Introduction

So you want to make your own homelab? We can get started on that!

What computers would I need?

You can use any computer, whether it can be a small or a big one!

First one is a small computer, which can do simple stuff like host files;
Second one is a simple computer but can be turned into a server;
Last one is a server that can be mounted on a server rack.

Example hardware

These are hardware I would want to have on my server

• Example 1
• Example 2
• Example 3

Software

Services

We will need some services to host content like pictures, videos, or having a game server. Otherwise, what is the point of having a server?

• Jellyfin: Media server for your legally obtained movies/shows.
• NextCloud: Cloud server (or known as a Google Drive/Dropbox alternative)
• Samba: Local file server, don't need a web browser for this!

Operating Systems

An operating system is the essential part of a server. Without it, nothing will run!

• Linux: Recommended for stability and most popular, Linux has a lot of variety, but distributions like Ubuntu Server is a good choice!
• Proxmox: Great for experts and can launch multiple services in separate containers/VMs.
• Windows: It just works. Can be a great start for your home server, use it to share files within your network, and run simple services (like a Jellyfin server).

What do I use?

Synology DS918+

It has been my main server since 2020, it currently hosts all of my files and uses 13 TB. It also can host other services like Jellyfin, a Minecraft server and some Discord bots.

Specs

Vultr Ubuntu Server

I host all public websites in this server. Whether its for my own services or services for my friends. Oh yeah! These are publicly accessible websites like my cloud server, and a wiki that I am hosting right now.

Specs

Proxmox (Lenovo ThinkCentre M800)

This is a recent addition as it is being used as my main VM server, where I could easily spin up a new virtual machine without it slowing down my main machine and able to do complicated tasks. This computer was refurbished and bought from Newegg for $188.99 (with taxes) / $179.99 (without taxes), and replaced the 256 GB SSD with the current SSDs below.

Specs