How To Install Plex Media Server on openSUSE
Plex Media Server is a powerful and versatile media management solution that allows you to organize, stream, and enjoy your personal media collection across various devices. With Plex, you can create a centralized library for your movies, TV shows, music, and photos, making it easy to access your favorite content from anywhere. openSUSE, a reliable and user-friendly Linux distribution, provides an excellent platform for running Plex Media Server. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing Plex Media Server on openSUSE, ensuring that you can set up your personal media server with ease.
Why Use openSUSE for Plex?
openSUSE is an ideal choice for hosting Plex Media Server due to its stability, performance, and extensive community support. The distribution is known for its reliability and offers a user-friendly experience, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Additionally, openSUSE provides a wide range of software packages and tools, ensuring compatibility with Plex and its dependencies.
Prerequisites
System Requirements
Before installing Plex Media Server on openSUSE, ensure that your system meets the minimum hardware requirements. Plex recommends the following specifications for optimal performance:
- CPU: Intel Core i3 or equivalent
- RAM: 4 GB or more
- Storage: Sufficient space to store your media files
- Network: A stable internet connection
Software Requirements
To install Plex Media Server on openSUSE, you need to have a fresh installation of openSUSE Leap or Tumbleweed. Ensure that your system is up to date by running the following command in the terminal:
sudo zypper refresh && sudo zypper updateStep-by-Step Installation Guide
1. Preparing Your System
Before proceeding with the installation, make sure you have the necessary tools installed on your openSUSE system. Install the wget package by running the following command:
sudo zypper install wget2. Downloading Plex Media Server
Visit the official Plex Media Server download page. Scroll down to the “Linux” section and locate the RPM package suitable for openSUSE. Copy the download link for the RPM package.
In the terminal, use wget to download the Plex Media Server RPM package:
wget https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-media-server-new/1.41.0.8992-8463ad060/redhat/plexmediaserver-1.41.0.8992-8463ad060.x86_64.rpmReplace the URL with the actual download link you copied from the Plex website.
3. Installing Plex Media Server
To install the downloaded RPM package, use the zypper package manager. Run the following command:
sudo zypper install plexmediaserver-1.41.0.8992-8463ad060.x86_64.rpmDuring the installation process, you may encounter an integrity warning. This warning appears because the Plex RPM package is not signed with a trusted key. To proceed with the installation, press “i” to ignore the warning and continue.
Wait for the installation to complete. Zypper will resolve any dependencies and install Plex Media Server on your openSUSE system.
4. Configuring Firewall Settings
To allow Plex Media Server to communicate with other devices on your network, you need to configure your firewall settings. openSUSE uses the built-in firewall management tool, YaST, to manage firewall rules.
Open YaST by running the following command:
sudo yast2Navigate to “Security and Users” and select “Firewall.” In the firewall configuration, add the necessary ports for Plex Media Server. By default, Plex uses port 32400 for communication. Add this port to the list of allowed ports in the firewall settings.
Alternatively, you can use the command line to open the required port:
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=32400/tcp
sudo firewall-cmd --reload5. Starting and Enabling Plex Service
To start the Plex Media Server service and ensure it runs automatically on system startup, use the following commands:
sudo systemctl start plexmediaserver
sudo systemctl enable plexmediaserver6. Initial Setup and Configuration
Open a web browser and navigate to http://localhost:32400/web to access the Plex Web App. You will be greeted with the Plex setup wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a Plex account (if you don’t have one already) and configure your media libraries.
Post-Installation Configuration
1. Setting Up Libraries and Adding Media
Once you have completed the initial setup, it’s time to create your media libraries and add your media files. In the Plex Web App, navigate to the “Libraries” section and click on “Add Library.” Choose the type of media you want to add (e.g., Movies, TV Shows, Music) and select the directories where your media files are stored.
To ensure a seamless experience, it’s recommended to organize your media files properly. Plex follows a specific naming convention for movies and TV shows. For example, movies should be named in the format “Movie Name (Year).ext,” while TV shows should be organized in separate folders for each season, with episode files named as “Show Name – Sesions – Episode Title.ext.”
2. Managing User Permissions
To ensure that Plex Media Server has proper access to your media directories, you may need to adjust the user permissions. By default, Plex runs under the “plex” user account. Use the following commands to grant the necessary permissions:
sudo chown -R plex:plex /path/to/your/media/directory
sudo chmod -R 755 /path/to/your/media/directoryReplace “/path/to/your/media/directory” with the actual path to your media files.
3. Enabling Remote Access
If you want to access your Plex Media Server from outside your local network, you need to enable remote access. In the Plex Web App, go to “Settings” and select “Remote Access.” Click on “Enable Remote Access” and ensure that the port forwarding settings are configured correctly on your router.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues during the installation or setup process, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- If you experience playback issues or connectivity problems, make sure that your firewall settings allow the necessary ports for Plex Media Server.
- If Plex fails to start, check the log files located in
/var/lib/plexmediaserver/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server/Logs/for any error messages. - Ensure that your media files are properly named and organized according to Plex’s naming conventions.
- If you encounter permission-related issues, double-check the ownership and permissions of your media directories.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Plex. Thanks for using this tutorial to install the latest version of Plex Media Server on the openSUSE system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Plex website.
