Hey guys, I’m new to self-hosting; I’m trying to set up cloud storage to store pics and other content. However, I’m unsure whether to use my old computer, Buy NAS or ResberryPie to set up a home server.

Also, what is the best privacy-friendly OS to use with the home server?

Lastly, do’s and don’ts.

Any help would be appreciated (:

  • Jeena
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    410 months ago

    I personally think a NAS would probably be the easiest option and on top of that they are optimized for low electricity consumption, which a PC, especially when it’s older is not. It makes a huge difference because it’s running 24/7 for 356 days a year.

    I used a PC once and didn’t realize that it took always about 300 W so at the end of the year surprisingly the electricity bill was much higher than normally.

    • @[email protected]
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      510 months ago

      I used a PC once and didn’t realize that it took always about 300 W

      Were you mining bitcoin or something?

      • Jeena
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        110 months ago

        It was running https://zoneminder.com/ but idling it used almost the same amount. It was a old PC my dad saved from being thrown out at his company. It must have been from around 2002 or something.

        • @[email protected]
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          610 months ago

          Yeah - that has changed since then. Power usage in the 30 to 40W range is easily attainable of you take some care selecting the components.

          • Jeena
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            110 months ago

            I bought a NUC which took 5 W idling that was quite amazing.

            • @[email protected]
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              310 months ago

              Yeah, those are awesome - but even with an ATX mainboard, a CPU and a few spinning disks it’s become easier to stay on this side of 40W.