home server

The Beelink ME Pro is another reminder that the modern NAS market has split into two very different products: the traditional storage appliance and the compact, Windows-capable box that can moonlight as a general-purpose home server. In the ServeTheHome review, the ME Pro appears not as a...

Europe’s move to reclaim digital control has a quiet, practical counterpart in the hobbyist and small‑business IT communities: a crop of polished, ready‑to‑run Linux server appliances that let individuals and organizations run their own clouds—mail, chat, file sync, VPN, and even Windows‑style...

If you’re ready to stop surrendering your documents, calendars, and chat history to distant data centers and start running those services where you control the power button, the network, and the backups, five modern Linux-based server projects give you that option today — and they’re all usable...

In a year marked by shifting priorities in data privacy and an ever-increasing hunger for seamless, self-managed digital storage, the arrival of the Synology DiskStation DS925+ could not be better timed. This new iteration of Synology's celebrated NAS family claims to blend robust power...

Venturing into the world of home labs unveils an alluring promise: total control, relentless experimentation, and the satisfaction of running every pivotal service yourself. As enthusiasts rush to consolidate tasks onto fewer machines—especially with power costs rising and hardware prices...

When examining the evolution of home server solutions for consumers, a fascinating transition emerges between Microsoft's once-hyped Windows Home Server (WHS) and the modern lineup of network-attached storage (NAS) devices typified by brands like Synology. The comparison is more than...

Self-hosting applications on a primary Windows PC is an increasingly common entry point for enthusiasts exploring the world of private cloud computing. Driven by cost concerns, hardware limitations, and a desire for convenience, many Windows users are experimenting with hosting services not on...

In an era when seamless connectivity across devices is no longer a luxury but an expectation, Microsoft’s release of the Windows Server Solutions Phone Connector for Windows Home Server 2011 ushered in a significant—albeit underappreciated—development in the ecosystem of home and small business...

For anyone managing a headless Raspberry Pi setup—especially enthusiasts seeking the best remote desktop solution—the choice of remote access software profoundly impacts productivity, ease of use, and even the Pi’s lifespan through reduced physical wear. As the Raspberry Pi OS evolves, so too do...

Before you run for the recycling bin with that creaky Windows 10 PC tucked under your arm, consider this: old hardware is like a good pair of jeans—just because it’s out of style doesn’t mean it can’t be reworked into something brilliant, comfortable, and surprisingly productive. The...

If your smart home budget is falling victim to subscription creep, you’re not alone. Each month, another little chunk peels off your hard-earned savings to pay for cloud storage, ad-blockers, media streaming, finance apps, or that “premium” password manager you only seem to use begrudgingly. But...

I'm considering replacing my 10-year old Windows Server 2012 Essentials R2 platform with a new server - hardware and OS. This is for home use only. Since I'm building the machine myself, I'm looking to purchase a Windows Server 2022 Essentials license - I haven't found a source for this and...

New to this forum - retired from IT management career with hobby of building PCs and servers for personal use. I have some questions about current Windows Server versions and license options. When I go to the Windows Server forum, it tells me I must log in - but I'm already logged in. Is there...

For many Windows users—and really anyone running a home server—the ability to connect remotely as if you were sitting in your living room is a game changer. Whether you’re trying to access documents on a file server or manage media streaming from a network-attached storage, a secure VPN setup is...

Home server operating systems probably aren't the kind of thing you think of when you're cozying up to Microsoft Word or binge-watching on Netflix. But there’s a fascinating world beyond traditional desktop setups—a world where you can unleash the raw potential of server operating systems (OS)...

Ever thought about ditching Linux for Windows 11 in your home server setup? Sure, it sounds like a compelling idea. The simplicity of Windows 11 paired with its familiar interface might seem like a refreshing option for both newcomers and seasoned techies. But before you jump in, let’s talk...

The world of home labs and self-hosted solutions often conjures up visions of Linux distros like Proxmox, TrueNAS, or even OpenMediaVault. If you’re wandering around the DIY tech world, chances are you've thought, "Windows 11? Really? Can it compete against the Linux ecosystem when it comes to...

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I am new to the forum and to servers in general, so please excuse my ignorance. I have built a couple of home servers using WHS 2011 and Windows Server 2016 Essentials using the skip domain script, but none requiring CALs. I want to build a new home server using a quad socket xeon E-5 4600 10...

A while back i posted about my ssh server not working. After trying protocol obfuscation, all sorts of port forwardings, and disabling all my firewalls, i found out from my ISP, that they do indeed block SSH at the service/protocol lvl on their edge routers. so this leads me to the following. I...