Backups are essential for any self-hosted service. Losing data can be catastrophic. Backup strategies: Local backups with rsync or restic Remote backups to cloud storage Scheduled cron jobs Test your restore process regularly Automated backups save time and ensure your services remain resilient.

Nextcloud is an open-source alternative to Google Drive and Dropbox. You can host it on your own server to keep your files private. Steps to install: Install Docker and Docker Compose Create a docker-compose.yml for Nextcloud Set up a database (MariaDB or PostgreSQL) Configure HTTPS with Let’s Encrypt Access your cloud via browser Nextcloud supports file syncing, calendars, contacts, and even collaborative document editing.

Self-hosting means running your own services instead of relying on third-party providers. This gives you more control, privacy, and flexibility. What you need: A server (physical or virtual) Reliable internet connection Basic Linux knowledge Backup strategy Why self-host? Avoid vendor lock-in Own your data Learn valuable technical skills

Self-hosting and cloud hosting each have pros and cons. Self-Hosting Pros: Full control over data No monthly service fees (except electricity) Customizable environment Cloud Pros: No hardware maintenance Scalable on demand Global availability If you value privacy and learning, self-hosting is a great choice. If you prioritize convenience, cloud services might be better.

A homelab is your personal environment for experimenting with technology. Here are 5 must-have tools: Proxmox VE – Virtualization and container management Docker – Run isolated applications easily Portainer – Manage Docker containers visually Pi-hole – Network-wide ad blocker Grafana – Monitor your systems These tools help you build, maintain, and optimize your self-hosted environment.