Builder: Resources for Self-Hosting
The age of centralized, corporate-controlled computing is giving way to something new: self-hosting, open-source homelabs, and personal AI workshops. Builders everywhere are reclaiming control of their data, costs, and creativity by assembling FOSS-based stacks that rival proprietary services. This page is a curated guide to the best tools, blueprints, and knowledge you’ll need to transform your own homelab into a private AI workshop -complete with infrastructure, workflows, and agentic AI systems you control.
Introduction to Self-Hosting: Start Here
The journey of a Builder in the age of AI is one of continuous learning, experimentation, and creation. The path forward is clear, yet filled with opportunity for personal discovery and innovation.
The Unraid Setup (Beginner)
Unraid is the friendliest on-ramp I know: boot from a tiny USB, manage an elastic array of mismatched disks, and add pools for speed. This Unraid path is the gentle slope. It gets Builders from zero to “private AI lab” quickly and safely, while leaving headroom to grow. When you’re ready for more control of your hardware and high-availability ideas, you’ll graduate to Proxmox - and when you want raw, portable definitions and orchestration that jump across hosts, your Advanced Docker guide takes the reins.
The Proxmox Setup (Intermediate)
Proxmox is the right middle path for a Builder with some intermediate-level skill. If you're not quite ready for this, no worries! You can get solid results with the more user-friendly Unraid setup, and if ever you need more, come back here when you're ready. On the other hand, if you're needing more power and customization options, check out the more advanced Docker guide.
The Docker Setup (Advanced)
Docker is the portable substrate for Builders. One engine, one Compose file, and your lab jumps from laptop to server to cloud without drama. This is an advanced build - if you’re new to self-hosting I recommend starting with Unraid or Proxmox to get a feel for the process before diving into this Docker setup.
Additional Self-Hosting Guides and Resources
Find here a list of additional resources on self-hosting, operating systems, useful tools, and much more.
Beginning Builder's Guide: Your First Steps into Self-Hosting
Hey there, future Builder! If you’re reading this, you might be thinking: “Self-hosting sounds cool, but I have no idea where to start!” Don’t worry - everyone starts somewhere, and this guide will help you take your very first steps.
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