Transforming an Old Laptop into a Minecraft Server
Have you ever wondered if an old computer can handle a Minecraft server with multiple players? Well, XXLSteve did, and he decided to transform his old laptop into a server that could host Minecraft games at home. Let’s dive into the process and see how he did it!
Changing the Operating System
The first step in transforming the old laptop into a Minecraft server was to change the operating system from Windows to Linux. XXLSteve downloaded the ISO image for Ubuntu Server and used Rufus to create a bootable USB drive. After changing the boot options in the laptop’s BIOS, he successfully installed Ubuntu Server.
Configuring the Server
With Ubuntu Server installed, XXLSteve accessed the server through an SSH session using PuTTY. He updated the installed packages and installed Docker, which would be used to install preconfigured services automatically. Although there were some hiccups during the installation process, XXLSteve managed to get Docker up and running.
Setting Up the Minecraft Server
With Docker installed, XXLSteve used a preconfigured container to install a PaperMC server for Minecraft. With just one command, he had a Minecraft server up and running on his old laptop. However, at this point, the server could only be accessed on the local network.
Exposing the Server to the Public Internet
To make the Minecraft server accessible to players outside the local network, XXLSteve needed to expose the server to the public internet. He used DuckDNS to automatically link a subdomain to the server’s IP address, which would change dynamically. To hide his IP address, XXLSteve used Cloudflare’s reverse tunnel service, which created a tunnel between a subdomain and a port on his server.
Optimizing the Server
Although the old laptop could handle a Minecraft server with a few players, XXLSteve acknowledged that there was room for optimization. By changing the server’s configuration and adding plugins, he could improve its performance. Additionally, he explored ways to save electricity, such as using plugins that put the server into hibernation when no one was playing.
Is It Worth Hosting a Minecraft Server at Home?
While hosting a Minecraft server at home can be a fun and cost-effective option, XXLSteve pointed out that there are other hosting services available at competitive prices. However, having a server at home allows for more control and the ability to run other services, such as Home Assistant, using Docker.
In conclusion, XXLSteve successfully transformed his old laptop into a Minecraft server by changing the operating system, configuring the server, setting up the Minecraft server, and exposing it to the public internet. With some optimization and electricity-saving measures, hosting a Minecraft server at home can be a rewarding experience.
References:
- Ubuntu Server: https://ubuntu.com/download/server
- Rufus: https://rufus.ie/fr/
- DuckDNS: https://www.duckdns.org/
- Cloudflare Zero Trust: https://www.cloudflare.com/fr-fr/products/tunnel/
- ngrok: https://ngrok.com/
- frp: https://github.com/fatedier/frp
- Hibernate: https://www.spigotmc.org/resources/hibernate.4441/
- Minecraft Server Hibernation: https://github.com/gekware/minecraft-server-hibernation
For more information, you can visit XXLSteve’s website and social media channels:
- Website: https://xxlsteve.net/fr
- Serveur Discord: https://discord.gg/qPcDsAUZyv
- Participate in Minecraft events: https://discord.gg/nsgXbM7sxz
Remember, hosting your own Minecraft server can be a fun and rewarding experience. Happy gaming!