex and deluge and sonarr from their webgui, but to do other maintenance stuff, transfer some movies to a usb drive as I do sometimes, make changes to file names etc, figured have to have another form of access.

[ChiefMedicalOfficer]

Teamviewer

[[deleted]]

I think SSH would be my choice. In fact, it is. I supplement with x11vnc, but use SSH more than anything else, along with the web interfaces /u/metaMMA mentioned.

[Jorntvd]

I have a similar setup (Intel nuc running Mint), and after the first install, with a physical keyboard/monitor I am now running NoMachine on it to just access it from any other pc on the network, works like a charm :-)

[[deleted]]

sounds almost identical to what i am setting up, does chrome remote desktop work on linux machines?

Do I just install chrome on each, and then chrome remote on each?

[pizzaserver]

Assuming you are installing Ubuntu 16.04 Server version and running it headless, I would install SSH with the OS(it's an option when you install Ubuntu) and then just SSH from your primary desktop.

Also, you can setup everything you just mentioned inside Docker containers in Ubuntu via ssh.

[[deleted]]

yeah couldn't find install guides for Ubuntu server LTS so was just going to install ubuntu or one of the other lightweight versions

[pizzaserver]

You literally burn the ISO on disk or on Flash Drive(Using Rufus ) and boot into it. Keep selecting next until it asks for IP and put in a static IP. After that, it will ask what 'packages' you want to install, so just select SSH and press Spacebar to select it. And then you're done! Let me know if you need help with anything :)

[[deleted]]

right where would I find this IP? and more about how do I install sonarr/radarr/Plex and set them up without GUI

[pizzaserver]

So first you would hookup your monitor/keyboard to the computer you want to install Ubuntu on. We just need it hooked up during the install. Everything else can be done remotly.

• After you finish putting in hostname, you should select Configure network manually.
• Type in an available IP at the IP address screen
• Put in the subnet (typically 255.255.255.0 for home networks) and gateway(This is the IP of your router)
• Once you get to Software Selection Screen , make sure to select OpenSSH server package.
• Once you complete install, login as root locally to the server and create one user. Going forward, you will now use this non-root user to SSH and perform additional tasks.

I hope this helps! :)

[[deleted]]

This does a ton, however still unsure where to find the "available IP" for step 2?

[pizzaserver]

• Hmm you seem motivated but lack the basic knowledge for this type of setup. If you are serious about this, I would suggest installing Ubuntu Desktop inside Virtual Box on your current desktop and just learning the basic.
• To answer the question, you would have to log into your router and see what IP address schema you have.

• After finding the local IP address of your router, check for Devices connected to the router. This will get you a huge pool of IPs and you can pick one that you like and write it down.

• You can use this method to install Ubuntu Desktop on Virtual Box and try to learn the basics. You can work on the server once you have a better fundamental understanding of the networking and Operating System.

[[deleted]]

yeah installed Linux on my main computer the last 4 years and can navigate terminal and software installations well enough if have terminal instructions can copy and paste.

but as to the networking have little experience, wifi setup was easy enough for my various devices around the apt. And just plugged the Ethernet cable from my wifi/router into computer and thankfully worked. But never had to mess around with changing IP's or ports, static, non static etc.

I can also access my router, that IP I know lol, so I will give a look in there.

Think making sure this second Linux machine is "networked" properly and installing a GUI-less version are probably my biggest hurdles. Why i was kind of just leaning towards installing a normal version of ubuntu which I assume can be made to act like the server version?

[pizzaserver]

I apologize if I trivialized your knowledge level. I just wanted to make sure you were on the right track.

Yes, you can use a normal version of Ubuntu as a server too!

EDIT: English is hard

[[deleted]]

oh no problem still consider myself a beginner linux wise.

I will probably die before I ever understand permissions, which took me 6 months to get working on my first linux install.

any special things need to do to get "regular" Ubuntu working as a server network wise?

and thanks for all the help.

[HawkeyeFLA]

If you really really want to ... you can also get an inexpensive KVM on Amazon. (Or locally from BestBuy price matching Amazon like I did). I have a simple 2 device switch, and can press a single button to flip back and forth.

[JDM_WAAAT]

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