New server software and hardware


 I have given a lot of time and thought to the software used to serve the video collection. I like jellyfin, but there are things that need to be fixed and things that need to be changed. There is a software program that is considered the most popular from what I have been able to find out.  The program is Plex. When I first started searching for media server software, I tried Plex, but the first time I downloaded and ran the program, the screen was setup for something like a 360p screen and difficult, if not impossible to use. I went to a forum and complained and got a less than stellar response by what must have been Plex die-hard groupies. Recently, I decided to try again. This time the program that installed was much more sophisticated and usable. The more I used the program, the more I liked the features and ease of use. The program is capable of many things, and accordingly, can be complex to use. Adapting takes some time but is, I think, worth the effort. Major change number one.

I've realized that both Plex and Jellyfin require an internet connection to run. I don't care for that. I'll add a server that makes movies available without the internet, e.g., SimpleDLNA or miniDLNA.


The second major change I made was purchasing a 12Tb NAS drive.  The NAS type hard drive is used for 24/7 surveillance, primarily, and is designed to take the continuous use that is required. I moved all but my 2Tb drive data to the new NAS drive. My old drives are in storage for reference.  This has already proven useful in that I recently had to re-copy a file from one of the original drives, to the NAS.  Occasionally, there are glitches in copying files from a hard drive.  An overworked computer processor may not be able to keep up with the work load, and loses some bytes of data during a transfer. This adds reliability in the form of backups, following the old adage 'Always back up your data'. The server hardware consists of three 3.5" hard drives of 2Tb, 2Tb, and 12Tb in size. The drives are plugged directly into the laptop docking station and the two powered USB hubs have been retired, as has the drive rack. The fewer the parts the better.

   Unfortunately, the WD 4Tb drive developed a connector problem. The drive can be used but a slight pressure has to be applied to the underside of the connecting USB-C plug. The drive will only be used to recover files lost on the 12Tb drive.

   


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