Home Server Setup Plan
This document describes the actual plan for building my home server using an old HP laptop.
The goal is to run a few useful self-hosted services while learning Linux, Docker, and networking.
Hardware
Laptop: HP old laptop
RAM: 12 GB Storage:
- 256 GB SSD
- 1 TB HDD
Planned Storage Usage
SSD (256 GB)
- Linux operating system
- Docker
- Application containers
HDD (1 TB)
- Nextcloud data
- Media files
- Documents
- Backups
Operating System
Planned OS: Ubuntu Server (LTS)
Reasons:
- Stable and widely supported
- Good Docker support
- Large community and documentation
- Lightweight compared to desktop OS
Core Services
The following services will run on the server:
Pi-hole
Network-wide DNS ad blocker.
Purpose:
- Block ads across all devices in the home network
- Reduce tracking domains
Unbound
Local recursive DNS resolver.
Purpose:
- Provide private DNS resolution
- Avoid using third-party DNS providers
Nextcloud
Self-hosted cloud storage.
Purpose:
- Store personal files
- Backup phone photos
- Synchronize files between devices
Tailscale
VPN for remote access.
Purpose:
- Access the home server securely from outside the network
- Avoid exposing services directly to the internet
Jellyfin
Media server.
Purpose:
- Stream movies and shows from the home server
- Access media across devices
Vaultwarden
Self-hosted password manager.
Purpose:
- Store passwords securely
- Sync passwords across devices
Uptime Kuma
Service monitoring tool.
Purpose:
- Monitor server services
- Detect if any service goes offline
Container Management
Applications will run inside Docker containers.
Benefits:
- Easy installation
- Isolated services
- Simple updates
- Clean removal of applications
Planned Installation Steps
- Install Ubuntu Server on the SSD
- Update the system
- Install Docker
- Install Docker Compose
- Mount HDD storage directory
- Deploy containers using docker-compose
Planned container order:
- Pi-hole
- Unbound
- Nextcloud
- Tailscale
- Jellyfin
- Vaultwarden
- Uptime Kuma
Storage Layout
HDD directory structure:
/storage ├── nextcloud ├── media │ ├── movies │ └── series ├── documents └── backups
Backup Plan
Primary storage: Server HDD
Backup strategy:
- Local backup folder on HDD
- Optional external HDD backup
- Automated backups using scheduled tasks
Security Plan
Basic security measures:
- Use strong passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication where possible
- Keep system updated regularly
- Do not expose services directly to the internet
- Use Tailscale VPN for remote access
Current Status
Planning stage.
Server setup will be implemented in the future using the above architecture.