Hey everyone,
I wanted to share my recent experience setting up a Jellyfin server on my new Geekom Mini PC Air 12. I recently bought this mini PC, which came pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, but I decided to convert it to Ubuntu to better suit my needs. As a big fan of open-source software, this transition allowed me to create a dedicated home media server, and Jellyfin was my choice for the media server software. Like any new project, there were a few challenges along the way, and here’s how I navigated them, with the help of some fantastic community forums.
Why I Chose the Geekom Mini PC Air 12
Before diving into the Jellyfin setup, I want to talk a bit about why I chose the Geekom Mini PC Air 12. This compact, powerful little machine seemed perfect for running a dedicated media server. Here are a few reasons it stood out to me:
- Compact Size: The Mini PC is small enough to fit anywhere, making it ideal for a discreet home server setup.
- Performance: Despite its size, it packs enough power to handle media streaming, transcoding, and general server tasks with ease.
- Energy Efficiency: It’s much more energy-efficient than running a full-sized desktop as a server, which is a big plus for something that’s going to be running 24/7.
The only catch was that it came with Windows 11 Pro, which wasn’t ideal for my purposes. So, I decided to wipe it clean and install Ubuntu instead.
Why I Converted to Ubuntu
Converting the Geekom Mini PC from Windows to Ubuntu was a straightforward decision for several reasons:
- Better Performance on Linux: Linux is known for being lightweight and efficient, which is perfect for a dedicated server. Ubuntu, in particular, is user-friendly and has a large community for support.
- Open Source: I prefer using open-source software whenever possible, and Ubuntu aligns perfectly with this philosophy.
- Customization and Control: Ubuntu offers a high level of customization and control, which is essential for tweaking and optimizing the server to meet specific needs.
The installation process was smooth, and before long, I had a fully functional Ubuntu server ready for Jellyfin.
Setting Up the Jellyfin Server
With Ubuntu up and running, I moved on to setting up Jellyfin. Here’s a brief overview of how the process went:
Installing Jellyfin: I followed the official Jellyfin documentation to install it on Ubuntu. The process involved adding the Jellyfin repository, installing the necessary packages, and starting the service. Everything went smoothly thanks to the detailed instructions available online.
Configuring the Server: After installation, I accessed the Jellyfin web interface to start configuring the server. This included setting up media libraries, creating user accounts, and tweaking transcoding settings to suit the hardware of the Mini PC.
Networking Issues: I initially had some trouble with port forwarding to allow remote access to my Jellyfin server. This is where searching through forums became crucial.
The Power of Community: How Forums Saved the Day
Whenever I encountered issues, I turned to various Linux and Jellyfin forums for help. Here’s how the community helped me overcome some of the trickiest challenges:
Networking and Port Forwarding: I found a thread on a Jellyfin forum where users discussed similar networking issues. Following their advice on adjusting firewall settings and correctly setting up port forwarding on my router, I was able to make my server accessible remotely.
Performance Optimization: Another challenge was ensuring smooth playback, especially for high-definition content. I discovered a discussion in the forums about optimizing transcoding settings, which significantly improved performance on the Mini PC.
Plugin Installation: Installing plugins to enhance Jellyfin was another area where I benefited from forum advice. I found a guide that walked me through the installation process, helping me add extra functionality to my server.
General Troubleshooting: Throughout the setup, I ran into various smaller issues, like certain media files not being recognized or minor interface glitches. Each time, a quick search in the forums brought up threads where others had encountered and solved these same problems.
Why I Love Linux Servers and the Geekom Mini PC
Using Linux on the Geekom Mini PC has been a game-changer for my home media setup. Here’s why I’m so enthusiastic about this combination:
- Stability and Performance: Ubuntu runs incredibly smoothly on the Mini PC, providing a stable and reliable platform for Jellyfin. The lightweight nature of Linux ensures that the Mini PC’s resources are used efficiently.
- Flexibility and Customization: Ubuntu gives me the flexibility to customize my server exactly how I want it. Whether it's configuring services or setting up automation scripts, the possibilities are endless.
- Learning and Community Support: Every challenge I faced was a learning opportunity, and the support from the community made the process enjoyable rather than frustrating.
Final Thoughts
Setting up my Jellyfin server on the Geekom Mini PC Air 12, after converting it to Ubuntu, has been a rewarding experience. The combination of Jellyfin’s powerful features and Ubuntu’s flexibility has resulted in a robust and reliable media server that I can access from anywhere. And, of course, none of this would have been possible without the invaluable advice and support I found on various forums.
If you’re considering setting up a similar project, I highly recommend diving in. Don’t hesitate to lean on the community when you need help—there’s a wealth of knowledge out there just waiting to be tapped.
I’d love to hear about your experiences with Linux servers, Jellyfin, or even the Geekom Mini PC. What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Cheers,
ADMIRUX