My self-hosted setup using Runtipi
Recently, I became interested in self-hosted alternatives to some of the services I use. This came from privacy concerns and the desire to back up all my data and files in one place — while having full access and control over both the server and the data.
So, I decided to set up my own self-hosted server.
I chose Runtipi for this. It’s an open-source platform that makes it easy to manage self-hosted apps and services. You can install apps from its built-in store, configure them, and run everything on your server. The setup is simple — you just run one command:
curl -L https://setup.runtipi.io | bashThe Machine
I used an old laptop: a Dell Latitude E6330 with an Intel i5-3320M CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 1TB hard drive. That’s plenty for my needs. I connected it to the router via LAN and placed it nearby. For the OS, I chose Ubuntu Server 24.04 — no GUI, minimal resource usage, and everything I need.
Jellyfin
To host and stream movies and shows, I use Jellyfin. It’s a free and open-source media system with a clean interface and a great Android app. I can easily stream my content to all devices.
Immich
For photo backup and organization, I went with Immich. I used to have all my photos scattered across devices without order or backup. Now, they’re sorted into albums by year and automatically backed up to my server.
What I Still Plan to Set Up
- File server: Currently I just keep backups in folders on the disk. It works, but I may install Nextcloud later for better file management.
- eBook server: Recently, I’ve started reading more, and storing all books directly on my Kindle isn't ideal. Hosting my own Calibre server sounds like a good idea.
Security
Each app has its own login system, but I didn’t want to open ports and expose my server to the whole internet. So I made it accessible only within my local network. To access it remotely, I set up an OpenVPN server on my router. This way, I can securely connect to my home network and access everything as if I were at home.
Conclusion
Overall, this self-hosted setup has been a fun and educational experience. I’ve learned a lot, and I plan to keep expanding my server with more apps and features. There’s a whole world of open-source self-hosted tools out there — and I’m just getting started.