Getting Started with Self-Hosting: A Guide for Beginners

Explore the world of self-hosting with this comprehensive guide for beginners on /r/SelfHosted. Learn why self-hosting matters, prerequisites, step-by-step setup, best practices, common pitfalls, and community insights.

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What you’ll build / learn

Discover the concept of self-hosting and learn how to manage your applications and data while maintaining control over your digital assets.

Why it matters

Self-hosting empowers users to control their data, ensuring privacy and security by eliminating reliance on third-party services.

Prerequisites

To embark on your self-hosting journey, you’ll need basic technical skills, an understanding of server management, and familiarity with tools like NextCloud and WordPress.

Step-by-step

  1. Create a dedicated server for hosting your applications.
  2. Install NextCloud for secure data storage and management.
  3. Deploy WordPress for customisable blog hosting.
  4. Explore self-hosting resources and tools like Awesome Self-Hosted App List.

Best practices & security

Regularly update your self-hosted applications, perform backups to safeguard data, implement least privilege access, secure sensitive information, and monitor server performance.

Common pitfalls & troubleshooting

Common issues may include misconfigurations, security vulnerabilities, compatibility problems, and performance issues. Troubleshoot by checking logs, updating software, and seeking community assistance.

Alternatives & trade-offs

Consider performance, cost, and complexity when choosing between self-hosting tools like NextCloud, WordPress, and Docker. Compare features, support, and community engagement to make informed decisions.

What the community says

The self-hosting community emphasises the importance of data privacy, regular maintenance, and community support for successful self-hosting experiences.

FAQ

Further reading

Explore self-hosting best practices, security guidelines, and community-driven resources to enhance your self-hosting journey.

Source: discussion (r/selfhosted)