I started in home automation about 7 years ago with the Enki box, which I still use. Since then, I’ve installed other applications like Tapo, Netatmo, SmartLife for photovoltaic management… Last year, I wanted to evolve my home automation by using Home Assistant. I bought the Green box and turned to the HACS community for help getting started as a complete beginner. Unfortunately (or not), I was put off by the support and resold the box after 3 months. Then I discovered Gladys with joy, a French home automation system that emphasizes the “simplicity” of use and proximity. This matches my expectations. I watched, among others, the videos of Pierre-Gilles, tried the demo, browsed the site to avoid the financial pitfalls of HA, and here I am, I’m launching myself. I bought a small old PC from the local market. Its configuration is Linux Mint 22.3 Cinnamon 64bit, Intel Core i5-4200 @1.6 GHz*2 processor, 8.1 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD hard drive.
Already, it’s getting complicated for me. I want to use this PC as a server, and when I try to put it into practice, despite the tutorials, I’m completely lost. The PC runs on Linux, I’m connected via Ethernet, I have a 60 GB key where I downloaded linuxmint-22.3-cinnamon-64bit.iso
That’s where I’m stuck. I need your help and kindness to help me get started, and I hope to have an enriching experience to allow me to operate solely with Gladys in the years to come.
Welcome to the community, it’s true that here, proximity is a very important asset; you don’t feel alone.
My level doesn’t allow me to help you, but someone will soon come and ask you a few questions about your installation so that you can then enjoy Gladys and all its advancements.
From what I understand, you installed a LinuxMint (very good choice ) on this mini PC and you want to turn it into a server.
My first question is: why did you choose a desktop-focused Linux distribution instead of a server-specific one?
Let me explain, Linux Mint is great for daily use with a desktop and everything you need to replace a Windows or a Mac. However, it’s too much for a server because too many “graphical” services run unnecessarily.
If you indeed want to use this PC as a server, I would advise you to take the Gladys ISO based on Ubuntu Server: you will have Gladys installed directly on it and you will also be able to add other things/services if you wish.
Hi mutmut, thanks for your feedback. To answer your question, having no knowledge of Linux, by reading the different information about Gladys, I just understood that a PC running Linux was needed and I bought one that had the minimum specifications to work. Now it needs to be put into service. I will follow your instructions and keep you updated.
) on this mini PC and you want to turn it into a server.
