<metaname="twitter:description"content="In the 1980s, the idea of working remotely while traveling the world seemed like something straight out of a sci-fi novel. Yet, one man defied the nor">
<p>I’ve been running my own server for about 2.5 years now and have gained a lot of experience in the process. Since a friend of mine asked about my setup and some tipps, I thought it would be best to publish another blog post on this topic. This is one of my more tech-savvy posts, so feel free to skip it if you’re not interested (as if I have any say in this…). I’ll keep this entry updated as long as I’m willing to. VPN-Section is coming soon.</p>
<p>I’ve been running my own server for about 2.5 years now and have gained a lot of experience in the process. Since a friend of mine asked about my setup and some tipps, I thought it would be best to publish another blog post on this topic. This is one of my more tech-savvy posts, so feel free to skip it if you’re not interested (as if I have any say in this…). I’ll keep this entry updated as long as I’m willing to. </p>
<h2id="Reasoning"><ahref="#Reasoning"class="headerlink"title="Reasoning"></a>Reasoning</h2><p>Why would you actually want to host everything yourself in the first place? I mean, it’s a lot of work, a ton of stress, and requires constant maintenance?</p>
@ -247,10 +247,12 @@
<h2id="What-to-keep-in-mind"><ahref="#What-to-keep-in-mind"class="headerlink"title="What to keep in mind"></a>What to keep in mind</h2><p>Let me tell you this before you even start to think about starting your own server: It’ll cost you a <del>fuck ton</del> lot of nerves and time. Don’t go into this project thinking it will be easy and you will be done in no time. It requires a lot of troubleshooting, a lot of research, and a huge pile of failures. You’ll need discipline to stay on track.</p>
<p>You’ll gain a considerable amount of technical knowledge, but you’ll also need some basic networking skills. Take some time to study those basic abilities before you start this project. Stop browsing Reddit for the best dashboard theme if you cannot tell me how DHCP works.</p>
<p>Depending on your situation, there may be a lot of initial costs for the hardware you’ll use. I was lucky enough to use my “old” gaming PC since I grew out of my gaming phase a long time ago. I know it isn’t energy-efficient at all, but it works for now (you’ll encounter this situation a lot during this or similar software projects).</p>
<p>You may also be able to start of pretty cheap for most projects. Like you could buy a Raspi Zero for about <atarget="_blank"rel="noopener"href="https://buyzero.de/collections/raspberry-pi-zero-kits/products/raspberry-pi-zero-w">17 Euros nowadays</a> when starting off. It’s not the most powerfull device but you’ll be able to host a few decent applications.</p>
<p>I am currently using Ubuntu LTS, as it’s a pretty reliable operating system for servers. There are countless alternatives like Debian or RockyLinux. However, if I had to restart this project from scratch, I’d probably go with <atarget="_blank"rel="noopener"href="https://www.openmediavault.org/">OpenMediaVault</a> this time.</p>
<p>I chose to run all my applications using <atarget="_blank"rel="noopener"href="https://www.docker.com/why-docker/">Docker</a> because I think it’s the best way to run server applications. Docker allows us to package applications into containers, each containing the application code, runtime, libraries, and dependencies needed to run the application consistently across different environments.</p>
<p>Since most self-proclaimed administrators choose to set up a dashboard to maintain a clear perspective on my applications, I opted not to include things like a search engine or third-party websites such as some social media sites, since I only use <atarget="_blank"rel="noopener"href="https://github.com/bastienwirtz/homer">this dashboard</a> for navigation and nothing else.</p>
<p>For maintainance and security, I also chose to host a Wireguard-VPN on a seperate device, which allows me to access my server remotely without going directly over the internet. This improves our security drastically while also offering some way of maintainance should the main-machine go offline.</p>
