Squeeze or Ubutnu for home server?

[GeX]

Hi all.

I'm over hauling my setup at home, and have purchased an HP Proliant Microserver (AMD Neo 1.3ghz, 1gb, GbE).

I have 4 1TB (SpinPoint F1s) to go in it, and intend to use the servers internal USB port for hold a flashdrive with the boot OS on it.

Before doing the final configuration I may replace the 1TB drives with 2TB drives. I would like a software RAID5 solution (the hardware controller does not support RAID5).

The server will run 24/7 so power useage is a factor I'd like to consider - shutting down disks that are not needed, removing services that I am not going to use etc.

It will be connected to the net via a GbE switch and an FTTC connection (33down/8up). From the GbE switch is a powerline link to the HTPC.

I want the server to do the following;

1. Serve files to the HTPC
2. SMB support for backing up files from Win7 Laptops
3. Upload backups to offsite FTP server
4. DNLA support to stream directly to TV
5. Remote access to media, to include resampling to suit client
6. Ability to run a torrent client with webUI (uTorrent)

I have limited Linux experience (just have a laptop running ubuntu) but am not an idiot (I'm a software developer) and am looking forward to learning more about Linux.

After some research, I think a Debian based Linux distro is going to suit - as I have said though, I'm a Linux noob so would love some pointers on which distro to go for, and some example apps that would be able to do what i'm wanting to do.

 

[GeX]

Thanks for the reply.

I have read the threads about rsync - seems simple enough to do

Thanks for the list of DLNA apps - I'd found a different list as well, seems to be plenty about.

The transcoding thing will just be for cutting it down for mobile viewing really.

For details on the server, check here;

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18216324

In short, after cashback it cost me £112

 

[GeX]

I see Ubuntu as a more 'user friendly pretty GUI' kind of OS, which I admit - is nice on my laptop, but on a server that won't even have a monitor 99.9% of the time there is no need. I just need something that's not going to hog resources so that the tiny CPU can handle transcoding if asked to!

Thanks for the replies so far guys. Will give me something to sink my teeth into when I get a free evening.