A home server lets you centralize common tasks on dedicated hardware. But what kind of things can you accomplish, and what benefits will this setup bring?

1. Repurpose Old PCs

If you have an old computer gathering dust, you can put it to good use as a server by installing Linux.

While it’s possible to buy enterprise-grade hardware cheaply on the used market, the power and cooling requirements are impractical for residential use.

But you don’t need fancy rack-mount machines to set up a Linux server. Because Linux is lightweight, older PCs will do just fine. Since many servers will run without a GUI, that just makes them more powerful for serving up your stuff.

2. Share Files Efficiently

If you have several devices around your home, you probably have important files scattered across them. Wouldn’t it be great if all your files were in one convenient location?

A home server can help you manage your files. You can install a network-attached storage solution or even a personal cloud like ownCloud on a server. You can then access all your files from any device on your network.

A solution like this will allow you to preserve important memories like family pictures and videos. If you go this route, you should have a backup scheme, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. You might also consider an offsite backup, like a cloud backup service, in case the worst ever happens to your home.

Speaking of home media, a Linux-based home media server is a fun way to have all of your favorite video content accessible on your network.

With a solution like Plex, you can rip and store your favorite DVDs and personal videos on a home server to watch whenever you want, as well as stream your favorite movies and live TV on your Roku or Apple TV.

4. Block Nasties Across Your Home Network

A Linux home server can help keep your network safe. The Linux kernel includes the ability to filter packets. You can also install tools like ufw and Shorewall for firewalls beyond whatever your Wi-Fi router supplies as standard.

If you want ad-blocking, you can set up Pi-hole. Despite the name, you don’t have to use a Raspberry Pi. It will run on any spare machine and block ads, even with sites like YouTube that try their best to keep you from doing so.

This can also have the side effect of blocking a major route for malware on your network. Your home server could protect all your machines, and they don’t all have to run Linux to benefit from this protection.

The advantage of a home server is that you’ll only have to set up security on one machine.

5. Keep Control of Your Data

One major reason to set up a Linux home server is to maintain control over your data. Do you want your records, family photos, and videos in some data center somewhere, where a third party ultimately has control over them?

With a home server, your data stays right where it belongs: at home. Serious Linux advocates love to tout how the community values user privacy, and here’s one case where it definitely applies.

6. Get Hands-On IT Experience With a Home Linux Server

As with many skills and techniques, learning to set up and manage a Linux server is best done through practice rather than just reading about it in books or on the web.

You’ll get lots of valuable hands-on experience this way. Some people who run Linux home servers want to upgrade their skills for their professional careers or accomplish the practical tasks mentioned earlier. But many just do it for fun and for additional challenges it may present.