Step-by-step setup guides.
49 articles
Our tutorials are step-by-step guides to self-host your services. Docker Compose, reverse proxy, SSO, backups, security: the guides lay out the steps, the commands and the common pitfalls. Most of them have not been replayed by us on a real machine: before running a command, compare it with the software's official documentation and try it on a non-production machine first. Whether you start on a Raspberry Pi, a mini-PC or a VPS, we favour open-source solutions. Follow the guides below, and if you need the right hardware, it's all in our shop.
Guide for setting up a clean home network rack in 2026: 12U rack, Cat6a patch panel, unmanaged 2.5 Gbps or PoE+ switch, patching and documentation for a stable homelab.
ReadDiscover how to effectively isolate your networks using VLAN configuration on a manageable switch. Comprehensive tutorial for 2026.
ReadDiscover how to install and wire PoE cameras for home security in 2026 using a network switch, RJ45 cables, and a local recording system. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to secure your property.
ReadDiscover how to transform your old computer into a powerful home server for NAS, cloud storage, and more. Step-by-step guide in 2026.
ReadDiscover our comprehensive and detailed tutorial to install a metal rack in 2026. Follow our practical tips, complete configuration files, and exact commands.
ReadDiscover how to install and configure Frigate NVR on a Raspberry Pi 5 for efficient home or business surveillance, in 2026.
ReadDiscover how to install pfSense on a mini-PC in 2026. Comprehensive guide with choices of chassis and disk.
ReadLearn how to set up a local AI server in 2026 with the right GPU choice, required hardware configuration, and full installation of Ollama. A step-by-step guide for self-hosting enthusiasts.
ReadDiscover how to measure and reduce your home lab’s electricity bill using open source solutions. Comprehensive guide for installing a monitoring tool.
ReadDiscover how to upgrade your homelab to 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) speed with this tutorial covering the necessary network cards, switches, and cables. Ready for 2026?
ReadDiscover how to reduce the noise of your NAS by replacing fans with quieter models without compromising the Synology warranty. A complete and reproducible tutorial.
ReadLearn how to mount and configure a Raspberry Pi 5 with an NVMe SSD for fast and efficient storage. Step-by-step guide for 2026.
ReadGuide for 2026 to transform a Raspberry Pi 5 into a high-performance NAS. Step-by-step guide on case, NVMe SSD, Docker, Samba setup and security for reliable self-hosting.
ReadLearn how to backup your NAS onto an external drive with file rotation, advanced encryption, and backup control. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to secure your data in 2026.
ReadDiscover how to enhance the performance of your NAS by adding an NVMe SSD cache. Step-by-step guide for 2026 with specific hardware and software.
ReadLearn step-by-step how to replace a faulty hard drive on your Synology or QNAP NAS in 2026 while preserving data integrity. Comprehensive and reproducible tutorial.
ReadLearn how to migrate from your Synology server to a DIY NAS in 2026. This tutorial covers data transfer, configuration, and securing your new setup.
ReadDiscover how to build a DIY NAS system with TrueNAS SCALE in 2026. This step-by-step tutorial covers hardware, configuration, and security.
ReadLearn how to install Proxmox on the N100 mini-PC. From booting from a USB key to launching your first container, our guide will walk you through every step.
ReadDiscover how to replace your Internet box with a home router based on OPNsense installed on a mini-PC. Comprehensive step-by-step tutorial complete with configuration files and exact commands.
ReadDiscover how to connect your NAS to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and configure Network UPS Tools (NUT) for a clean hardware shutdown during a power outage. Step-by-step tutorial.
ReadDiscover how to install Home Assistant on a mini-PC in 2026, with a Zigbee key for automated commands. We will also cover backup configuration and secure access.
ReadLearn to install Zigbee2MQTT on a self-hosted server to control your Zigbee devices via Home Assistant. This tutorial covers installation, configuration, and necessary automations for 2026.
ReadLearn to create your first Docker Compose stack for a high-performance and customizable home lab environment in 2026. A comprehensive, reproducible tutorial.
ReadLearn how to install and configure Proxmox Backup Server for incremental VM backups in 2026. A complete and updated tutorial.
ReadDiscover how to install Frigate and use a Google Coral dongle for object detection in Home Assistant in 2026. Comprehensive tutorial for a secure homelab setup.
ReadLearn how to install Home Assistant on a NAS or mini-PC server using Docker to manage your homelab and integrate Zigbee sensors. Discover the docker-compose.yml configuration and Caddyfile setup.
ReadDiscover how to configure Caddy as an SSL reverse proxy with Let's Encrypt to secure your homelab and self-hosting services in 2026.
