I’ve never done any sort of home networking or self-hosting of any kind but thanks to Jellyfin and Mastodon I’ve become interested in the idea. As I understand it, physical servers (“bare metal” correct?) are PCs intended for data storing and hosting services instead of being used as a daily driver like my desktop. From my (admittedly) limited research, dedicated servers are a bit expensive. However, it seems that you can convert an old PC and even laptop into a server (examples here and here). But should I use that or are there dedicated servers at “affordable” price points. Since is this is first experience with self-hosting, which would be a better route to take?

  • bdonvr@thelemmy.clubEnglish
    3·
    23 hours ago

    Heck yeah. Not always the best for power efficiency though.

    Old laptops also a great choice but I really recommend removing the battery first.

    • leadore@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      20 hours ago

      Why removing the battery? I was thinking that could be one good thing about using a laptop is that in a way it has its own UPS.

      • bdonvr@thelemmy.clubEnglish
        5·
        19 hours ago

        Because as a headless server it’s likely to sit hidden for a long time. This and the always being plugged in is not good for lithium-ion batteries. If/when it starts ballooning will you notice? It’s a fire risk.

        UPSes use typically lead-acid batteries like a car.

        • leadore@lemmy.worldEnglish
          1·
          20 hours ago

          I should have thought of that. Thanks! Ironically, I have a very old lead-acid UPS in the basement that I’ve been kind of afraid to plug in again after all this time.

          • bdonvr@thelemmy.clubEnglish
            2·
            19 hours ago

            You can typically replace the battery inside the UPS (and should every few years). Looking at $40-50USD for “official” replacements, less for questionable third party ones.