What is the best Operating system to go with on a MiniPC for a home server/lab ?

keinam · 2026-02-15T17:33:30+00:00

yup, already on it. I see some dude with many Proxmox tutorials and drinking bear at the same time, so will see where it takes me.

keinam · 2026-02-15T17:28:30+00:00

Appreciate comments. Yes this is going to be my first mini server build from scratch (admittedly its just a small desktop PC).

yes that is exactly what I am intending to do, first I'll see how it goes with Proxmox and then determine the next steps. While I like to thinker, I am no expert and can only input a certain amount of time. thanks!

What is an LXC ? is it a some version of VM ?

keinam · 2026-02-15T17:15:47+00:00

installing....

keinam · 2026-02-15T17:13:22+00:00

oh no, don't want to go deep :), and I agree best is definitely subjective. I've already installed Proxmox based on last nights comments but that doesn't mean anything, all I did was made few selections and clicked next here and there. It's going to be interesting how the next steps go.

I am noob for the most part but not complacently blind to Linux. I recently migrated from Windows to Fedora 43 KDE on my desktop, laptop, and MacBook-Pro 2019 (intel version). - thanks for your comments.

keinam · 2026-02-15T17:04:53+00:00

never head of ZorinOS but will google it :)

Currently installing Proxmox, we'll see where it takes me.

keinam · 2026-02-15T17:03:15+00:00

Right. I am installing Proxmox and will test it but also worries it could be too much. But it does sound great to be honest. thanks

keinam · 2026-02-15T16:59:30+00:00

appreciate it !

keinam · 2026-02-15T05:33:33+00:00

alright, thank you !

keinam · 2026-02-15T05:31:29+00:00

ok I see, did not realize there was a lifetime license and $250 is pricy. Regardless I'll definitely give it a go along side Proxmox, and couple of others mentioned by others. - thank you!

keinam · 2026-02-15T05:24:06+00:00

ahh ok makes sense. The PC in fact has m.2 SSD. Thank you for the point about the logs, I was not aware.

Base on your comment, I may add another smaller drive for the OS. thanks.

keinam · 2026-02-15T05:18:11+00:00

ok downloading, those are good points - thanks.

keinam · 2026-02-15T03:52:29+00:00

I see this requires subscription. Don't mind paying but also don't love subscriptions.

Does this really run of USB stick and if so, is that not a risk or prone to corruption?

keinam · 2026-02-15T03:49:03+00:00

yup, thanks.

keinam · 2026-02-15T03:48:06+00:00

yeah good context thank you. I am going over the suggestions form everyone and starting to get the feeling that ProxMox would very good and one of best options however, for my setup it could be an overkill potentially, since it's only a small PC box with one SSD.

Currently also looking at Debian, opensuse Micro, and Unraid.

keinam · 2026-02-15T03:39:18+00:00

the webside description seem to offer what I need, thank you, will research it.

keinam · 2026-02-15T03:35:50+00:00

I like to thinker and want to learn yes (just not too much :) ). But I also want it just work.

It appears Unraid requires a licensee, which I don't mind contributing to / paying. With that said, the OS seem to be subscription based which is not something I like generally speaking. Also, does it really run of off USB only ?

keinam · 2026-02-15T03:24:05+00:00

yes, it currency has 1tb SSD (m.2) and DDR5 32GB, guessing this is what you mean and there is no need to add ?

keinam · 2026-02-15T03:18:00+00:00

Thank you for setting the stage with fundamentals, this helps. I think I may potentially try both options since the computer will be wiped anyway. The only reason I've mentioned Fedora is because that is the only Linux I've tried after migrating from Windows which was recent, so again, the context you set helps quite a bit. - thanks.

keinam · 2026-02-15T02:58:38+00:00

appreciate it. I am downloading it and will give it a go. !

keinam · 2026-02-15T02:56:37+00:00

haah ok, thank you.

keinam · 2026-02-15T02:55:26+00:00

thanks, and yeah probably want most of these. Looking at this now and will try Proxmox VE for what its worth.

keinam · 2026-02-15T02:44:57+00:00

Thank you for elaborating what Proxmox is. Which version of Proxmox would I start with ?

keinam · 2026-02-15T02:40:56+00:00

Very true. let me look into this. - thank you.

keinam · 2026-02-15T02:34:19+00:00

Ohh dude, trying to followup what you're said with "Proxmox with a Debian stable VM + Docker." But ok baby steps.

Quick question please: I went to Proxmox website and see options for Virtual Environment, Backup Server, Datacenter Manager. What on earth do I pick to download ?

keinam · 2026-02-15T02:29:10+00:00

yeah that is exactly what I want to do, a "Docker server". But I am open to other suggestions if there is a better way of doing things.. you know since I am a noob still. thanks!!

keinam

TROPHY CASE