Getting Started

Background 

Running your own server is an excellent avenue to explore what it means to think like a designer and a developer.  By taking ownership of our own digital security and privacy, we can help protect our families and communities.  Before getting started, we should know what we're building.  

Project Description

Part 1: Hardware

We need to make sure we understand our hardware requirements and find a machine that supports them.  Finally, there are some firmware configuration we should check before installing an operating system.

See the Hardware Guide

Part 2: Software

We need to install Debian Linux onto our computer to form a foundation.  We will use Docker to create secure, self-contained "virtual operating systems" that are easy to monitor and keep up-to-date.  Importantly, we need to create a backup solution and setup remote access for our server.

See the Software Guide

Part 3: Services

Through Portainer, a browser-based interface, we will install our services using a simple structured syntax known as Docker Compose.

See the Services Guide

Part 4: World Wide Web

We will configure our local network through our router to prepare for connection.  We will use SWAG, a community-driven project to assist everyday people create a secure, self-hosted server.  This solution uses a reverse proxy server to route traffic from a domain address to your hosted services.  Finally, we will configure your router to connect your server to the internet.

See the World Wide Web Guide