Home-Server

Tired of paying for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and five other streaming services? Build your own media streaming server and take back control of your content. This guide shows you how to build a complete home media streaming server in 2026—from hardware selection to Docker setup to remote access. Why Build Your Own Media Server? Benefits: Own your content - no disappearing shows when licenses expire Cancel subscriptions - one-time hardware cost vs monthly fees Quality control - keep high-quality files (4K, lossless audio) Custom organization - arrange your library your way Offline access - watch without internet Family sharing - stream to multiple devices simultaneously Choosing Your Media Server Software Two main options: Plex vs Jellyfin ...

When building a home server, choosing between Proxmox VE and TrueNAS is one of the most common dilemmas. Both are powerful, free, and open-source platforms, but they serve different primary purposes. This guide breaks down the key differences, use cases, and helps you decide which platform is best for your home lab. What is Proxmox VE? Proxmox Virtual Environment (Proxmox VE) is a complete virtualization platform that combines two virtualization technologies: ...

One of the most common questions new self-hosters ask is: “How much RAM do I actually need?” The answer depends on what you’re running, but this guide will help you figure out exactly what you need—without overspending or underprovisioning. The Quick Answer Use Case Minimum RAM Recommended Pi-hole only 1GB 2GB Light Docker (3-5 containers) 4GB 8GB Medium Docker (10-15 containers) 8GB 16GB Heavy Docker + databases 16GB 32GB Virtualization (Proxmox) 16GB 32-64GB Everything + room to grow 32GB 64GB Now let’s dive into the details. ...

Choosing the right hardware for your home server is one of the first decisions you’ll face as a self-hoster. The two most popular options—Raspberry Pi and Mini PCs—each have their strengths. In this guide, I’ll help you decide which is the better choice for your specific needs. The Quick Answer Choose a Raspberry Pi if: You’re on a tight budget, running lightweight services, want minimal power consumption, or are learning Linux basics. ...

Getting Started with Home Assistant: Complete Beginner’s Guide Home Assistant is the ultimate open-source smart home platform. It lets you control all your smart devices from one dashboard, create powerful automations, and keep your data private. This guide will take you from zero to a fully functional Home Assistant installation. What is Home Assistant? Home Assistant is a free, open-source home automation platform that runs on your local network. Unlike cloud-based solutions like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, Home Assistant: ...

How to Set Up Plex Media Server at Home Want to stream your personal media collection to any device? Plex Media Server turns your home server into a powerful streaming platform. This guide walks you through everything from installation to optimization. What is Plex? Plex is a client-server media player system that organizes your video, music, and photos. It streams content to various devices including smart TVs, phones, tablets, and web browsers. Think of it as your personal Netflix. ...