¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I put it on a larger HDD because my SSD was running out of space and it corrupted about a week later.

When you say database, do you mean the OS and the server install?

Yes, that's what I meant. I switched my server install to a HDD because it was running on a 256 GB SSD which was running out of room.

I’m sure docker is easier if you know it.. that’s like the point, afaik, but while basic use might be easy, it’s.. never ever that easy for me, something always goes wrong, which is why I haven’t bothered yet. I know I should, I know it’ll make things easier (hypothetically), but it feels like a huge undertaking for someone with no skills. I’ve been looking for a super noob friendly instruction guide, and have not found one that I can work with, tbh, without a bunch of other know-how that I don’t have. (If you know of any I’d be eternally grateful!!!)

I can give you some tips for now and then I'll give you some more in-depth instructions when I'm at my computer again.

For now:
Install Docker to your computer. I'm not sure how windows Docker handles it but I recommend using Docker compose. I'm not sure of the technical differences between Docker and Docker compose, but I found Docker compose to be much easier to use because it's saved as a YAML file (text file). If you need to make changes, just edit the file.

Once you have that set up, get a Plex server running. You'll probably have to change the ports in the Docker one to avoid conflict with your current one.

I recommend LinuxServer.io for a lot of things, including Plex. There's some dissent over use of Linux Server's apps due to permission and root things, but they are also super simple to use and you can start with the basics here.

https://docs.linuxserver.io/images/docker-plex/

Scroll down a bit to find the docker-compose section. To start a sample plex server, make the following changes:

Remove network_mode: host

In line with environment and volumes, add this:
ports - 324001:32400

This will route 32400 of the docker container to 32401 of the host network, allowing you to have both servers running at the same time without a port conflict.

Edit the volumes as needed. Always remember, it goes: host: container for everything. You can change it however you need. /config should preferably be on an SSD, as I said. The rest can be created as needed. For mine, I have both movies and TV shows stored under a folder called /media/. My plex docker script mounts /media/ and in plex I can search through the subdirectories to find the TV and Movies section.

Your second (temporary) plex server should be set up properly once you start the container

I'll tell you how to data over to the Docker container later.

It is possible to pass transcoding - I'll share my compose file when I'm at my computer

I would recommend using Docker first on the windows machine as a step in the transition. I did exactly this when I was transitioning to debian from windows. It made the official switch insanely easy because all I had to do was set up the Docker filesystem to what it already knew and it started up without any issues.

My lessons learned:
Keep the database on an SSD. I put mine on a HDD and it corrupted.

good stable distro

Debian

long-term stable choice

Debian

this specific machine is not meant for change. Ever.

Debian

Bonus round: anyone who’s ever transferred Plex servers from win to Linux (insert flavor), is it actually possible to keep my collections and playlists and stuff?

Yes, it's relatively simple, especially with Docker. Back up the Plex folder from your windows machine. Once your new OS is set up, put the folder where you wanna store it and point Docker to that folder in the compose.yaml.

People have families that also need to eat.

As others have said - Live USB.

Set up a USB stick with Ventoy and you can throw a bunch of distros on there so you can trial all of them without needing to flash a new USB.

Just put the ISOs on the Ventoy flash drive and boot into Ventoy.

I don't think of it as 'cool' - I just view it the same as a preference.

Alcohol, weed, shrooms, and even some party drugs like ecstasy and such, are all fine in my book as long as they're done responsibly.

I think once you venture down the path of abuse, it's a problem. That goes for everything in this world - moderation is key.

Heroin, meth, and all the other hard drugs are a problem because they are so incredibly addicting that it's almost impossible for someone to use in moderation.

I second immich

I third Immich

I put that shit on everything

~~It also sounds like it could have been a leather shoe or a stomach sound.~~

EDIT: Nvm I just listened with headphones. That sounded like a wet fart.

more of along the lines of shitty