I’m an advocate for self-hosting for the privacy and control, protecting my family’s data is a driver for me. However, it also helps me stay sharp for work and experiment with new tech. My stack in simple, but provides all the functionality we need.

Here are the tools I use:

• Proxmox
• Debuntu
• NAS – Synology (for now)
• Apps
  • Kubernetes
  • VPN – OpenVPN
  • Media – Jellyfin
  • VCS – Gitea
  • etc.

Proxmox

The backbone of my homelab. I have a 2 node cluster running on Beelink mini PCs. The small footprint and low power draw was a good choice for me. While modest, they easily run the 20+ VMs and containers I use.

Debuntu

Most of my VMs are headless Debian instances, and I prefer it for the common reasons: widely supported, well maintained and light memory footprint.

The few Ubuntu instances are mainly running for a GUI and the convenient (but bloated) snap packages. I also have physical Linux PCs, but often want a sandbox instance to work with.

NAS

I sprung for a SSD model, DS620slim. I know it’s pricier than HDD, but I’ve had too many corrupted drives. Planning to switch to TrueNAS on my next upgrade due to Synology’s licensing changes.

Apps

Jellyfin – Media Server

I’ve had a great experience with Jellyfin and absolutely prefer it over Plex. It’s a great piece of standalone, FOSS software.

Pihole – Network ad block

Install is a breeze, including the Unbound recursive resolver. Then update the default DNS server on your router and you’re set.

Gitea – VCS

Lightweight, cozy, git server. Gitea does everything I need.

By contrast, Gitlab is enterprise software that is WAAAY overkill for a single user. Ask me how I know.

Kubernetes

There are some simpler alternatives that are perfectly fine, but this was a fun exercise to install. I don’t even use it anymore.

Audiobookshelf

A simple audiobook and Ebook GUI. The audiobook controls are nice. Mobile friendly.

Archivebox

A website archiving tool. Worried your favorite site might disappear or start pay-walling content?

Take a snapshot. It captures media and javascript, can recurse links, etc.