In the world of streaming, where subscriptions and monthly fees seem to multiply by the day, Plex is an underrated gem. It’s a powerful media server that offers full control over your content library, and you don’t need to be an IT expert to get it up and running. Whether you’re a complete tech novice or an autodidact with a DIY spirit, Plex is versatile enough to fit your needs.

Start Small: Running Plex on an Old Laptop

One of Plex’s biggest selling points is that you can start with nearly any device. For me, it all began with an old laptop running Ubuntu. I had a collection of movies and music sitting on an external hard drive, and I wanted a simple way to access everything across devices. Within a couple of hours, Plex was up and streaming, making it easy to enjoy my library from my phone, tablet, and even the TV.

The setup is incredibly user-friendly. If you can download and install software, you can set up Plex. It walks you through installation, and the interface is simple enough for beginners while still offering more advanced features for those who want to tinker.

Scaling Up: From Simple Laptop to Proxmox VM with Docker and Jellyfin Backup

As I got deeper into the tech side, Plex became more than just a media server. It turned into a personal IT project. I eventually moved my Plex server to a Proxmox VM with Docker and added Jellyfin as a backup. This setup was partly for redundancy and partly to challenge myself technically. Plex’s flexibility allows you to scale up like this — adding Docker containers or virtual machines as your setup evolves.

For those with a tech itch to scratch, Plex can be a great way to dive into home server management. It’s perfect for experimenting with VMs, Docker, or even new operating systems. But that’s completely optional. The beauty of Plex is that it grows with you, turning an old laptop into a functional media server or integrating into a full-blown home lab.

A Personal Spotify (and Netflix) on Your Terms

Plex doesn’t just host video; it’s a complete media solution, meaning it also streams music, audiobooks, and podcasts. If you’re into music, Plex Amp is an add-on worth exploring. It lets you curate and stream your collection across devices, essentially turning Plex into your private Spotify.

The potential for cord-cutting is also real. Plex provides options to integrate live TV and DVR if you have a compatible tuner, so you can easily combine all your content in one spot. As a streaming hub, Plex is fantastic for anyone tired of hopping from app to app or paying for services they barely use.

In a world where tech can feel confusing or overly commercial, Plex is refreshingly straightforward. It puts your media and control back in your hands, no matter your level of expertise. Whether you’re looking for a weekend project to host your own Netflix or a platform to tinker and learn, Plex offers the flexibility to go as deep as you want.

All you need is some storage, a device to run it on, and a bit of curiosity. So why not dust off that old laptop, plug in an external drive, and give Plex a try? You might just find yourself hooked on the possibilities.