<h3id="Plex"><ahref="#Plex"class="headerlink"title="Plex"></a><atarget="_blank"rel="noopener"href="https://watch.plex.tv/en-GB">Plex</a></h3><p>The Plex home server application is a media server software that allows users to organize, manage, and stream their personal media collections, including movies, TV shows, music, and photos, to various devices. Plex Media Server is installed on a computer or NAS (Network Attached Storage) device, where it scans and catalogs the user’s media, adding metadata and artwork for a polished library presentation. Users can then access their media from anywhere using the Plex app on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming devices, and web browsers. Plex also offers additional features such as live TV and DVR capabilities, support for various plugins, and premium options like Plex Pass for enhanced functionality and content access wich was bought by me. Alternatives like Emby & Jellyfin (Open Source) exsit, but have not been thested by me.</p>
<h3id="Calibre-Web"><ahref="#Calibre-Web"class="headerlink"title="Calibre Web"></a><atarget="_blank"rel="noopener"href="https://github.com/janeczku/calibre-web">Calibre Web</a></h3><p> A web-based application that provides a user-friendly interface for managing and accessing eBook collections stored in a Calibre database. It allows users to browse, read, and download eBooks via any web browser, offering features like metadata management, advanced search, and multi-user support with customizable permissions. The application includes an integrated eBook reader for convenient online reading.</p>
<contenttype="html"><p>I’ve been running my own server for about 2.5 years now and have gained a lot of experience in the process. Since a friend of mine asked about my setup and some tipps, I thought it would be best to publish another blog post on this topic. This is one of my more tech-savvy posts, so feel free to skip it if you’re not interested (as if I have any say in this…). I’ll keep this entry updated as long as I’m willing to. VPN-Section is coming soon.</p>
<contenttype="html"><p>I’ve been running my own server for about 2.5 years now and have gained a lot of experience in the process. Since a friend of mine asked about my setup and some tipps, I thought it would be best to publish another blog post on this topic. This is one of my more tech-savvy posts, so feel free to skip it if you’re not interested (as if I have any say in this…). I’ll keep this entry updated as long as I’m willing to. </p>
<p>Me, sometime at the beginning of 2022</p>
<h2 id="Reasoning"><a href="#Reasoning" class="headerlink" title="Reasoning"></a>Reasoning</h2><p>Why would you actually want to host everything yourself in the first place? I mean, it’s a lot of work, a ton of stress, and requires constant maintenance?</p>
@ -39,10 +39,12 @@
<h2 id="What-to-keep-in-mind"><a href="#What-to-keep-in-mind" class="headerlink" title="What to keep in mind"></a>What to keep in mind</h2><p>Let me tell you this before you even start to think about starting your own server: It’ll cost you a <del>fuck ton</del> lot of nerves and time. Don’t go into this project thinking it will be easy and you will be done in no time. It requires a lot of troubleshooting, a lot of research, and a huge pile of failures. You’ll need discipline to stay on track.</p>
<p>You’ll gain a considerable amount of technical knowledge, but you’ll also need some basic networking skills. Take some time to study those basic abilities before you start this project. Stop browsing Reddit for the best dashboard theme if you cannot tell me how DHCP works.</p>
<p>Depending on your situation, there may be a lot of initial costs for the hardware you’ll use. I was lucky enough to use my “old” gaming PC since I grew out of my gaming phase a long time ago. I know it isn’t energy-efficient at all, but it works for now (you’ll encounter this situation a lot during this or similar software projects).</p>
<p>You may also be able to start of pretty cheap for most projects. Like you could buy a Raspi Zero for about <a href="https://buyzero.de/collections/raspberry-pi-zero-kits/products/raspberry-pi-zero-w">17 Euros nowadays</a> when starting off. It’s not the most powerfull device but you’ll be able to host a few decent applications.</p>
<p>I am currently using Ubuntu LTS, as it’s a pretty reliable operating system for servers. There are countless alternatives like Debian or RockyLinux. However, if I had to restart this project from scratch, I’d probably go with <a href="https://www.openmediavault.org/">OpenMediaVault</a> this time.</p>
<p>I chose to run all my applications using <a href="https://www.docker.com/why-docker/">Docker</a> because I think it’s the best way to run server applications. Docker allows us to package applications into containers, each containing the application code, runtime, libraries, and dependencies needed to run the application consistently across different environments.</p>
