Imagine having control over your digital life. No more relying on platforms like Netflix or Google Drive that can take away your access at any time. By self-hosting your own media server, library, file cloud, photo backup, and music streaming service, you can enjoy a lifetime of freedom.
But what motivated me to make the switch? During the pandemic, I wanted to back up my music collection on Plex Server and run it off my old ThinkPad T420. My friend joined me on this journey to self-host his movies and show him how easy it was.
To get started, you’ll need an old computer or laptop that’s in working order. You can also use a Raspberry Pi. Pick an operating system like Debian server or try YunoHost for an easier setup. Start with one service at a time, and as you become comfortable, add another.
Some key services to consider are:
* Jellyfin: Your own Netflix, with movie and show organization and streaming
* Kavita: Your own Kindle library, with a fast reader and rich metadata
* Nextcloud: Your own Google drive, with file syncing and sharing
* Immich: Your own Google Photos, with face recognition and search capabilities
* Navidrome: Your own Spotify, with music indexing and streaming
By self-hosting your digital life, you’re taking back control. No more worrying about server downtime or subscription fees. With a little patience and practice, you can enjoy a lifetime of freedom and flexibility.
Note: The article is rewritten to be concise and easy to understand, while maintaining the original message and key points.
Source: https://itsfoss.com/self-hosting-starting-projects