Self-Hosting Starter Guide: Replace the Cloud

Self-hosting means running software on hardware you control instead of renting it from the cloud. Here's what you can replace — and how to begin.

Popular cloud replacements

Why self-host?

• Privacy — your data stays yours.
• No subscriptions — pay once for hardware, then just electricity.
• Control and learning — configure things exactly how you like.

How to start (the easy path)

1. Get a small, efficient machine — see best mini PCs.
2. Install Docker.
3. Deploy one app with Docker Compose and live with it for a week.
4. Add more once you're comfortable.

A sample first stack

services:
  vaultwarden:
    image: vaultwarden/server
    volumes:
      - ./vw-data:/data
    ports:
      - "8081:80"
    restart: unless-stopped

Access and back up

Reach your services securely with a VPN like Tailscale, and back everything up following the 3-2-1 rule. Your Docker Compose files plus your volumes are your setup — protect them.

Grow at your own pace

Browse the full resource directory for ideas, and don't try to host everything at once. One reliable service beats ten half-configured ones.