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Idea #22288: Ubuntu Home Server Edition
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Written by Jugglerbry the 4 Nov 09 at 21:16.
Category: Server.
Related project:
Nothing/Others.
Status: New
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Rationale
I'm from a Windows background, and have recently migrated all my home computers across to Ubuntu with varying success. All bar one.
the one yet to be done is my Windows Home Server.
What it does is the following;
1. Central location for storage of data files that can be shared on a users internal LAN, and also with the option for Remote access.
2. Easy configuration of folders and user accounts on the Home server
3. Automated backup of client machines to the server
4. Runs headless (ie once installed, no keyboard, mouse or monitor required as most administrative tasks can be done either via the 'console' one any of the client machines, or via RDP
5. Instalation of a 'connector' onto each client, where you can access the console, set backups.
6. Installs a 'shared folders' icon where you automatically have access to the folders you have rights to
I'm fully aware this IS possible using Ubuntu, but I'm also aware that it involves a LOT of configuration of the different services on both the Server machine as well as EACH client.
Windows Home Server is based on Server 2003, and as part of the installation, disables certain parts which are not required (such as domain controller - is this required within the home ?), and sets the remaining configuration to the Home Server.
The main thing with it, is that it really does just work. Install via the cd/dvd, install the connector software, and thats it.
Ideal for the average home user.
With the advent of multiple machines per home, wouldnt it be a good idea to have something similar available built on ubuntu ? Home Server for the stoarage of files of various types, automatic mapping of the server each time you log into you local machine (via the connector), automated backups, remote access possible ? Just install Ubuntu Home Server and associated connector type software, and you're done. Just transfer your files into the relevant folders from each client pc, for access of those files from any client pc.
Be good to hear what other people think ?
If any other info is required, please let me know, I'd be happy to help.
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Comments
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Either #1 or #2 would be fine for me (only 2 solutions written at time I am typing this)
I am about to need such server install. I delay this install since I miss time and motivation to really deep dive into server configuration. It would be a big time saver for people wanting a server without hassle for configuration file hacking.
I think it should take care of security too, and disable any service not explicitly required by the user.
I volunteer to test and contribute for instance for GUI design and online help.
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Ssdg
wrote on the 5 Nov 09 at 13:52
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I don't like any idea that implies to install an X server... (ressources and stuff)
But the ideas about web interfaces rocks. I really like it.
Maybe we should have a webinterface that installs servers (postfix, samba/ntp, ftp... etc...) and allow the user to configure them. And this should be created like a meta-package. or just a package.
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I also like the web interface idea. It's universal, accessible from any OS and can be fairly well protected.
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it should not be just a web interface. and the "console" idea will scare many people away.
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I think a minimal install set to install a limited number of things of use to a SOHO environment would be useful.
You can try to anticipate the needs of the user and pre-load several commonly used items such as servers for OpenSSH, Samba, DHCP, BackupPC, and a basic LAMP stack, but for everyone who says 'Great idea' you'll have several users going "but I don't *want* DHCP..." as it might conflict with the DHCP server they likely already have running on a wifi router/access point.
If you go a different route with just a minimal install + SSH + Samba + a minimized Webmin interface and instructions to go to https://192.168.x.x:10000 after install, and present some simplified modules inside webmin to admin the basic system and add several other pre-selected packages like LAMP, DHCP server, etc. you may have some issues with people grousing about not being able to pick the *exact* package they want (if they want Bacula and the project is coded to install BackupPC), but I think it might be less hassle overall.
ebox may be one alternative, but in my experience it is more... invasive, in that once its on, things kind of have to be done its way. Webmin is more free-form and IMHO more thoroughly tested over the last 5-6 years or more. By using webmin there would be less limitations on how much the user can 'grow' the system should they desire, while still encouraging them to use command line access as needed (via the ssh console in webmin).
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A minor correction to my last comment... my previous experience with ebox was as a complete install. I had forgotten that it should be possible to just install certain ebox modules over a standard Ubuntu build, and added or removed as desired.
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dughutch
wrote on the 19 Nov 09 at 17:09
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IMHO this should be as simple as possible... install from CD with very little input and then allow the user to begin configuration and use... much like any appliance.
This may also be a good vector for introducing people and admins to the power of ubuntu... and thus perhaps an "advanced" tab allowing the SOHO to "grow" into other roles might be helpful as well.
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After seeing the comments and the votes, i think this should really be something that shouldnt be too difficult for someone with the relevant knowledge to create, or at least some of it.
I posted the question in IRC not long before I posted the suggestion, and was told that most of the functionallity i'm talking about IS available to install in both Desktop and Server versions of ubuntu. The issue would be the setting up which potentially could take weeks if not months to do, by which time the next update would be out.
I'm fairly new to Ubuntu, so dont have much experience in setting this sort of thing up in Ubuntu, and as I mentioned in the initial post, I currently use WHs, and see big big potential in possibly Ubuntu gaining new converts of this could be done.
Maybe there's someone out there with necessary / relevant experience, who could maybe create this using the Ubuntu Customisation Kit ?? Dont know if it's possible, but might be worth a shot ?
If anybody wants or need any other info on the kind of thing I'm angling at, please feel free to message me. i also pop into the ubuntu and Ubuntu uk IRC channels from time to time.
Bryan
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Do not forget, Windows Home Server is built for people who need EASY and STRAIGHTFORWARD solution.
No package install, no functionality enabling within windows server.
Check some demos: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/demo.mspx
Easy and straightforward, you install it from CD just like Ubuntu netbook remix (if people still remember how it was).
What we need is, one of first two solutions. Make a package, which contains all existing working applications, create attractive Web UI, build simple windows client and do not bother user with configuration.
Windows client app is not really necessary, but it dramatically reduces necessary configuration overhead.
I can imagine, that most of you can configure standard Ubuntu installation to provide that kind of functionality, but you have to think of your typical neighbour who wants to use such thing.
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Going to a WEB UI is too complicated for some users. It must be very simple and even more simple than Windows Home Server. It must be on a dedicted distro with a graphical install. Sorry about that but it must have an X server because people that are new to Linux and even people that are a bit confused by computers must be able to setup a home server (and I don't see those people trying to compile samba or cups). The server must work OUT OF THE BOX! There will be a app for Windows (sorry :P) to connect to the server.
The server should be ready for:
Files sharing (samba)
Printer sharing (cups)
Fax ready (for small enterprise)
The apps for Windows would have a automatic backup, automatic network drive maping and ...
The server would be ready to stream music to Xbox and PS3.
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Oh I forgot to mention that there would be an app for linux too. They app would be compatible with Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS ... (.deb, .rpm and source for other distro)
A Mac application should be there too.
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And we should not even say the word server for marketing reason. People tend to scare when they heard the word "server". Maybe Ubuntu SOHO Center ?
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