Self-hosting is managing your own applications and data instead of relying on external services. It offers greater control, privacy, and customization but comes with a steep learning curve. Before diving in, it’s crucial to understand that self-hosting requires technical knowledge and can be time-consuming.
Technical Knowledge
Self-hosting requires technical knowledge.
Be prepared to learn at least basics about ALL following topics:
- Linux Essentials: Familiarity with the Linux operating system is helpful.
- Command Line: Basic ability to navigate the command line is necessary for configuration.
- Networking Basics: Understand how devices connect and communicate on the internet.
- ip addresses + routing (IPv6 is growing)
- dns
- http + tls certificates (letsencrypt)
- firewall
- Router basics: (re-) configure router
- port forwarding
- DNS-rebind
- Server management: add/remove/configure server and applications
- resource usage (cpu/memory/disk)
- storage
- Database: Nextcloud runs on #postgres or MariaDB(Mysql)
- Webserver: Nextcloud runs on Apache or Nginx
- Clients: every device accessing your server has it’s own specifics:
- Windows/Linux/Mac desktop client desktop-client
- Android/IOS devices mobile
- different web browser (Chrome/Firefox/Safari/mobile)
- Security (security):
- understand attack vectors and choose protecting measures
- choose/enforce secure passwords, MFA
- constantly keep your server up to date
- monitor for unusual patterns
- Troubleshooting
- sooner than later there will be an issue in one the above areas… it helps if you already know the tools, log file locations to perfrom effective troubleshooting. And if nothing helps ensure you always have proper 3-2-1 Backup to recover from the biggest disaster you can imagine (server breakdown/malware/fire/earthquake/NSA)
- Backup/Restore (backup)
- understand implement and continuously perform tasks to protect your system from software, hardware and human error, including malicious actors
Recommendations
- Start small and gradually scale: Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to host everything at once. Don’t get a public server first, start on a local virtual machine, or use a Raspberry Pi/Old computer/…
- Time: Take your time,
- Join the Communities: Resources like this forum, subreddits r/selfhosted and r/nextcloud offer support and guidance.
- Security: Prioritize securing your server
- Backups: frequently back up your data to prevent loss. Ultimate test: restore everything just from your backup!
- Start with a purpose: Identify what you want to achieve through self-hosting (e.g., privacy, control) to stay motivated.
Additional Notes
There are many great projects simplifying installation and operation of such complex piece of software as Nextcloud take a look before you start from scratch:
- All-in-One aio
- Docker community image + docker-compose-setup-with-notify-push-2024 docker-compose
- NCP ncp
- Hansson VM vm
- Native/baremetal install baremetal
- Nextcloud snap wiki and support snap
conclusion
Self-hosting offers many advantages, empowers you to manage your own data and applications but it comes with responsibilities. Be sure to understand the pros and cons and ensure you have the time and technical aptitude to manage your own system and enjoy taking control of your digital life.
Self-hosting on the other hand means: YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN (but not left alone). Especially if it comes to problems. Make sure you are able and willing to solve these by your own experiences and/or the internet (see above)