Which Linux distro should I use

Add any particular hints or tricks you have found to help with your ZoneMinder experience.
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brianwbyrd
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Aug 20, 2020 11:49 pm

Which Linux distro should I use

Post by brianwbyrd »

I am trying to install Zone Minder on an older Ubuntu 18.4 laptop. Once I get that working I might buy a fanless mini PC that would sit with my networking equipment. Probably a Qotom or something similar. But from looking through the documentation and the forum, its not clear to me which distro I should focus on using once I get a fanless mini PC. The one document I read said that Ubuntu isn't as well maintained. Would I be better off with Debian, Fedora or something else.

Thanks
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burger
Posts: 390
Joined: Mon May 11, 2020 4:32 pm

Re: Which Linux distro should I use

Post by burger »

What document says ubuntu is not well supported?

Debian / Ubuntu are the best distros for beginners. Fedora is supported as well.

See install docs on the https://wiki.zoneminder.com/Contents
specifically the Ubuntu and Debian docs. Either should work.
https://wiki.zoneminder.com/Ubuntu
https://wiki.zoneminder.com/Debian
fastest way to test streams:
ffmpeg -i rtsp://<user>:<pass>@<ipaddress>:554/path ./output.mp4 (if terminal only)
ffplay rtsp://<user>:<pass>@<ipaddress>:554/path (gui)
find paths on ispydb or in zm hcl

If you are new to security software, read:
https://wiki.zoneminder.com/Dummies_Guide
winstontj
Posts: 28
Joined: Tue Aug 06, 2019 7:56 pm

Re: Which Linux distro should I use

Post by winstontj »

For the most part, consider Ubuntu and Debian to be the same thing. Technically they are not at all the same and Ubuntu is based on Debian.

Whatever you do, choose LTS (long-term-support) versions with at least a first patch or update.
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