A home media server is a stronger and more reliable option for professional and tech geeks. You can create a home server for multimedia, sharing and storing files, accessing old hardware remotely, and more. A free server OS can also work as a download station, Network Attached Storage, a host housing numerous virtual machines, and more.
Is it difficult to build a home server? Fortunately, you can use remarkable operating systems to serve your home server facilities. Besides trusted software, you have to invest in the following hardware options:
- A renowned processor along with a durable motherboard
- Plenty amount of storage
- Stable internet
- A casing with convenient cooling
If you are ready with all the hardware requirements, it’s time to review which free home server OS will be the best for you. Let’s get started.
1. Open Media Vault
Based on Debian Linux, Open Media Vault is one of the most popular free server OSs. This operating system requires some basic technical knowledge and skills to operate. Otherwise, the software has everything to qualify for a competent home server OS. For example, it includes the following features:
- IAM or Identity & Access Management
- Media server
- BitTorrent Client
- SSH and SFTP client
- Cronjob support and custom plugin add-ons
In addition, this free home server software also supports almost all leading storage device connection types, along with internal and external network protocols. Overall, you will get advanced networking features with this Debian-based home server OS.
2. Linux
We don’t think that this OS requires an introduction. Ubuntu is a Linux-based universal operating system, and the best part is that it’s available for free. However, you can upgrade to its paid enterprise-level tasks and management subscription.
Why choose this free server OS for your home or enterprise network? The following reasons might justify our recommendation:
- Open-source software
- Startup or beginner-friendly features
- Serves as a desktop client
- Capable of handling the Internet of Things
- Acts as a streaming portal, file hub, etc
In other words, you can handle file sharing and storage facilities locally and remotely with Ubuntu Linux. However, this server OS doesn’t support MS Office, Photoshop, and other specific tools. On the other hand, you might have to customise the software before using it.
3. Unraid
We got another proprietary OS relying on Linux. Unraid was developed with easy and seamless access to files on NAS devices in mind. However, this is not a free server OS; its sophisticated features made us insert this software into our collection.
On the other hand, you can use Unraid for the following operations:
- Use this operating system to host numerous virtual servers for gaming and multimedia applications on an individual network.
- With the basic paid subscription, you can use up to 6 different physical storage devices. On top of that, advanced plans offer more and unlimited storage options.
- You can also control your desktops, data, media, and other applications no matter what hardware combination you utilise.
That’s why Unraid is a popular and trustworthy choice for gamers, multimedia users and those who deal with enormous data. For your information, here are one-time paid packages of Unraid:
- Basic: It costs $59 and holds up to 6 physical storage devices.
- Plus: This plan costs $89 and allows you to hold up to 12 storage devices.
- Pro: Get this at $129 with support for unlimited physical storage devices.
4. Amahi Home Server
This is one of the most recommended free server OS options if you are searching for a user-friendly user interface. However, there’s a paid plan available for enterprise and advanced users. Well, this software is a proprietary media hub reliant on Fedora OS. If you don’t like the graphical representation of Ubuntu Linux, then you can try Amahi Home Server.
After all, Amahi is a perfect choice for you if you need to install different popular applications to be installed on your device. It has its own ‘app store’ to help you with apps’ accessibility. On the other hand, Amahi Home Server utilises a pooling feature for NAS devices.
This implies that the server finds the most optimal way to store data so that how well it can be retrieved and used. However, you can opt for Amahi’s Pro plan, which costs a47.95 per month if you want to skip unnecessary ads and get beta access. In addition to this, Amahi Home Server comes with a Ninja plan for Amaahi Sync and more storage.
5. Open Source Media Centre
Are you a tech geek as well as a media lover? Then, Open Source Media Centre is the best free server OS you can get. As the name suggests, it’s an open-source media server for streaming, organising, and managing multimedia content in the comfort of your home.
Based on Kodi, Open Source Media Centre offers many skins, add-ons, and plug-ins. Additionally, this free home server software is incredibly user-friendly. Anyone can set up and organise their media library using this server OS. It also offers customisable layouts for users to access their preferable media content, such as TV shows, movies, music, and more.
In addition, this server OS supports all the leading audio and video formats, including HD videos, 3D content, and lossless audio. Accessing your media through this server OS is not a big deal due to its integrated VPN support. In addition, the software offers tons of security features to keep you protected from diverse threats.
6. XigmaNAS
We got another open-source server OS for you, and it’s based on FreeBSD. XigmaNAS offers durable support for almost every type of media transfer protocol. On the other other hand, it prioritises extending your machine’s life. Additionally, this server OS is compatible with most devices regardless of age.
How can you access your file systems with XigmaNAS? It offers a browser-like interface to access your file system on your Local Area Network. Furthermore, you can even configure this free server OS to access your file systems remotely on the internet.
This software doesn’t use the pooling technology like other operating systems. So, you can boot this server OS from a Live CD, USB drive, etc. Otherwise, you can install the OS forever on your drive’s partition. However, this OS might not be for novice individuals due to its slight technical hassles.
7. Oracle Linux
Based on Red Hat, Oracle Linux can be your choice as a home server OS for well-established connections and other privileges. If you want to focus on reliable security features and regular updates, then Oracle Linux has all you want. It features an Unbreakable Kernel to keep your privacy and security intact.
In addition, you will find both the GUI and Docker formats of this free server OS. Oracle Linux utilises the YUM package manager and other popular features from CentOS Linux. However, CentOS 8 won’t offer support for the long term and will be available as a tolling release version. Still, it will get consistent updates.
Hence, Oracle Linux is the best option for desktop users. This is because server administrators hardly like to get updates that are not thoroughly tested. On the other hand, you can skip it if you are looking for cloud computing platforms. Oracle Linux doesn’t support default cloud computing platforms like other operating systems.
How to Select the Right Free Server OS for Your Home or Enterprise Network?
Concentrate on the purpose, security, ease of use, cost, scalability, administration scopes, and management factors before deciding on the best server OS. If it’s for your business, then it’s better not to choose a free server OS. That’s why we have mentioned the best server operating systems that can also serve a small or mid-size business.
Otherwise, you can try Linux servers for free, open-source, multiple-user support and real-time performance. Additionally, remember how much workload you expect from the server OS to land on the best software.
