Running Server Applications - The Basics

[Poppapete 104]

I would never run Utorrent on a server. Run it in a windows VM. The Doc has a great article on how to set it up in W8 and it is much the same in essentials R2.

 

http://thedocsworld.net/creating-virtual-machine-with-hyper-v-windows-8/

[ikon 439]

VMs would need a user account logged in to run then wouldn't they?

 

I looked into hyper v but seems it wasn't included in my install for some reason.

 

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

 

Uh, I believe you will find Hyper-V is included, but you do have to enable that Role using the Server Manager.

[Poppapete 104]

Hyper-V is included but you must install it as a role/feature. Bring up the server manager from administrative tools, and then in the server manager  dashboard - Configure this local server, item 2 is add roles and features. Hyper-V is under the roles and features here.

[Bmouthboyo 0]

OK, I think for my N54L I might need another NIC card dedicated to the VM's. Worth exploring though.

 

Can VM's run as services with no user logged in? Or do they require an account logged in?

[Drashna Jaelre 159]

Blue Iris and sabNZBd can run as a service natively. The rest, you *can* use Task Scheduler to run without having to log in. That's what I do for utorrent, sickbeard, couchpotato, and the like. Works wel.

 

As for VMs, if you're using HyperV, then yes absolutely. Standard practice actually.

[AkAdam44 1]

@Bmouthboyo  I am in the same exact situation as you were.  I just set up an HP N54L Micro Server with Server 2012 R2 with Essentials Role enabled.  I am trying to just set this up for home use and I'm looking to install applications now.  I have Plex Media Server running as a service right now, but I would also like to use my server as my main torrent box as well.  How did you end up installing all your apps?  Did you use the Task Scheduler method or run a new VM in Hyper V?

 

I'm new to using Server as an OS so any suggestions from anyone out there would be greatly appreciated!

[Drashna Jaelre 159]

Well, I used Task Scheduler to run utorrent, actually. Most everything gets run on my host... And via scheduled tasks

[AkAdam44 1]

I got uTorrent up and running using using the scheduled task method and it seems to be working pretty well. I tested it by restarting my server and then trying to access uTorrent using the Torrent Remote App on my phone before logging into any users on the server. I was able to get into uTorrent and add a new file remotely without having to start up uTorrent manually first!

Now I have figure out this SickBeard thing. I'm not sure if I should go the source route or not.

[Drashna Jaelre 159]

Should DEFINITELY go with source.

 

In fact, this should guide you through most of it:

https://couchpota.to/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=14

 

Just find the sickbeard git repo instead. Otherwise, it's the same.

And I use a scheduled task to run sickbeard as well.

[AkAdam44 1]

Looks like a great tutorial.  I'll give it a shot!  I got a Windows 7 VM running on the server, but this looks simple enough to get running directly in Server 2012 Essentials R2.

 

A little off topic...what application is everyone using to image their OS (C:) drive in Server 2012 R2?  Or do most people just use a mirrored RAID as a backup?  I'd hate to have all this configuration complete and then have my OS drive fail!