<p>Since most self-proclaimed administrators choose to set up a dashboard to maintain a clear perspective on my applications, I opted not to include things like a search engine or third-party websites such as some social media sites, since I only use <a href="https://github.com/bastienwirtz/homer">this dashboard</a> for navigation and nothing else.</p>
<p>For maintainance and security, I also chose to host a Wireguard-VPN on a seperate device, which allows me to access my server remotely without going directly over the internet. This improves our security drastically while also offering some way of maintainance should the main-machine go offline.</p>
<h3 id="Plex"><a href="#Plex" class="headerlink" title="Plex"></a><a href="https://watch.plex.tv/en-GB">Plex</a></h3><p>The Plex home server application is a media server software that allows users to organize, manage, and stream their personal media collections, including movies, TV shows, music, and photos, to various devices. Plex Media Server is installed on a computer or NAS (Network Attached Storage) device, where it scans and catalogs the user’s media, adding metadata and artwork for a polished library presentation. Users can then access their media from anywhere using the Plex app on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming devices, and web browsers. Plex also offers additional features such as live TV and DVR capabilities, support for various plugins, and premium options like Plex Pass for enhanced functionality and content access wich was bought by me. Alternatives like Emby &amp; Jellyfin (Open Source) exsit, but have not been thested by me.</p>
<h3 id="Calibre-Web"><a href="#Calibre-Web" class="headerlink" title="Calibre Web"></a><a href="https://github.com/janeczku/calibre-web">Calibre Web</a></h3><p> A web-based application that provides a user-friendly interface for managing and accessing eBook collections stored in a Calibre database. It allows users to browse, read, and download eBooks via any web browser, offering features like metadata management, advanced search, and multi-user support with customizable permissions. The application includes an integrated eBook reader for convenient online reading.</p>
<h4id="What-is-your-blog-all-about"><ahref="#What-is-your-blog-all-about"class="headerlink"title="What is your blog all about?"></a>What is your blog all about?</h4><p>The purpose of this website is to give you a small overview about my projects, interests and opinions.</p>
<h4id="How-can-I-contact-the-author-administrator-of-the-blog"><ahref="#How-can-I-contact-the-author-administrator-of-the-blog"class="headerlink"title="How can I contact the author/administrator of the blog?"></a>How can I contact the author/administrator of the blog?</h4><p>Mail: <ahref="mailto:tim.kicker@protonmail.com">tim.kicker@protonmail.com</a></p>
<h4id="How-can-I-contact-the-author-administrator-of-the-blog"><ahref="#How-can-I-contact-the-author-administrator-of-the-blog"class="headerlink"title="How can I contact the author/administrator of the blog?"></a>How can I contact the author/administrator of the blog?</h4><p>Mail: <ahref="mailto:tim.kicker@protonmail.com">tim.kicker@protonmail.com</a></p>
<h4id="Are-the-articles-on-this-blog-written-by-a-single-author-or-multiple-contributors"><ahref="#Are-the-articles-on-this-blog-written-by-a-single-author-or-multiple-contributors"class="headerlink"title="Are the articles on this blog written by a single author or multiple contributors?"></a>Are the articles on this blog written by a single author or multiple contributors?</h4><p>At the time of writing, all blogs were completely done by myself.</p>
<pubDate>Wed, 26 Jun 2024 18:20:59 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ <p>I’ve been running my own server for about 2.5 years now and have gained a lot of experience in the process. Since a friend of mine asked about my setup and some tipps, I thought it would be best to publish another blog post on this topic. This is one of my more tech-savvy posts, so feel free to skip it if you’re not interested (as if I have any say in this…). I’ll keep this entry updated as long as I’m willing to. VPN-Section is coming soon.</p>
<description><![CDATA[ <p>I’ve been running my own server for about 2.5 years now and have gained a lot of experience in the process. Since a friend of mine asked about my setup and some tipps, I thought it would be best to publish another blog post on this topic. This is one of my more tech-savvy posts, so feel free to skip it if you’re not interested (as if I have any say in this…). I’ll keep this entry updated as long as I’m willing to. </p>
<p>Me, sometime at the beginning of 2022</p>