ReadLearn to set up a robust backup strategy based on the 3-2-1 rule using Restic, storing data on a NAS and in encrypted cloud storage. Comprehensive guide for 2026.
ReadLearn how to easily access your NAS over the Internet using Tailscale, without having to open specific ports on your router. A comprehensive guide for a secure and efficient setup.
Read2026 tutorial on self-hosting a WireGuard VPN on a Linux VPS. Covers installation, key generation, server and client configuration (mobile, PC), routing, NAT, kill switch, and DNS. Includes exact commands and ready-to-use configs.
Read2026 technical guide for hosting a Discord bot continuously on a VPS. Compare Node vs Python, systemd vs Docker, sizing, costs, and token security for developers.
Read2026 technical guide to self-hosting n8n on a VPS using Docker Compose, HTTPS, and security best practices. Compare cloud vs on-premise costs to automate workflows without subscriptions.
ReadComprehensive 2026 technical guide for deploying Nextcloud on a VPS using Docker. Covers server sizing, PostgreSQL and Redis optimization, HTTPS configuration, and reliable backup strategies.
Read2026 guide for hosting a stable Minecraft server: VPS vs dedicated host comparison, CPU/RAM sizing, Paper/Spigot installation, and real costs for 2026.
Read2026 technical guide to self-hosting on a VPS: choosing plans, Docker setup, Let's Encrypt HTTPS, security, and real costs. Compare self-hosting vs. cloud.
ReadMaster your server with this 2026 guide to installing and hardening an Ubuntu 24.04 VPS. Covers SSH keys, root disablement, UFW, fail2ban, auto-updates, and essential security best practices with ready-to-copy commands.
Read2026 tutorial for monitoring a homelab using Uptime Kuma, Prometheus, and Grafana via Docker. Covers availability probes, system metrics with node_exporter, dashboards, and Telegram alerts. Includes ready-to-use docker-compose configs and commands.
Read2026 tutorial on deploying a Caddy reverse proxy with Docker: automatic HTTPS and Let's Encrypt certificates, multi-service routing, security headers, and seamless renewal. Ready-to-use Caddyfile and docker-compose configs.
Read2026 tutorial on automating encrypted server backups to Backblaze B2 using restic. Covers encrypted repositories, systemd scheduling, retention policies, integrity checks, and tested restoration procedures.
Read2026 guide to deploying open-source Authentik SSO behind Traefik using forward auth. Secure self-hosted services with a single login, MFA, and automatic HTTPS. Includes ready-to-use docker-compose configs and Traefik middlewares.
Read2026 tutorial on deploying Gitea, the lightweight self-hosted git forge, using Docker. Covers PostgreSQL, HTTPS reverse proxy, dedicated SSH port, CI/CD Actions, hardening, and backups. Ready-to-use docker-compose and Caddy configs included.
ReadStep-by-step 2026 tutorial to self-host Immich, the Google Photos alternative, using Docker Compose. Features include photo/video gallery, facial recognition, automatic HTTPS via Caddy and Let's Encrypt, backups, and hardening. Ready-to-use configs included.
ReadStep-by-step 2026 tutorial to self-host Jellyfin, the open-source media server, using Docker Compose. Covers film/series libraries, Intel/NVIDIA hardware transcoding, automatic HTTPS via Caddy and Let's Encrypt, remote access, and hardening. Ready-to-use configs included.
ReadStep-by-step 2026 guide to self-host n8n, the no-code automation platform, using Docker Compose. Features PostgreSQL, workflow persistence, automatic HTTPS via Caddy and Let's Encrypt, credential encryption, backups, and hardening. Ready-to-use configs.
Read2026 guide to deploying Nextcloud All-in-One with Docker. Covers master container, HTTPS reverse proxy, backups, hardening, and troubleshooting. Includes ready-to-use docker-compose and Caddy configs for your personal cloud.
ReadStep-by-step 2026 tutorial to self-host Paperless-ngx, the open-source DMS, using Docker Compose. Features include multilingual OCR, consume folder, smart classification, HTTPS via Caddy and Let's Encrypt, backups, and hardening. Ready-to-use configs included.
ReadStep-by-step 2026 guide to self-host Pi-hole, the network-level ad blocker, using Docker Compose. Block ads and trackers across your entire network, configure DNS, set up optional DHCP, secure the admin interface, and manage backups. Ready-to-use configs included.
ReadStep-by-step 2026 guide to self-host Vaultwarden with Docker. Secure deployment, automatic HTTPS via Caddy and Let's Encrypt, protected admin panel, 2FA, encrypted backups, and hardening. Ready-to-use docker-compose and Caddyfile configs.
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