A Plex alternative Pilot Program
Linux Magazine|#260/July 2022: Privacy
Dim, a relatively new open source media manager, looks to implement the appearance and feature set of the commercial Plex media center.
By Ferdinand Thommes
A Plex alternative Pilot Program

Many media players, also known as home theater software suites or media managers, are available for Linux. Of particular interest are the candidates that rely on the client-server principle, which users can host themselves and which also support secure access from the outside. The better-known representatives of this genre include the open source projects Kodi, Emby, LibreELEC, and Jellyfin, and the primarily proprietary Plex [1], which originated as a fork of the Xbox Media Center's (XBMC) Frodo version.

Although not open source, Plex is very popular on Linux because of its extensive functionality, good user interface, and suitability as a streaming media server. However, it has shifted too heavily in the direction of Netflix and Amazon Prime for many users, while basic features have been missing for years, such as smooth fading in and out of audio tracks.

For about a year, developers have been working on Dim [2], open source software that emulates Plex's appearance and functionality as closely as possible. First released in April 2021, the current version is Dim 0.3.0-rc6. By the time you read this article, version 0.3.1 should already be available or close to official release.

Developed from scratch, Dim is not based on an existing application. It aims to scan and play media from anywhere with minimal setup effort by the user. The project is still at an early stage, but Dim already promises to morph into a viable free alternative to the proprietary Plex. For that reason, I will take a closer look at how to install Dim, where the project stands today, and what its future plans are.

Installation

Bu hikaye Linux Magazine dergisinin #260/July 2022: Privacy sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Linux Magazine dergisinin #260/July 2022: Privacy sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

LINUX MAGAZINE DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Tracking your finances with plain text accounting Plain Numbers
Linux Magazine

Tracking your finances with plain text accounting Plain Numbers

If you're tired of tinkering with spreadsheets, using hledger and plain text accounting offers a simpler method for managing your finances without vendor lock-in

time-read
4 dak  |
#285/August 2024: Kernel Exploits
Dependency resolution with apt-get and apt Evolutionary Tale
Linux Magazine

Dependency resolution with apt-get and apt Evolutionary Tale

Over the past 30 years, the apt family has played an important role in dependency resolution for Debian distros.

time-read
5 dak  |
#285/August 2024: Kernel Exploits
Cryptomining with Litecoin Traveling Lite
Linux Magazine

Cryptomining with Litecoin Traveling Lite

Although not as popular as headliners like Bitcoin and Ethereum, Litecoin is one of the oldest crytocurrencies, and it offers some useful features, such as dual-mining with Dogecoin.

time-read
5 dak  |
#285/August 2024: Kernel Exploits
Software Update SnoopGod
Linux Magazine

Software Update SnoopGod

SnoopGod delivers an Ubuntu-based pentesting distribution with an emphasis on security education.

time-read
6 dak  |
#285/August 2024: Kernel Exploits
Kernel Trouble
Linux Magazine

Kernel Trouble

This deep look at how intruders attack an out-of-date kernel should be enough to convince you of the need to stay vigilant.

time-read
3 dak  |
#285/August 2024: Kernel Exploits
Using Wake-on-LAN for a NAS backup Power Saver
Linux Magazine

Using Wake-on-LAN for a NAS backup Power Saver

Put your backup server to sleep when you don't need it and then wake it on demand using the Wake-on-LAN feature built into network adapters.

time-read
5 dak  |
#285/August 2024: Kernel Exploits
Time Travel
Linux Magazine

Time Travel

Mike Schilli uses a Go program to check whether a strategy for trading stocks is making gains or losses on the basis of historical price data.

time-read
8 dak  |
#285/August 2024: Kernel Exploits
URL filtering with Pi-hole Into the Funnel
Linux Magazine

URL filtering with Pi-hole Into the Funnel

Supporting browser plug-ins, network-based DNS blockers like Pi-hole help protect you against online tracking and unwanted content.

time-read
10+ dak  |
#274/August 2023: The Best of Small Distros
Artificial intelligence on the Raspberry Pi Learning Experience
Linux Magazine

Artificial intelligence on the Raspberry Pi Learning Experience

You don't need a powerful computer system to use Al. We show what it takes to benefit from Al on the Raspberry Pi and what tasks the small computer can handle.

time-read
7 dak  |
#274/August 2023: The Best of Small Distros
MakerSpace Manage your greenhouse with a Raspberry Pi Pico W Sheltered Growth
Linux Magazine

MakerSpace Manage your greenhouse with a Raspberry Pi Pico W Sheltered Growth

You can safely assign some greenhouse tasks to a Raspberry Pi Pico W, such as controlling ventilation, automating a heater, and opening and closing windows.

time-read
7 dak  |
#274/August 2023: The Best of Small Distros