<h2 id="Reasoning"><a href="#Reasoning" class="headerlink" title="Reasoning"></a>Reasoning</h2><p>Why would you actually want to host everything yourself in the first place? I mean, it’s a lot of work, a ton of stress, and requires constant maintenance?</p>
@ -43,10 +43,12 @@
<h2 id="What-to-keep-in-mind"><a href="#What-to-keep-in-mind" class="headerlink" title="What to keep in mind"></a>What to keep in mind</h2><p>Let me tell you this before you even start to think about starting your own server: It’ll cost you a <del>fuck ton</del> lot of nerves and time. Don’t go into this project thinking it will be easy and you will be done in no time. It requires a lot of troubleshooting, a lot of research, and a huge pile of failures. You’ll need discipline to stay on track.</p>
<p>You’ll gain a considerable amount of technical knowledge, but you’ll also need some basic networking skills. Take some time to study those basic abilities before you start this project. Stop browsing Reddit for the best dashboard theme if you cannot tell me how DHCP works.</p>
<p>Depending on your situation, there may be a lot of initial costs for the hardware you’ll use. I was lucky enough to use my “old” gaming PC since I grew out of my gaming phase a long time ago. I know it isn’t energy-efficient at all, but it works for now (you’ll encounter this situation a lot during this or similar software projects).</p>
<p>You may also be able to start of pretty cheap for most projects. Like you could buy a Raspi Zero for about <a href="https://buyzero.de/collections/raspberry-pi-zero-kits/products/raspberry-pi-zero-w">17 Euros nowadays</a> when starting off. It’s not the most powerfull device but you’ll be able to host a few decent applications.</p>
<p>I am currently using Ubuntu LTS, as it’s a pretty reliable operating system for servers. There are countless alternatives like Debian or RockyLinux. However, if I had to restart this project from scratch, I’d probably go with <a href="https://www.openmediavault.org/">OpenMediaVault</a> this time.</p>
<p>I chose to run all my applications using <a href="https://www.docker.com/why-docker/">Docker</a> because I think it’s the best way to run server applications. Docker allows us to package applications into containers, each containing the application code, runtime, libraries, and dependencies needed to run the application consistently across different environments.</p>
<p>Since most self-proclaimed administrators choose to set up a dashboard to maintain a clear perspective on my applications, I opted not to include things like a search engine or third-party websites such as some social media sites, since I only use <a href="https://github.com/bastienwirtz/homer">this dashboard</a> for navigation and nothing else.</p>
<p>For maintainance and security, I also chose to host a Wireguard-VPN on a seperate device, which allows me to access my server remotely without going directly over the internet. This improves our security drastically while also offering some way of maintainance should the main-machine go offline.</p>
<h3 id="Plex"><a href="#Plex" class="headerlink" title="Plex"></a><a href="https://watch.plex.tv/en-GB">Plex</a></h3><p>The Plex home server application is a media server software that allows users to organize, manage, and stream their personal media collections, including movies, TV shows, music, and photos, to various devices. Plex Media Server is installed on a computer or NAS (Network Attached Storage) device, where it scans and catalogs the user’s media, adding metadata and artwork for a polished library presentation. Users can then access their media from anywhere using the Plex app on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming devices, and web browsers. Plex also offers additional features such as live TV and DVR capabilities, support for various plugins, and premium options like Plex Pass for enhanced functionality and content access wich was bought by me. Alternatives like Emby &amp; Jellyfin (Open Source) exsit, but have not been thested by me.</p>
<h3 id="Calibre-Web"><a href="#Calibre-Web" class="headerlink" title="Calibre Web"></a><a href="https://github.com/janeczku/calibre-web">Calibre Web</a></h3><p> A web-based application that provides a user-friendly interface for managing and accessing eBook collections stored in a Calibre database. It allows users to browse, read, and download eBooks via any web browser, offering features like metadata management, advanced search, and multi-user support with customizable permissions. The application includes an integrated eBook reader for convenient online reading.</p>