Setting up your own media server doesn’t need to be difficult, but most of us do not know where to start. Do we use our main computer, a separate box and do we store this in the living room, connected to our network or through wireless? It’s mind boggling and leaves you wondering where you should turn.

Recently I had this dilemma and realised that I had an old Mac Mini sitting in storage, doing very little. It was one of the first revisions and too old to use as the main computer in the house, so was left doing nothing and gathering dust. It hit me that there’s no reason why this couldn’t be used a media server, streaming audio around the house. It had enough memory to handle the content and would directly connect to my existing wireless or wired network. Set up iTunes, move across your audio files and then setup to share with other machines.

However, I wondered how I could control the content and move from one audio track to another? Unless the Mac Mini was connected to a monitor, there was no obvious way of controlling tracks. Also, I’d have to be in the room to control.

Remote Buddy is the solution. This software tool enables you to control various software-based devices installed on your Mac. For instance, you can use the software to play and move between audio tracks. Better still you could install on your iPhone or iPod Touch and use the graphic interface to control your iTunes-based audio from the device.

So, grab a Mac, an Airport Express and Remote Buddy and you have a media server for your home. Superb.