How to install plex media Server on Ubuntu?

Installing Plex Media Server on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Plex Media Server is a popular media server software that allows users to organize, stream, and share their media content across various devices. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Plex has become a favorite among media enthusiasts and professionals alike. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing Plex Media Server on Ubuntu, a popular Linux distribution.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following prerequisites:

• Ubuntu 18.04 or later: Plex Media Server supports Ubuntu 18.04 or later. If you’re using an earlier version, you may need to upgrade to a supported version.
• Internet connection: You’ll need an internet connection to download and install Plex Media Server.
• Basic knowledge of Linux: While Plex Media Server is relatively easy to install, you should have some basic knowledge of Linux to complete the process.

Step 1: Update and Upgrade Your System

Before installing Plex Media Server, it’s essential to update and upgrade your Ubuntu system. This will ensure that you have the latest security patches and features.

• Update your system: Open a terminal and run the following command to update your system:

  sudo apt update

• Upgrade your system: Run the following command to upgrade your system to the latest version:

  sudo apt upgrade

  Step 2: Install Required Packages

Plex Media Server requires several packages to be installed on your system. We’ll install these packages in the following steps.

• Install the Plex Media Server package: Run the following command to install the Plex Media Server package:

  sudo apt install plexmediaserver

• Install the Plex Media Server dependencies: Run the following command to install the dependencies required by Plex Media Server:

  sudo apt install libav-dev libssl-dev libssl1.1 libbz2-dev libsqlite3-dev libxml2-dev libxslt-dev

  Step 3: Configure Plex Media Server

After installing the required packages, we’ll configure Plex Media Server to set up your media server.

• Create a Plex Media Server user: Run the following command to create a Plex Media Server user:

  sudo useradd -m plexmediaserver

• Set the Plex Media Server password: Run the following command to set the password for the Plex Media Server user:

  sudo passwd plexmediaserver

• Configure Plex Media Server: Run the following command to configure Plex Media Server:

  sudo plexmediaserver --config

  This will set up the basic configuration for Plex Media Server.

Step 4: Configure Plex Media Server Settings

After configuring Plex Media Server, we’ll set up the basic settings for your media server.

• Set the Plex Media Server port: Run the following command to set the Plex Media Server port:

  sudo plexmediaserver --port 32400

• Set the Plex Media Server username and password: Run the following command to set the username and password for the Plex Media Server user:

  sudo plexmediaserver --username plexmediaserver --password <password>

  Replace <password> with your desired password.

Step 5: Configure Plex Media Server Settings (Advanced)

After configuring Plex Media Server, we’ll set up the advanced settings for your media server.

• Set the Plex Media Server database: Run the following command to set the Plex Media Server database:

  sudo plexmediaserver --database sqlite3

• Set the Plex Media Server database file: Run the following command to set the Plex Media Server database file:

  sudo plexmediaserver --database-file /var/lib/plexmediaserver/plexmediaserver.db

• Set the Plex Media Server log file: Run the following command to set the Plex Media Server log file:

  sudo plexmediaserver --log-file /var/log/plexmediaserver.log

  Step 6: Test Plex Media Server

After configuring Plex Media Server, we’ll test it to ensure that it’s working correctly.

• Test the Plex Media Server: Run the following command to test the Plex Media Server:

  plexmediaserver --test

  This will test the Plex Media Server and ensure that it’s working correctly.

Step 7: Configure Plex Media Server Settings (Advanced)

After testing Plex Media Server, we’ll set up the advanced settings for your media server.

• Set the Plex Media Server timezone: Run the following command to set the Plex Media Server timezone:

  sudo plexmediaserver --timezone America/New_York

• Set the Plex Media Server timezone database: Run the following command to set the Plex Media Server timezone database:

  sudo plexmediaserver --timezone-database sqlite3

• Set the Plex Media Server timezone file: Run the following command to set the Plex Media Server timezone file:

  sudo plexmediaserver --timezone-file /etc/plexmediaserver/plexmediaserver.timezone

  Conclusion

Installing Plex Media Server on Ubuntu is a straightforward process that requires minimal technical expertise. By following these steps, you’ll be able to set up a fully functional Plex Media Server on your Ubuntu system. Remember to test your Plex Media Server regularly to ensure that it’s working correctly and to update your system as needed.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Use a secure password: Use a strong and unique password for the Plex Media Server user.
• Use a secure database: Use a secure database, such as SQLite, to store your media server data.
• Use a secure log file: Use a secure log file, such as a SQLite database, to store your media server logs.
• Use a secure timezone: Use a secure timezone, such as America/New_York, to set up your media server.
• Use a secure timezone database: Use a secure timezone database, such as SQLite, to store your media server timezone data.
• Use a secure timezone file: Use a secure timezone file, such as /etc/plexmediaserver/plexmediaserver.timezone, to store your media server timezone data.