Concerns before installing

I recently built a PC running headless UbuntuServer 12.04. My daily laptop is running Kubuntu. I've been researching for days on the best option for streaming media (TV, movies, music) from my server; locally through LAN in a Web UI, and remotely through a Web UI (with dyndns). I'd like a main and a guest account for family.

I am completely willing to pay for a great program like Serviio, but I'm intimidated by how I will set it up. This guide seems very easy to follow, but I'm not sure what to do afterwards. I've searched the forums and can't find a solid guide for working with a headless server.

I don't have LAMP installed, should I install it?
This guide is recommended in a thread. It references the folder /var/www which I think is created when you install LAMP. As you can see, I'm new to fiddling with servers (being this is my first).

I just do not want to pay for this service until I know exactly how I will set it up first. This is what is holding me back from purchasing. If anyone can offer advise or a link to a guide, I'd greatly appreciate it.

P.S. I saw that "zip" replied in another thread that, "you cannot run the console on a headless server". Does this mean I would install servioo on my headless server, but then configure it from the android app? Or through my Kubuntu (GUI) laptop? I think I just need some clarity

Edit: I just read through the first part of this howto, and I understand each step. I'm still concerned as what prerequisites I need, and how to access it once installed. I'm guessing through a browser at 192.168.X.X:23424/mediabrowser. But that means I'd have to pay for it before I even know it works. I still just need some clarity hah. Thank you.

I think I understand a little better now... correct me if I'm wrong please.

1. Install LAMP on server
2. Install Serviio using this guide
2. Install the Web Configuration UI (since I'm running headless) in the /var/www directory
3. Connect to 192.168.X.X/serviio on my laptop
4. Adjust settings in Web UI

And since my main use will be through my laptop, I will need the MediaBrowser. And for Android, the ServiiGo app.

5. Follow instructions on this page to port forward and configure Serviio to have an external IP address
6. Connect to server with http://myserviio.dnsdynamic.org:23424/mediabrowser from any location, locally or remote

If all of that is correct.. I'm so ready to get this thing working. A final question though: Is there password protection when connecting to the address above at port 23424? And for multiple users? (ie. main, family, guest)

[atc98092]

While I am familiar with Linux, I have not played with Serviio on it, so most of your questions I cannot answer. I can state that the browser does require a login, so there is some password protection there. At this time it does not support multiple user accounts, although that is a requested item and I believe Zip is considering it for a future update. This latest version (1.4) provided a complete replacement of the web based media browser, and in my testing works very well.

I intend on setting up my network same as you to provide outside viewing. I travel occasionally, and the movie selection is pitiful in most hotels. I want to be able to watch what I want, when I want. Can't beat Serviio for that!