Hello and welcome to this article on how to set up and make a Debian Plex server. If you are someone who loves media and enjoys streaming your favorite shows and movies, then building your own Plex server can be a great solution. In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to follow to build your Debian Plex server.
Table of Contents
Section 1 – Introduction
Plex is a popular media server software that allows users to stream their media from one device to another. The software is flexible and can work on different platforms such as Windows, MacOS, and Linux. In this article, we will focus on how to set up and configure a Plex server using Debian, a popular Linux distribution.
What is Debian?
Debian is a free and open-source operating system that is widely used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems. It is based on the Linux kernel and offers a variety of packages and tools that can be used for various purposes. Debian is known for its stability, reliability, and security, and is a popular choice for server administrators.
Why use Debian?
Debian is a popular choice for building servers due to its stability, security, and ease of use. It has a large community of developers and users who contribute to the project by providing new packages, patches, and updates. Debian also has a large number of packages available in its repository, which makes it easy to install additional software and tools.
Section 2 – Requirements
Before we begin, let us list down the requirements for building a Debian Plex server:
| Processor | Intel Core i3 or higher |
| RAM | 4GB or more |
| Storage | Minimum 20GB free space |
| OS | Debian 10 or higher |
| Network | At least one Ethernet port |
| Internet | High-speed internet connection |
Ensure that you have met all these requirements before proceeding to the next step.
Section 3 – Installing Debian
The first step in building your Debian Plex server is to install the Debian operating system. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Download Debian
The first step is to download the Debian ISO file from the official website. You can choose between the net-install or full installation image, depending on your requirements.
Step 2: Create Bootable USB
Once you have downloaded the ISO file, the next step is to create a bootable USB drive. You can do this using tools like Rufus or dd command in Linux. Insert the USB drive into the computer and boot from it.
Step 3: Install Debian
Follow the instructions to install the Debian operating system on your computer. Make sure to select the appropriate options when installing the operating system.
Section 4 – Installing Plex Media Server
Now that you have installed Debian on your computer, the next step is to install the Plex Media Server. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Add Plex Repository
The first step is to add the Plex repository to your Debian system. You can do this by adding the following line to your /etc/apt/sources.list file:
deb https://downloads.plex.tv/repo/deb/ public main
Step 2: Download Plex GPG Key
Next, you need to download the Plex GPG key and add it to your system’s trusted keys. You can do this using the following commands:
wget -q https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-keys/PlexSign.key -O – | sudo apt-key add –
Step 3: Update Repository and Install Plex
Finally, update your repository and install the Plex Media Server using the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install plexmediaserver
Section 5 – Configuring Plex Media Server
After installing the Plex Media Server, the next step is to configure it to work with your media. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Access Plex Web Interface
Open your web browser and enter the following URL:
http://localhost:32400/web/
This will open the Plex web interface, which you can use to configure your server.
Step 2: Add Media Library
The next step is to add your media library to Plex. Click on the “Add Library” button and select the type of media you want to add, such as Movies or TV Shows. Follow the instructions to add your media.
Step 3: Configure Server Settings
You can configure various settings for your Plex server, such as remote access, server name, and language. Click on the “Settings” button to access the settings menu.
Section 6 – Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I access my Plex server remotely?
You can access your Plex server remotely by enabling remote access in the settings menu and creating a Plex account. Once you have done this, you can access your server from anywhere using the Plex app or web interface.
2. How do I add subtitles to my media?
You can add subtitles to your media by ensuring that the subtitle file has the same name as the media file and is located in the same directory. Plex will automatically detect and display the subtitles when you play the media.
3. How do I update Plex to the latest version?
You can update Plex to the latest version by running the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade plexmediaserver
4. Can I use a Raspberry Pi to build a Debian Plex server?
Yes, you can use a Raspberry Pi to build a Debian Plex server. However, you will need to ensure that the Raspberry Pi meets the requirements mentioned earlier in this article.
5. How do I troubleshoot issues with my Plex server?
You can troubleshoot issues with your Plex server by checking the logs and forums. Plex also has an active community of users and developers who can help you with any issues you may have.
That brings us to the end of this article on how to make a Debian Plex server. We hope you found this guide informative and helpful. Happy streaming!