A home server can help you run services on your own network, giving you more control over your data and reducing dependence on third-party platforms. For example, you could replace cloud-based tools with self-hosted options such as Nextcloud, Immich, PhotoPrism, or Trilium.
Linux is a strong choice for the job: it’s free, flexible, secure, and reliable. Here are five distributions suited to home-server use.
Based on Debian, Univention Corporate Server Core provides a web-based App Center for adding services. Available options include Nextcloud, email and calendar platforms, Mattermost, OpenProject, backup tools, and more.
Its main appeal is making it easier to deploy web-based applications without relying on outside services. Downloading the ISO requires creating a free account and accepting the terms of use.
Zentyal Community is based on Ubuntu LTS and offers a collection of built-in modules that can be managed through its web interface. It can provide services such as domain control, file and printer sharing, email, firewall, DNS, DHCP, and VPN.
Unlike Univention, Zentyal doesn’t have an app store. It does, however, benefit from Ubuntu’s large software library and package manager. It takes somewhat more technical knowledge, but can serve as a central point for managing accounts and network services.
Proxmox VE lets one computer run multiple isolated virtual machines and containers, making it useful for hosting several services on a single machine. You can also cluster Proxmox servers and move virtual machines between them.
It uses Linux Containers and community helper scripts rather than a traditional app store. The Community Scripts site offers installation scripts for services including Jellyfin, Immich, AdGuard Home, Pi-hole, WireGuard, and backup tools. Proxmox’s flexibility and isolation are major advantages.
Ubuntu Server is a command-line operating system by default, though you can install a desktop environment if you prefer a graphical interface. Its large community makes help easy to find, while APT and Snap provide access to a wide range of software.
Ubuntu Server has long-term support releases, predictable updates, and AppArmor security features. It’s also lightweight and quick to start, making it a reliable general-purpose option for a home network.
Download Fedora Server if you want a modern server platform with Cockpit, a web-based console for managing updates, user accounts, logs, containers, services, network settings, and more.
Fedora Server also includes Podman for containers and SELinux for security. It tends to offer newer software than Ubuntu Server and is closely related to Red Hat Enterprise Linux, a widely used business server platform.
Once you’ve chosen a distribution, download its ISO, make a bootable USB drive, and install it on a spare machine.
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