Forgive the question, I have an idea of what I want to run on it (jellyfin, sonarr, etc) but I am having a hard time figuring out optimal OS to run.
Windows? Linux? Something else? Any beginner advice is welcome!
I’d recommend Debian Linux. It’s free, stable, has all the software you’ll need with long term support, ton of online resources and communities to learn from. You can start with or without UI.