Welcome

Anyone can make a home server and take back control of their data.  Self-hosting can improve your digital privacy and security by keeping your data in your home.  Host a personal website, build a private cloud, or share with an online community. 

What is the Cloud?

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Modern open-source software can offer familiar online services and put you in complete control.  Start with affordable hardware like single-board computers, mini PCs or even a refurbished workstation computer.  

Connect your server to the World Wide Web with a domain name and modern router, or access all your services while away using a virtual private network.

Table of Contents

1. Your Personal Cloud
   1. Welcome
   2. What is the Cloud?
   3. Getting Started
   4. Background
   5. Understanding the Requirements
2. Hardware
   1. What is a Server?
   2. Quick-Start Examples
   3. Layers of Computing
   4. Community Impact
   5. Firmware Configuration 
      
3. Software
   1. What is Linux?
   2. An Open Ecosystem 
      
   3. Installing an Operating System
   4. Configuring Debian
   5. What is Docker?
   6. Installing Docker
4. Services
   1. What is a Service?
   2. Considerations
   3. Evaluating Safety
   4. Selecting Your Services
   5. Managing Services
   6. Building Community
5. Monitoring & Maintenance
   1. Sustainable Solutions
   2. Network Access
   3. Backup Solutions
   4. Administration
   5. Troubleshooting
   6. Cleaning
6. World Wide Web
   1. What are Computer Networks?
   2. How to Remotely Connect
   3. Virtual Private Network
   4. Web Domain Name
   5. Security & Privacy
   6. Router Configuration

Through educational do-it-yourself guides we explore the hardware and software requirements for a home server, including quick-start examples. This process uses Debian Linux and Docker to quickly self-host your services through the browser-based interface. 

Get Started