I've finalised everything! (Subject to some changes )

After filling up my UnRAID implementation of the HP Microserver I've decided to go the whole hog and set up my own system based upon Lubuntu, the minimal Ubuntu offshoot. I chose to use it because it'll do everything Ubuntu does without all the added fluff designed for normal desktop use. I could have gone with server but I have to have a GUI.

So, the plan is to run this entirely from a USB stick. The stick will be write protected or writes drastically minimised at the least, this'll ensure I'm not gonna be killing the USB stick anytime soon. A small partition on a data drive will be used to implement a kind of cache for log files, nzb and other bits.

Ditching UnRAID has meant I'm gonna be requiring some kind of data security so I'll be using SnapRAID, which offers a parity drive much like UnRAID. To pool all of the storage into a single logical drive I'll be using Greyhole. Both of those should pretty much replace the job UnRAID does.

As for other programmes, I'm gonna be installed Sabnzbd, Couchpotato, Sickbeard, Newznab and Logitech Media Server. A few other data security bits like Smartmontools to keep a check on the drives will be scheduled to run. My idea, is to create, hopefully, a system based on Lubtuntu that can do everything I require but also, with the flexibility of an Ubuntu base, be modified in the future without relying on big changes to the system.

Anybody got suggestions for anything I've overlooked for a media server? I will not have XBMC on this because I already have that on my satellite box I've created.

Sounds like an interesting project, I'll be interested to hear how you get on with SnapRAID/Greyhole as opposed to unRAID, I'd like a Windows alternative to unRAID really as I'm getting pretty tired of using PS3 Media Server as it seems to mess up quite often and takes an age to show the directory list, it's about 10 mins fannying around before I can start streaming on the PS3.

SnapRAID works with windows. But for storage pooling you'll need to pay afaik, if you need that.

how are you getting on with this?

Im deciding on media server - windows makes things easier for me & considering home server.
currently doing it with windows 7
shared drives & using a Raspberry Pi with Xbian XBMC. played everything Ive needed so far

Slowly, I've been sidetracked by quite a few things. Mainly looking for a new job again!

Still undecided if I should go for new career in IT or try to move into formal management within the electrical industry. Bloody decisions >_<