Plex Media Server installation on OpenSUSE

Prologue: Getting Your Groove on with OpenSUSE

Your media deserves to be embraced in all its digital splendor, and what better way to manage that than with Plex Media Server on OpenSUSE? This Linux distro is sleek, efficient, and just begs to be paired with the ultimate media server. With Plex, you’ll turn your machine into a media mecca, streaming effortlessly to all your devices. Let’s embark on this journey to elevate your media experience to Stark-level sophistication.

Prerequisites and Requirements

Hardware Requirements

First things first, ensure you’ve got a machine with at least a dual-core processor and 2GB of RAM. While Plex can technically run on less, let’s not sell ourselves short. Aim for more if you plan to transcode high-definition content.

System Configurations

Ensure you’re running OpenSUSE Leap or Tumbleweed. A stable, updated system is crucial for a smooth Plex experience. Opt for a 64-bit version for optimal performance.

Dependencies and Packages

Before diving in, you need to gather the right tools. Plex relies on several libraries and dependencies. Make sure you’ve got basics like wget, curl, and some multimedia libraries tailored for OpenSUSE.

Preparing OpenSUSE Environment

Updating the System

Let’s start with updating your OpenSUSE system to ensure everything runs seamlessly. Fire up your terminal and run:

sudo zypper refresh
sudo zypper update

Reboot your system if necessary to apply any kernel updates.

Installing Required Libraries and Tools

An efficient system is a happy system. Install the necessary libraries and tools:

sudo zypper install curl wget libavcodec58 libavformat58 libavutil56

These packages cover basic dependencies Plex might need for handling your media files.

Downloading Plex Media Server

Choosing the Correct Version

Plex has multiple versions suited for different system architectures. For OpenSUSE, we recommend getting the latest RPM package. Navigate to Plex’s official download page and select the appropriate version.

Where to Find the Latest Plex Media Server

You can always find the latest versions of Plex Media Server directly from their official website. Make sure to choose the ‘Linux’ distribution and then select ‘OpenSUSE’ under the RPM packages section.

Installing Plex Media Server

Command Line Installation Steps

Once you’ve got the RPM package, open your terminal and navigate to the download directory. Install the package using:

sudo zypper install plexmediaserver-1.x.x.x.x86_64.rpm

Replace ‘1.x.x.x.x86_64.rpm’ with the actual version number you downloaded.

Setting Up Repositories

To keep Plex updated, add their repository to your system:

sudo zypper addrepo https://downloads.plex.tv/repo/rpm/plex.repo

Update your repositories to include the new Plex source:

sudo zypper refresh

Installing via YaST or Zypper

If you prefer a GUI approach, you can also use YaST to install Plex:

1. Open YaST Software Management.
2. Search for “plexmediaserver”.
3. Select the package and install.

Alternatively, use this zypper command:

sudo zypper install plexmediaserver

Initial Configuration and Setup

Accessing the Plex Web Interface

Once installed, start the Plex service:

sudo systemctl start plexmediaserver

Check if it’s running smoothly:

sudo systemctl status plexmediaserver

Access the web interface at:

http://localhost:32400/web

First-Time Setup Wizard

Plex will welcome you with a setup wizard. Follow the steps to configure your libraries, pointing to your media directories.

Creating and Linking a Plex Account

Sign in or create a Plex account to take full advantage of remote access features. Link your account to start organizing your media.

Optimizing Plex Settings for OpenSUSE

Transcoding Settings

Nail those transcoding settings in the Plex web interface under ‘Settings’ > ‘Server’ > ‘Transcoder’. Choose ‘Make my CPU hurt’ for aggressive transcoding or ‘Prefer higher speed encoding’ for a performance balance.

Network Settings

For optimal network performance, ensure your server is wired, not wireless. In ‘Settings’ > ‘Remote Access’, configure port forwarding if necessary.

Performance Tweaks

Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Library’ and enable ‘Scan my library automatically’. Disable ‘Generate video preview thumbnails’ for larger libraries to reduce CPU load.

Securing Your Plex Server

Enabling SSL

Treat your data like your best prototype – secure it. Enable SSL for remote access under ‘Settings’ > ‘Network’ > ‘Secure Connections’.

Setting Up User Permissions

Under ‘Settings’ > ‘Home Users’, configure user permissions to control who accesses what. Set viewing restrictions to keep your content safe.

General Security Best Practices

Regularly update your servers and packages. Use strong, unique passwords. Backup your data frequently to an external drive or cloud storage.

Final Thoughts: Unleash Your Media with Style

Congratulations, you’re now the curator of a slick, powerhouse media server. With OpenSUSE at your base and Plex at the helm, your media collection is in the best hands. Enjoy the smooth sailing and endless streaming.