Linux Media Sharing Server

A

Andysor

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I currently run Visa on a desktop that acts 90% as a media server for a WD TV Live media player. I use the windows media sharing service. The problem is that it has started to crash quite frequently.

I tried installing a dual boot Red Hat installation a couple of years ago to try it out, but was frustrated when simple tasks like installing an updated video driver caused the whole GUI to crash multiple times.

Not really wanting to pay for Win7, is there a Linux flavour out there that could do what I require (media sharing service, file-sharing with Vista & Mac laptops, normal desktop stuff)? I am very technically adept with Windows and OSX, but I've only had frustrating experiences with Linux.
 
I use a ClarkConnect Linux Server (now called ClearOS) as the server for my WD TV Live. Been running it for the past 8 months without any issues. Give it a try.
 
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I use a ClarkConnect Linux Server (now called ClearOS) as the server for my WD TV Live. Been running it for the past 8 months without any issues. Give it a try.
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I read up on it and it's marketed as a "network and gateway server designed for small organizations and distributed environments." I'm not sure that would suit me as I'm not looking to run a pure NAS. I'd like to have a GUI as well to copy to/from USB drives, web browsing, general tasks.

Do you just run samba sharing on it with no problems with the WD TV Live? I've heard there can be issues.
 
Something like Ubuntu Desktop should work fine for you. If you really don't want to have trouble installing gfx drivers, OpenSUSE makes it even easier, you just browse there with firefox and it takes over all the work for you. I think Ubuntu is still the better distro though, most things desktop users wanna do, tweak install some cool gadget ect, is just 1000 times easier in Ubuntu where as with OpenSUSE you have to hunt your butt of to get that special repository ect.
 
Andysor said:
I read up on it and it's marketed as a "network and gateway server designed for small organizations and distributed environments." I'm not sure that would suit me as I'm not looking to run a pure NAS.
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Just use what you want from it. it's also got a nice GUI to configure stuff.
 
Andysor said:
I read up on it and it's marketed as a "network and gateway server designed for small organizations and distributed environments." I'm not sure that would suit me as I'm not looking to run a pure NAS. I'd like to have a GUI as well to copy to/from USB drives, web browsing, general tasks.

Do you just run samba sharing on it with no problems with the WD TV Live? I've heard there can be issues.
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The USB devices you would plug into your desktop as per normal. I copy to/from my desktop (with USB devices attached) to the server.

Yes, it uses samba. Although you have heard of issues, I have had no issues for the past 8 months. What more can I say :)

ponder said:
Just use what you want from it. it's also got a nice GUI to configure stuff.
Click to expand...

+1

Why don't you just plug a USB drive straight into the WD TV Live ? and use the software that came with the device to be able to copy to/from your desktop ?

That way the GUI as well to copying to/from USB drives, web browsing, general tasks are from your desktop
 
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I'm just a bit confused regarding the different distros here:

What are the advantages of ClearOS over standard Ubuntu if they can both use samba for basic file sharing? I use a straight up ADSL router that does all the gatewaying I need.
Is ClearOS as capable with regards to included aps, package management etc?
Is Amahi Home Server a separate distro, or is it something that runs on top of an existing one?
Amahi Home Server includes something called DLNA Media Server. Are there any advantages to using this over using normal file sharing?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it!
 
Andysor said:
I'm just a bit confused regarding the different distros here:

What are the advantages of ClearOS over standard Ubuntu if they can both use samba for basic file sharing? I use a straight up ADSL router that does all the gatewaying I need.
Is ClearOS as capable with regards to included aps, package management etc?
Is Amahi Home Server a separate distro, or is it something that runs on top of an existing one?
Amahi Home Server includes something called DLNA Media Server. Are there any advantages to using this over using normal file sharing?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it!
Click to expand...

If you really want to keep it simple just install Ubuntu Desktop, it has loads of support in case you need help and it's pretty stable. Normal file sharing should suffice just fine over samba. Personally I would'nt even update the thing, just get the initial codecs et al installed and you'll be good to go. I use my ubuntu box wired to the mede8er and it works just fine, not a single hang!
 
Happy Camper said:
If you really want to keep it simple just install Ubuntu Desktop, it has loads of support in case you need help and it's pretty stable. Normal file sharing should suffice just fine over samba. Personally I would'nt even update the thing, just get the initial codecs et al installed and you'll be good to go. I use my ubuntu box wired to the mede8er and it works just fine, not a single hang!
Click to expand...

I think I'll just try that first and hopefully it'll work with the samba sharing. Also thinking of getting a NAS chassis in the future and put my old PC in it with my 4 HDs. Then I think a more headless server oriented distro might suit me better. Anyway, off to get hold of an Ubuntu DVD!
 
Andysor said:
Is Amahi Home Server a separate distro, or is it something that runs on top of an existing one?
Click to expand...
Amahi is its own deal; see the wiki for how it comes together.
Amahi Home Server includes something called DLNA Media Server. Are there any advantages to using this over using normal file sharing?
Click to expand...
DLNA, specifically in a media-sharing environment, is a good thing; RTFM here and here..El Wiki's products section shows you what systems all support it ..which gives you more choice as to which to deploy.
 
bdt said:
Amahi is its own deal; see the wiki for how it comes together. DLNA, specifically in a media-sharing environment, is a good thing; RTFM here and here..El Wiki's products section shows you what systems all support it ..which gives you more choice as to which to deploy.
Click to expand...

Reading it now, thanks!

Windows users don't like being told to RTFM
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Maybe if there were fewer arrogant, smug Linux users it would be a more inviting environment for MS, sorry, M$ and OSX users.
 
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