Self-hosted guides for the homelab enthusiast

A step-by-step guide to installing and configuring your first Proxmox Virtual Environment (PVE) node. From ISO burning to initial networking and storage setup, learn how to start your virtualization journey safely and efficiently.

Build a bulletproof homelab backup strategy in 2026. Learn the 3-2-1 rule, compare Restic vs Kopia vs Duplicati with a full decision matrix, and deploy automated Docker Compose backups to NAS, S3, and offsite storage. Includes Proxmox Backup Server setup, disaster recovery scenarios, and cost stacks from $0 to $50/month.

Compare Traefik, Nginx Proxy Manager, and Caddy head-to-head for your homelab reverse proxy. Docker Compose configs, decision tree, performance benchmarks, Proxmox deployment, and Cloudflare Tunnel integration — all updated for 2026.

Deploy Uptime Kuma with Docker Compose to monitor your entire homelab. Step-by-step guide covers status pages, Telegram/Discord notifications, reverse proxy integration with NPM and Traefik, monitor type decision matrix, and the “watch the watcher” pattern with Healthchecks.io — all updated for 2026.

Compare the four best NAS operating systems for homelab in 2026: TrueNAS 26, Unraid 7.3, OpenMediaVault 7, and Synology DSM. Covers cost, features, hardware requirements, and a decision tree to help you choose.

Run your own private LLM server with Ollama on Proxmox. Covers LXC vs VM setup, GPU passthrough for NVIDIA and Intel ARC, OpenWebUI for a ChatGPT-like interface, and performance benchmarks on consumer hardware.

Deploy Home Assistant with Docker Compose in your homelab. Step-by-step guide for Proxmox, mini PCs, and Raspberry Pi. Includes Zigbee dongle passthrough, reverse proxy, MQTT, and a Docker Compose vs HAOS decision tree.

Deploy Nginx Proxy Manager with Docker Compose in under 15 minutes. Free SSL certificates, custom domains, and secure access to all your self-hosted apps — no command-line expertise required.