Choosing your OS

Before you even think about apps, services, or Docker containers, you’ll need to pick the foundation your setup will run on: the operating system (OS). For self-hosting, the clear winner is Linux, it’s the backbone of most servers worldwide, and for good reason.

Why Linux is the Go-To for Self-Hosting

I won’t provide an exhaustive list here (a quick Google search will give you a lot more supportive arguments to back me up on this). Instead, I’ll just highlight the key reasons why Linux is the best choice.

• Lightweight and efficient
  Unlike Windows, Linux doesn’t hog resources just to stay running. This means more CPU and RAM are available for the services you actually want to host.

• Stability
  Linux servers can run for months (even years) without rebooting, making it ideal for services you want always online.

• Security
  Linux has a strong track record of security and benefits from frequent updates. Plus, its open-source nature means vulnerabilities are patched quickly by the community.

• Ecosystem support
  Almost every self-hosted app, Docker image, or open-source project assumes you’re running Linux. Documentation, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides almost always target Linux first.

Why Debian or Ubuntu

When it comes to self-hosting, you don’t need to look far: Debian and Ubuntu are the most popular choices. They’re beginner-friendly, well-documented, and widely supported across hosting guides, tutorials, and community forums. So if you have 0 experience with Linux, Debian / Ubuntu is the perfect start.

Throughout this book, assume that we’re working with a Debian/Ubuntu system. This is because the most servers and tutorials use some Debian-based distro, and the Linux distro I installed on my mini PC is Linux Mint, another beginner-friendly distro built on Ubuntu. If your distro is based on RHEL, you can always look up the equivalent commands / guides, especially since package management and GPG key handling differ.

Alternatives (for Advanced Users)

While Debian and Ubuntu are the best place to start, other Linux distributions might catch your interest later such as Fedora, Arch Linux, or even Kali Linux.

If you’re just starting, don’t overthink it. Stick with Debian or Ubuntu for now. You can always explore the others once you’re comfortable.

Installing Linux

My mini PC came with Windows 10 pre-installed, which is usually the case with most used mini PCs you’ll find online. If you’ve got a mini PC as well, you can follow the same process I did:

1. Download the Linux Mint ISO (or Ubuntu/Debian if you prefer).
2. Use Balena Etcher to flash the ISO to a USB drive.
3. Plug in the USB, reboot your mini PC, and open the BIOS/boot menu.
4. Select the USB drive to boot from and begin the Linux installation.

There are many guides online if you don’t wanna follow my cryptic instructions (please don’t). The one I followed was this guide by Linus Tech Tips.

NOTE: Installing Linux will erase everything currently on your Windows drive (unless you explicitly set up dual boot). If you want to keep Windows around, make sure you know how to partition your drive properly.

If you’re using a VM instead of a mini PC, the process is even easier, most cloud platforms let you pick a Debian or Ubuntu ISO right from the setup wizard. It’s usually one of the first options available.