Selecting the best home server software is just one step in the journey, but making the right choice prevents the hassle of starting over if you decide to make a change later on. It’s equally essential to choose a home server OS that suits your initial requirements and feels manageable and adaptable for the long haul. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a media buff, or a data guardian, we’ve got you covered. Unlock the potential of your home server with the perfect operating system! 

This guide will take you through the 11 best home server OS options, helping you pick the ideal software to supercharge your home network and elevate your digital life. Let’s dive into the world of top home server software and find the one that’s just right for you.

What Is A Home Server?

A home server, a key element in modern home networks, serves as a central hub for various functions, including data storage, media streaming, and remote access. This multipurpose device manages your files efficiently and can be configured for web hosting, enabling you to run websites or applications from the comfort of your home. 

Suppose you’re a tech enthusiast seeking a powerful personal server or a small business owner looking for a cost-effective solution. In that case, a best home server provides the flexibility and customization options you need to create a robust and tailored computing environment right at home.

Best Home Server Software

Ubuntu Server – Best Home Server

Ubuntu Server is a popular choice for those who prefer a Linux-based operating system. It’s well-documented, user-friendly, and has a large and active community. Ubuntu Server is versatile and can handle a wide range of server tasks.

Windows Server – Best Home Server

Microsoft’s Windows Server is known for its user-friendly interface and robust features. It’s ideal for those who are more comfortable with Windows-based environments. Windows Server offers excellent support for applications like Microsoft Exchange and Active Directory.

FreeNAS – Best Home Server

FreeNAS is an open-source NAS (Network-Attached Storage) operating system based on FreeBSD. It’s highly regarded for its storage capabilities, making it the best server for home choice for those primarily interested in data storage and backups.

OpenMediaVault – Best Home Server

OpenMediaVault is another open-source NAS solution but is known for its simplicity and ease of use. It’s great for beginners and offers plugins for various server functionalities.

Unraid – Best Home Server

Unraid is a paid but highly customizable best server for home that focuses on storage and virtualization. It’s known for its flexibility, allowing you to run various applications and services within Docker containers or virtual machines.

Proxmox Virtual Environment – Best Home Server

Proxmox is an open-source virtualization platform that combines two virtualization technologies, KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) for virtual machines and LXC (Linux Containers) for lightweight containers. It’s suitable for those who want to set up a virtualized home server setup environment.

OpenBSD – Best Home Server

OpenBSD is a security-focused, open-source operating system known for its strong emphasis on security and clean code. While it may be more challenging to set up compared to other options, it’s the best home server choice for those who prioritize security.

DietPi – Best Home Server

DietPi is a lightweight, optimized OS for single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi. It’s energy-efficient and great for running various server applications on low-power hardware.

OMV (OpenMediaVault) – Best Home Server

OMV is an open-source NAS solution built on Debian. It provides a user-friendly web interface and supports plugins for various services like Plex, Nextcloud, and more.

Rockstor – Best Home Server

Rockstor is another open-source NAS OS that focuses on storage and is built on the Btrfs file system. It offers features like snapshots and a user-friendly interface.

NAS4Free (now XigmaNAS) – Best Home Server

NAS4Free, now known as XigmaNAS, is an open-source NAS solution that’s been around for a long time. It’s known for its reliability and wide hardware support.

The best home server OS for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as your level of technical expertise, the purpose of your home server, and the hardware you have available when making your decision.

How To Set Up A Server At Home?

Looking for how to build a home server? Setting up a server for home can be a rewarding project, whether you’re interested in hosting a website, managing files, creating a media server, or running various applications. To help you get started, here’s an easy guide on how to set up a server at home.

Define Your Purpose – Home Server Setup

Determine the primary purpose of your server. Are you setting it up for web hosting, file storage, media streaming, or something else?

Choose the Hardware – Home Server Setup

Select appropriate hardware based on your server’s purpose. This includes computer or server-grade hardware, storage devices (hard drives or SSDs), and networking equipment (routers, switches, and cables).

Select An Operating System- Home Server Setup

Choose a server operating system that suits your needs and technical expertise for home server setup. Popular options include Linux distributions like Ubuntu Server or CentOS, Windows Server, or specialized NAS operating systems like FreeNAS or OpenMediaVault for storage.

Hardware Setup- Home Server Setup

Assemble your hardware components and ensure everything is properly connected. Install any required drivers for hardware components.

Install The Operating System- Server For Home

Install the chosen server operating system on your server hardware. Follow the installation guidelines tailored to your particular operating system. Typically, this involves creating a bootable installation media and installing the OS.

Configure Network Settings- Home Server Setup

Set up your server’s network settings, including assigning a static IP address. This ensures your home server setup has a consistent address on your home network.

Security Configuration- Server For Home

Implement security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software to protect your server. Regularly update your server’s software and install security patches.

Set Up Remote Access- Home Server Setup

If needed, configure remote access to your server. You can use SSH (for Linux) or a Remote Desktop computer (for Windows) for remote administration.

Install Server Software- Home Server Setup

Depending on your server’s purpose, install the necessary server software or applications. For example, you might set up a web server like Apache or Nginx, a Plex media server, or a file server like Samba.

Data Storage and Backups- Home Server Setup

Configure storage solutions based on your needs. Set up raid configurations for data redundancy, and regularly back up your important data to external drives or cloud storage.

Test and Monitor- Home Server Setup

Test your server to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Monitor its performance and logs for any issues.

Domain and DNS Setup- Home Server Setup

If hosting a website, configure domain settings and DNS records to point to your home server’s IP address.

Regular Maintenance- Home Server Setup

Regularly maintain and update your server’s software, and regularly back up your data to ensure its safety.

Access Control- Home Server Setup

Implement access control mechanisms to restrict who can access your server and its services.

Consider Power Backup- Home Server Setup

If your server is critical, consider uninterruptible power consumption supplies (UPS) to protect against power outages.

Summary

In the quest for the best home server software, you’ve just embarked on a journey to transform your digital world. With our guide to the 11 best server for home options, you can make an informed choice that matches your unique needs and aspirations. So, seize this opportunity to harness the power of technology, tailor your digital sanctuary, and let your home server setup elevate your digital experience. It’s time to embark on your server-soaring adventure.

Additionally, setting up a home server is a journey that opens the door to a world of possibilities within your own digital domain. Whether it’s for personal convenience, creative projects, or enhancing your home network, a well-configured server can empower you like never before. So, dive in, explore, and unlock the full potential of your home server setup– it’s your gateway to a more connected and efficient digital lifestyle with the best home server, all from the comfort of your own home