Personal Music Server

[Dwalls90]

Hi,

I have lots of music that I want to have access to from college, my house, ect. Furthermore, every now and then I want to share a few tracks with my friends, family, ect.

Before you read further, yes, I own the music, and yes, what I am asking to do is not illegal, I've done the research

That said, what I am THINKING of trying, is to put an older "server" mac behind my router at my home address, and allowing sharing using FTP (I know how to port forward to the "server" mac). These are my questions/concerns;

- I don't want anyone to have access to any other folders except this single music folder.
- I need to maintain the ability to read/write files remotely, but only allow others to read the files.
- What OS? Linux or Lion?
- Is there a software I should be using rather than using Lion or Linux's FTP protocols?

Thank you in advance for helping a networking n00b out

 

[jeyf]

look into a free app tonido. example install it at home and access your files and music using any broser. also an iphone app.
-dosnt work well with video
-a little unstable
-i can play most any music format
-you can restrict only individual directories
-odd interface and users manual
-it has a semi functional admin guest account scheme

you really want to install VPN, works well and stable

 

[Dwalls90]

Thank you for your input.

I only need music, but I want the media to be downloadable by file/folder (track/album). Is that an option?

 

[nelek]

Get a good NAS like a Synology. Its way better geared towards you want to do :

- Lower power consumption than a computer
- Comes with built in FTP functionality, so you can define user access to certain areas of the systems
- Can serve your music trough an iTunes Server, so all the Macs in your LAN can see the music and stream it, including playlists
- Can serve your music trough iOS apps, turning an iPhone or iPad into a streaming iPod.
- Has a built in secure HTTP portal, which gives you an iTunes like interface in a webbrowser, allowing you to stream your music from within the browser
- Has a web interface for files, so you can download and upload content
- Time Machine Support
- Easy backup and synchronisation

etc...