Hey guys, I’m new to self-hosting; I’m trying to set up cloud storage to store pics and other content. However, I’m unsure whether to use my old computer, Buy NAS or ResberryPie to set up a home server.
Also, what is the best privacy-friendly OS to use with the home server?
Lastly, do’s and don’ts.
Any help would be appreciated (:
Use docker compose . Like “everyone” uses it. If the service doesn’t have a compose file, request it, or write it yourself as son as you are knowledgable enough.
Use podman as soon as people and services switch to it (you’ll know when the latest tutorials talk about podman instead of docker).
Use ngingx proxy manager or another easy to use reverse proxy.
Don’t think it’s production ready after it was working 2 days. It may be, but it’s unlikely you have enough knowledge how to fix things.
Automatic updates.
Don’t install crap on the system.
This is a good way to get started.
Docker and Docker compose on whatever hardware you want to start on.
Don’t think it’s production ready after it was working 2 days. It may be, but it’s unlikely you have enough knowledge how to fix things.
Most important there. You aren’t building a production system for corporate clients, you’re doing this for fun. Focus on one thing, try to get that one thing running. Toy with it, make it work. Then start on your next thing. Slowly you’ll build up a large system, but it won’t be immediate.
I personally have been working on switching from compose to kubernetes, which is way more advanced than a starter needs - but I’ve been slowly migrating for about 4 weeks now, one service at a time. Just how homelabs are done
Whatever you do:
- keep notes
- consider the 1st build “wrong”
- “destroy” it (before it’s the only place your data is stored in)
- build it again
That means you’ll really understand it and how to maintain it.
And others have said: 3-2-1 backups
Start with hardware you have already, its high likely overkill anyway. If you have CPU that supports quicksync (intel 7th gen or newer iirc) you could remove GPU to reduce power consumption. QuickSync will make streaming easy.
Raspberry pi cant transcode so its not best for media server, but it can direct play so that might not be an issue at all. I upgraded from rpi to desktop PC because I had issues with power on rpi USB ports for storage. Its also impossible to upgrade RAM on rpi. Good thing about rpi is super low power consuption, but some small factor PCs can drain ~10W. My PC was at 22W with 3 SSD. You can get power meter like Shelly plug S to see power consuption yourself.
Any OS (I use debian) of your choice + docker and docker-compose. Then install portainer and manage all services from there.
- For pictures try Immich, its amazing.
- For cloud storage Nextcloud
- For media streaming consider Jellyfin (much better than Plex IMO)
- Check wiki.servarr.com if you are downloading content with torrents or usenet. It can automate everything and provide awesome UI for users. Next level torrenting
- If you have only 1-2 users consider Wireguard or tailscale to connect when not at home.
I was going this route and Im super happy with everything
For a privacy friendly OS, surprised nobody has mentioned Freedombox
It’s designed explicitly for your use case, along with an easy path to other self hosted services. When you’re ready for more than it offers through the web interface, it’s a full Debian install under the hood - so you can install whatever you need to. Privacy friendly and super stable, with smooth upgrades to new releases and security updates for old versions several years after the new one is available.
As far as hardware, your old computer is probably more powerful than a Pi and can support more drives, but the Pi will be more power efficient. As others have mentioned, if you care about your data long term then backups are a must, so a separate NAS or a Pi with a large drive for backup storage is a good idea as well, whatever OS you choose.
Old think pads can be had for dirt cheap on eBay, you’ve essentially got a little server you can hide anywhere, you don’t have the keep the lid open (disable sleep on lid close, you can hide it wherever you want now) , ANDmost importantly it has it’s own little integrated UPS :)
Good one. And Lenovo battery management utility allows setting the state of charge level. Set it for 50% and the battery will last mostly forever.
