<aside> Self-hosting is the practice of running your own server or infrastructure to host applications, websites, and services instead of relying on third-party cloud providers. When you self-host, you take full control of your data, software, and the hardware or virtual machines that run them.
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There are several compelling reasons why people choose to self-host:
<aside> 🔒 Privacy and Control: You own your data completely. Nothing is stored on someone else's servers, which means you control who has access to your information.
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<aside> 💰 Cost Savings: While there's an upfront investment, self-hosting can be more economical in the long run compared to monthly subscription fees for cloud services.
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<aside> 🔥
you can get rid of iCloud/Google photos, Netflix/Hulu, hell even Microsoft360/ Photoshop the possibility's are endless REALLY!
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<aside> 🎨 Customization: You can configure your services exactly how you want them without being limited by a provider's restrictions or features.(code may be required)
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<aside> 📚 Learning Experience: Self-hosting teaches you valuable skills about networking, server administration, security, and troubleshooting.
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<aside> 🆓 Independence: You're not at the mercy of a company's policy changes, price increases, or service shutdowns. You can now be in control !
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The possibilities are nearly endless. Here are some popular categories:
| ‣ Services | 💻Programs | 📝Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🎬 Media Servers: | Plex, Jellyfin, or Emby | use to stream your personal media collection |
| ☁️ Cloud Storage: | Nextcloud or Syncthing | use as an alternatives to Dropbox or Google Drive |
| 🔑 Password Managers: | Bitwarden or Vaultwarden | used for secure password storage |
| 🏡 Home Automation: | Home Assistant | for controlling smart home devices |
| 🔐 VPN Servers: | WireGuard or OpenVPN | for secure remote access |
| 🌐 Website Hosting: | WordPress, Ghost | for static site generators |
| 🎮 Game Servers: | Minecraft, Valheim, | play with you friends without the bother of battle passes |
| 💬 Communication Tools: | Matrix, Rocket.Chat, or MAstodon | for private messaging and social networking |
If you're new to self-hosting, here's a basic roadmap:
<aside> 1️⃣ Choose Your Hardware: Start with what you have—an old laptop, a Raspberry Pi, or a dedicated mini PC. You don't need expensive equipment to begin.
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<aside> 2️⃣ Pick an Operating System: Linux distributions like Ubuntu Server, Debian, or specialized options like TrueNAS are popular choices.
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<aside> 3️⃣ Learn About Networking: Understand basics like port forwarding, static IP addresses, and domain names. You'll need these to access your services remotely.
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<aside> 4️⃣ Start Simple: Begin with one service that solves a real problem for you. Don't try to self-host everything at once.
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<aside> 5️⃣ Focus on Security: Use strong passwords, set up a firewall, keep software updated, and consider using a reverse proxy like Nginx Proxy Manager or Traefik.
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