Comment on My Ultimate Self-hosting Setup
Libb@piefed.social 8 months ago
Thx a lot for sharing.
I'm a 50+ non-geek Linux user myself, and selfhosting is the one computer 'thing' I would love to be able to setup one day but I'm too afraid to seriously start doing as I'm way too afraid of being that 'low hanging fruit' you mentioned in your post. I said I was not a geek in the sense that, after almost 40 years using only Apple computers, I've switched to Linux to use it like I used... my Mac. Sure, I've learned to understand a little bit of Linux workings and I would not want to go back to the Mac, no way, I can also write simple bash scripts (with a lot of trials and errors) but that's about the full extent of my computer 'expertise'.
So, even though your post is well written and informative, it was still way beyond my limited skills, I'm afraid. I'm not saying that as downer, it was a really interesting read and very informative with all those useful links, but hopefully as away to let you know there are... extremely... odd users like myself that are very much interested in the idea but also are as clueless as an oyster comes the time to buy a pair of sneakers :)
In regards to self-hosting, my conclusion so far is that it's a much safer choice for someone like me to not do it. The risk is too real to get into some serious issues. And that I'm better off using the few paid services I rely (all in the EU, many of them small companies I can have have direct/human discussion with) as I know by experience I can trust their expertise a lot more than I woudl ever trust my desire to ever become not completely in competent in those fields ;)
I’m a lifelong Linux user (or since 1999, so half my life), but I was a mixed mac and windows user before that. Anyway, I understand the reluctance you’re facing.
You don’t need to endanger any part of your current experience to start self hosting, you can just start adding to it. The stakes can be very low if you want to learn that way.
I’m a 50+ non-geek Linux user myself, and selfhosting is the one computer ‘thing’ I would love to be able to setup one day but I’m too afraid to seriously start doing as I’m way too afraid of being that ‘low hanging fruit’ you mentioned in your post.
Dude, 70 here. Just do it. You’re going to make mistakes along the way, you’ll learn along the way. You’re already a Linux user, so you’ve got a leg up there. Even if you walk away from selfhosting thinking it’s probably better for you to use those small companies, you’ll have had an enriching experience. I find selfhosting to be rather rewarding in many aspects. For one, it’s one of my hobbies that keeps my mind busy which is a good thing. I’m always digging for something new to learn.
If you are the only user of your server, tying it down becomes a lot easier. allow.host / deny.host, tailscale, ufw, and fail2ban will get you very far and safe so you won’t be that low hanging fruit. I am quite certain there are people here would love to help you on your way. I’m one. I’m an expert at nothing, but I don’t mind sharing the knowledge (?) I’ve learned along the way.
really?? 70? that is really awesome. things have changed so much since you came into this world.
LOL You gave me a belly laugh. Yes. Really 70…well soon to turn 71 ifn’ the creek don’t rise. I have that same reaction sometimes too. Damn! I’m really 70!? Yes, the world has changed so much since I was born, and frankly, I am glad it has. I am thankful that technology and music have walked along side me all these many years. It’s been a good life.
Don’t start here. Get something tiny: some ewaste, a rPi3/4 or an n100.
Build a Pihole to block ads, malicious sites and trackers on your network
Risk free, tonnes of learning opportunities, huge utility, tonnes of documentation and guides to help.
Once you’ve built a couple Piholes (break and rebuild then) you’ll have an idea of what you might want to do next and what is achievable for you.
mirdaki@lemmy.ml 8 months ago
Hey, I appreciate your openness. Self-hosting is a really deep and wide domain to get into and that is really intimidating. If I may give my two cents, being a geek is about the love and interest in something, not your skill with it. The fact you know what a bash script is, let alone can write one, means you’re more aware of this space than most folks
If you’re comfortable using and supporting paid services, I think that’s great! It supports the broader ecosystem and that’s a good thing
But if this is a space you want to tinker with, I think you should try a small project. The security concerns I mentioned are basically zero if you only host something on your home network. Grab an old computer and try running something like Jellyfin (or something else you’re interested in) on it with Docker. Things wont go perfectly, but that’s OK, it’s a learning experience. Keep at it till you get it working. If you like the experience, try more things. If not, great, you’ve scratched an itch and it’s no longer there
Regardless, appreciate your kind words and sharing your perspective!