I want to make a media server for my home. What is the best open source app? How would I go about doing this?

Q. I was thinking this would be a good way to learn Linux. What would be the best approach for this?

A. Do you just want to store files or do you want to play them on your TV?

File server for streaming media:
http://www.linux-watch.com/news/NS9015653445.html
http://howtoforge.com/ubuntu-home-fileserver

DVR or Set-top-box type:
http://parker1.co.uk/mythtv_ubuntu.php
http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/oreilly/digitalmedia/2005/06/22/myth_tv.html
http://www.linuxis.us/linux/media/howto/linux-htpc/
http://mymce.wordpress.com/category/linux-media-center/

Original Question

How do I set up a central media library for my home?

Q. How do I set up a central media library from which I can access iTunes, DVR hard drive and the Internet from any TV in my house?

Need/Want:
1-Access iTunes from anywhere, wirelessly (all our music in on a separate driveânot NAS though)
2-Access the Internet from any of my TVâs with a mainstream browser
3-Need to have DVR capabilities, ideally centralized and accessible from all TVs
4-Wirelessly project sound to multiple speakers

I have looked into Apple TV and Sonos, but neither fill all these criteria. I am open to multiple devices, or custom configuration of dedicated PCs to do this.

I appreciate your suggestions.

A. The companies listed below are a few of the leading producers and developers which offer a variety of products and software for media center/server applications that may meet your needs. I apologize that I am unable to provide you with information that specifically addresses your needs but hopefully you'll find a solution using the resources listed below.

Niveus Media
http://www.niveusmedia.com

CodexNovus
http://www.codexnovus.com

NuVo Technologies
http://www.nuvotechnologies.com

Superna
http://www.supernasystems.com
Superna Media Server
http://www.supernasystems.com/products/software/media_server/

Cortexa Technology
http://www.cortexatechnology.com

Exceptional Innovation
http://www.exceptionalinnovation.com

TwonkyVision MediaServer
http://www.twonkyvision.de

Allegro Media Server - UPnP Media Server
http://www.allegrosoft.com/ams.html

Axonix
http://www.axonix.com

Embedded Automation
http://www.embeddedautomation.com
Embedded Automation's analysis of the Windows Home Server* beta
http://www.embeddedautomation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=334

Crestron Electronics
http://www.crestron.com

Audio Design Associates
http://www.ada.net

Russound
http://www.russound.com

Niles Audio - IntelliControl ICS
http://www.intellicontrol.com

Audioaccess (Harman International Industries)
http://www.audioaccess.com

ReQuest
http://www.request.com

HomeLogic
http://www.homelogic.com

Savant Systems
Linux-based, open architecture, home control and automation systems.
http://www.savantav.com

Linux Home Automation
http://www.linuxha.com

Microsoft Windows Media
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/default.mspx
Windows Media Connect
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/devices/wmconnect/default.aspx

*Microsoft Windows Home Server
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/default.mspx

Windows Media Center and Media Center Extender
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/mediacenter/default.mspx
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/default.mspx
Windows Vista Help - Using Windows Media Center
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/c426ea35-ea47-4ee3-8f73-7ee4b0bd7de31033.mspx

HP Digital Entertainment Centers (DECs)
http://h71036.www7.hp.com/hho/cache/309484-0-0-225-121.html
HP MediaSmart Server
http://h71036.www7.hp.com/hho/cache/447351-0-0-225-121.html
 

Original Question

What is the difference between Windows and Linux Servers?

Q. In not too technical terms - what is the difference between thse two? If I were to use .net nuke , is there a perference over which server I should use?

A. Wow! This is a question that pops up all over the web, and one that I had myself as a web services person. You can read a lot about the differences - as well as the advantages of one over the other. In the sources area, I've listed several such discussions and articles, including the last item which is a lengthy discussion in a Wikipedia article on the subject. In terms of finding something non-technical, I would recommend the first site.

The article from AskWebHosting.com states the following about using .net: "If you intend to create your site using ASP, FrontPage, the .NET environment, Windows Streaming Media, Access, MSSQL, or any of the other Microsoft proprietary technologies then you probably need to use a Windows host. There is limited support for a number of these technologies in Linux, but they can be expensive and are usually lacking in features."

But you're talking about using DotNetNuke, which is an open source answer to .NET. As such, it may not matter at all, from that standpoint, which option you choose.

I hope that these sources are helpful!

Librarians--Ask Us, We Answer!
This question was answered by Sarah Houghton-Jan, Web Services Librarian at Californiaâs San Mateo County Library (www.smcl.org). To get instant-answers, contact your local library. Find yours at http://lists.webjunction.org/libweb/Public_main.html. Many library websites offer live browser-based chat reference 24/7 (http://liswiki.org/wiki/List_of_libraries_providing_virtual_reference_services) and/or instant messaging chat reference (http://www.libsuccess.org/index.php?title=Libraries_Using_IM_Reference).

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