Linux and Homelab
What Not to Self-Host in 2026: A Practical Risk List for Homelabs
A realistic self-hosting risk guide covering email, passwords, identity, family-critical data, public dashboards, backups, and safer alternatives.
Plex-to-Jellyfin Migration Weekend Guide
A low-risk weekend plan for moving from Plex to Jellyfin while preserving media paths, metadata, users, and rollback options.
How Do You Back Up Docker Volumes and Databases Properly?
Back up Docker by backing up the data, configuration, and restore instructions, not the running container. For databases, use application-aware dumps or backup tools, then store those dumps with the volume backups.
One Shared Database Server or One Database Per App?
For most small homelabs, a shared database server is easier to back up, monitor, and secure once you understand it. Per-app database containers are simpler at first and reduce coupling, but they.
Home Assistant OS vs Docker vs VM: Which Install Is Right?
Home Assistant OS is the best default for most people because add-ons, backups, updates, and Supervisor are integrated. Docker is best for operators who already manage Compose and do not need add-ons.
Intel Quick Sync vs NVIDIA vs Intel Arc: Which Media Server Transcoder Should You Use?
For most home Plex and Jellyfin servers, modern Intel Quick Sync is the simplest and most efficient answer because it is built into many low-power CPUs. NVIDIA and Intel Arc make sense.
Should Old Windows 10 PCs Become Proxmox or Linux Homelab Nodes?
Yes, many Windows 10-era business desktops are excellent homelab nodes if they have reliable storage, enough RAM, stable Ethernet, and acceptable idle power. Do not keep unsupported Windows around for server duties.
NAS vs DAS vs Mini PC: Which Storage Setup Should You Actually Buy?
A practical storage decision guide for choosing a NAS, DAS, or mini PC based on sharing, speed, apps, backup, and upkeep.