Start here if you have never touched a server before. We guide you through installing your operating system, setting up your first container, configuring secure remote access, and backing up family photos in a single weekend.
Flashing a USB installer, booting Linux, and establishing remote SSH access.
Installing CasaOS or Dockge for drag-and-drop container management.
Deploying Immich and setting up automatic camera roll sync on your phone.
Installing Tailscale so you can browse your server from coffee shop Wi-Fi.
Apple's $299 HomeView lands November 13 with a smarter Siri and a 7-inch screen. Your own home server can run more brands, cost less to start, and keep your data under your roof. Here is who should buy which, and how to build the brain for your house this weekend.
Raspberry Pi just raised the cost of its cheapest boards again, pushing the 2GB Pi 5 to $77.50. We break down what changed, why memory costs keep climbing, and which boards still make sense. Plus smarter picks, from mini PCs to older Pis, so you don't overspend on your home server.
The newly released umbrelOS 2.0 transforms any dusty, idle PC into a powerful, subscription-free personal cloud. This major update introduces seamless iPhone photo backups, individual family accounts, and built-in virtual machines accessible right from your browser. It offers an exceptionally accessible entry into self-hosting, though early adopters should keep external backups handy while the fresh software settles.
