LukasNation

Hi there!
I've got a beginner question, I just set up an old PC to be used as a media server with Plex.
I have Ubuntu server installed on the server.
I am wondering, can I also use it as a sort of makeshift file server?
And then access them with SFTP from my other PC?

Is that good enough? I mean it will work, but is Ubuntu Server and SFTP really everything I need to have a working server? What are the downsides?

Hi everyone!
Just got into self hosting my media, by making a media server using a laptop and plex.
I am wondering, on the laptop I am using Ubuntu server, and I made it so that I can close the screen without it turning off.

Now my questions:

1. I turn the laptop(server) off at night, but it's running all day, should I keep it plugged into the wall, or not? And if I am leaving my house, should I plug it out and keep it running?
2. I don't have much storage on the laptop rn, 210gb, but since I use it only for 16bit 44kHz music, so far it'll do, but I am wondering, would it be fine to run my external hard drive (My Passport by WD) pretty much all day over USB 3.0, would it work well, and would it be safe for the external drive?
3. Since I am turning off the server at night, how much worse would it be just running it 24/7?