I'm not sophisticated. Do I really need Docker?

[yougottabekind]

Trying to get my first home server set up. Ideally I just want to be able to store/watch tv/movies (Jellyfin) and photos and videos (something like IMMICH). I just got a mini PC for this purpose and have been reading up on how to get things set up.

Lots of people insist I need to use Docker. I downloaded Docker Compose and tried to get a handle on how to get everything set up, but I'm lost and confused. I'm not a pro - not comfortable using terminal commands and such. I just want the basics to work on my server.

Do I really need Docker? If so - what's the easiest walk-through on how to get things working?

If not - feel free to share your favorite newbie tips and guides.

Thanks...

[TheDreadPirate]

You don't NEED docker. But if you plan on running a bunch of services on your server, docker helps the various apps co-exist without interfering with each other. Docker also allows you to centralize where are your app's data is located making backups and migration from host to host simple.

I run Jellyfin directly on Ubuntu, no Docker. But I have 4 test instances of Jellyfin in Docker.

[yougottabekind]

What do you consider "a bunch" of services? Like I mentioned I really only plan to use Jellyfin and a photos app.

[TheDreadPirate]

2 is definitely NOT a bunch. I'm talking like 5+, which is not uncommon around here.

[yougottabekind]

Totally. Thanks for your advice! If you agree it will be ok for my needs (for now), I think I'll just run them normally and hope I don't have any issues.