Notes

Self-hosting does not have to mean building a data centre. Start with one service that solves a real problem: a media library, photo backup, password manager or notes system. Keep the design boring: Use hardware you already own. Run one service at a time. Keep application data separate from the operating system. Back up configuration and irreplaceable files. Test restoring something before you need it. Use friendly local names and HTTPS. Document the few commands that matter. The goal is not to replace every cloud service. The goal is to make sure a company closing an account does not erase your only copy of your life.

A resilient archive starts with the things you would genuinely miss. Do not begin by downloading everything. Begin with an inventory. The KISS version # Keep the original files where possible. Use common formats such as PDF, FLAC, MP4 and JPEG. Keep one working copy and at least one backup. Store a second backup somewhere different. Check that backups can actually be opened. Review the setup once or twice a year. Preservation is not about collecting for its own sake. It is about keeping reasonable access to things you bought, created or were given permission to keep.