Beginner

One of the most common security mistakes in self-hosting is accidentally exposing services to the internet. That Redis instance you spun up for testing? It might be listening on 0.0.0.0 with no password. Your database? Possibly reachable by anyone. Let’s fix that. Why Exposed Ports Matter Every open port is a potential entry point. Some services — like databases and cache servers — were never designed to be exposed publicly. They often have no authentication by default. ...

Choosing your first Network Attached Storage (NAS) device can feel overwhelming. With dozens of brands, models, and configurations available, where do you even start? In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pick the perfect NAS for your needs. What is a NAS and Why Do You Need One? A NAS is a dedicated file server that connects to your network and provides centralized storage accessible by all your devices. Think of it as your personal cloud—but one you own and control. ...

Self-hosting is the practice of running your own servers and services instead of relying on third-party cloud providers. Instead of storing your photos on Google Photos, you run your own photo server. Instead of using Dropbox, you run Nextcloud on your own hardware. Why Self-Host? Privacy and Data Ownership When you self-host, your data stays on your hardware. No company can scan your files, train AI on your photos, or sell your information to advertisers. ...