4 Must‑Try Open‑Source Server Tools for Linux You Can Deploy Today

1. Samba

Samba is a free software suite that connects UNIX‑like operating systems with Microsoft Windows using the SMB/CIFS network protocol, allowing easy file sharing across platforms on the same local network.

On KDE Plasma, right‑click a folder, choose Properties, go to the Sharing tab, and enable "Share with Samba (Microsoft Windows)" to create a read‑only shared directory accessible via IP address or hostname.

Project address: http://samba.org/

2. Snapdrop

Snapdrop is an open‑source online service that enables peer‑to‑peer file transfer directly between browsers using WebRTC, without storing data on any server. It works on both desktop and mobile browsers (except IE and Safari).

When two or more clients connect to Snapdrop, they can exchange files and chat messages over the local network, with fast transfer speeds and all data staying local.

Project address: https://github.com/RobinLinus/snapdrop

3. VLC

VLC is a free, open‑source, cross‑platform multimedia player and framework that supports most media files, DVDs, audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols, allowing you to stream your own media to any device that can receive HTTP.

Project address: https://www.videolan.org/index.html

4. PulseAudio

PulseAudio provides flexible audio handling on Linux, including automatic discovery of local network streams, enabling you to play podcasts or conference videos on a workstation and listen on a phone.

Before using, install the PulseAudio preferences package (paprefs) and enable network access for local sound devices, allowing network audio without additional verification.

Project address: https://www.freedesktop.org/wiki/Software/PulseAudio/