Win10 or Unraid for New Server?

#1

I just built a new PC intended to replace my parents aging SageTV DVR PC (which I also built) running Channels DVR. I decommissioned a Win10 PC a few months back and intended to re-use the license, however, it's not activating with the new PC hardware. Rather than purchase a new expensive license or a gray market license, I was wondering what others might think about which option is the best - (I really don't want to purchase another $200 Windows 10 Pro license.)

(1) Run without activating Windows 10 (any issues here)?
(2) Buy an Unraid license and run the Channels Docker instead of Windows

BTW - This new machine will be used for OTA only via HDHR Quatro and I will install the Pluto TV docker.

#2

Why not put a Linux distro on it?

1 Like
#3

Or you could look at TrueNAS Core, which has no license fee.

#4

Yeah i have to echo @VTTom here. Why mess with windows? Ubuntu 64bit, load it up and you are in business.

#5

Linux is certainly an interesting idea that I did not consider - I will have to investigate - I built a TrueNAS machine this summer, but ended up changing it to Unraid as it is more flexible with disk sizes - thanks for the replies.

#6

I run my server on Ubuntu 20.04 and it’s solid as a rock. You couldn’t pay me to run it on windows with their hideous upgrades. More reliable, more secure, and free.

#7

Placing a disk from your original computer in the new one may allow it to activate. You don't need to use it as your C: and it can be removed once activated and running for a few weeks.

Windows makes a fine server, set your busy hours to force update restarts into the early morning. I've never had a restart affect a recording, even when recording in the early morning on the day the computer restarted.

All of the other suggestions work.

Morris

#8

If you want to go this route, IIRC Microsoft has stopped disabling major functionality with unactivated installations. The only major things that are disabled are personalization options (changing background, etc.). (The reason I know this is because I keep a couple Windows VMs available to aid in support/troubleshooting for clients, and need to replicate their environments. To date, I haven't had any issues with not activating these Win10Pro installs ... I haven't gotten around to trying Win11Pro yet.)

#9

For those of you installing Ubuntu - do you install the desktop version with the minimal option?

#10

You want the server version

#11

I use the desktop version. I prefer the ui.

#12

It all depends on what you want and what you're comfortable with. Personally I have an Unraid server, but I had been running Ubuntu with mergerfs and snapraid to make it similar to Unraid. I eventually just went with Unraid too make it a little easier to manage, but either way is a good option as long as you're comfortable with what you're doing.