Please bear with me as I don’t know where else to ask.

I want to start to self host but do not know where to start. I would like to start small. Just something that might not be beneficial but to get my feet wet. It does not even have to be practical.

I am not tech illiterate and have my fair share of technology around me hut self hosting has always been a daunting task.

I am scared to start.

I am already using a PiHole at home but that was kind of plug and play and just worked.

I would be incredibly grateful if someone could guide me to some resource or tell me what an easy first step would be.

An FAQ or self hosting for dummies.

Most resources I found assumed some previous knowledge.

  • Showroom7561@lemmy.caEnglish
    5·
    3 days ago

    My adventure into self-hosting started with a Synology NAS maybe 5 years (?) ago.

    With just the built-in software, I was able to replace Google Photos, Evernote, Dropbox, Google Calendar, Google contacts, and Google Play Music and Movies.

    Then as I learned how to use docker, I was able to replace more services.

    There may be “better” options out there beyond what Synology offers, but it’s been such a “set and forget” experience, that it’s easy for me to recommend them as an option.

    The biggest barrier, IMO, isn’t the learning curve, but the initial investment for the NAS + HDDs and the upgrade path as your storage needs grow.

    • Marighost@lemm.eeEnglish
      1·
      6 hours ago

      This is where I’m at: a Synology running a few services like Plex for my family and friends. I’m hoping to learn more and help us all move from walled gardens even further. Some of Synology’s software can feel a little clunky to use but generally I’ve found it to work great despite my limited knowledge.

      • Showroom7561@lemmy.caEnglish
        2·
        6 hours ago

        Some of Synology’s software can feel a little clunky to use but generally I’ve found it to work great despite my limited knowledge.

        Yeah, I make regular use of some of their built-in apps (Note Station, Drive, Photos).

        But they aren’t perfect.

        For example, Note Station has no good way to export the data for use outside of Note Station (poor data portability) and Synology Audio just feels so outdated. Photos is their best software, IMO.

        The beauty of self-hosting this stuff is that you can use any third-party software that reads the files, and you’re good to go. Your music, videos, photos, and documents are available as you see fit.