Self-Hosting

Self-Hosting

Take back your data. Tutorials for building the core infrastructure of your lab: Docker, Nginx, DNS, and more.
08
Jul
Screenshot of Immich landing page, where I am showcasing some Canadian content of the Parliament building in Ottawa, and the colour parade of Royal Canadian troops Marching on the lawn.

Take Control of Your Photos/Vids: A Deep Dive into Immich!

Introduction: What is Immich? Immich is a self-hosted photo management application designed for photographers, families, and prosumers who are
12 min read
28
Apr
Banner titled Securing Digital Infrastructure featuring SWAG and NGINX logos with a firewall shield icon on a digital circuit background.

Self-Hosting SWAG: Deploying Your Reverse Proxy in Docker (2026)

Forget Nginx Proxy Manager. Learn how to set up LinuxServer.io SWAG with CrowdSec, Authelia, and the new Dashboard Mod for a secure, automated reverse proxy stack.
18 min read
24
Apr
Layers protecting your services from the evil of the internet, and only allowing authorized through.

The Self-Hosting Roadmap: From Localhost to Public URL (Safely)

From Localhost to Public URL. A step-by-step architecture guide for self-hosting securely using Cloudflare, OPNsense, and Nginx Proxy Manager.
8 min read
18
Apr
Infographic comparing OMV8/Truenas, Unraid, Synology/Ugreen for use as affordable scrap-lab OS. You'll notice the "Ease of Use" changes from left (3/5) to right (5/5), along with the price!

Homelab on a Budget: Your Zero-to-Hero Guide (2026)

For years, I’ve been fascinated by the "homelab" - a personal, self-built environment for experimentation, learning, and,
7 min read
17
Apr
Cyberpunk digital fortress representing a self-hosted homelab with servers, Docker, networking, firewalls, and privacy-focused infrastructure. Canadian flag in backround.

πŸ—ΊοΈ Start Here: Turn Your "Trash" Hardware Into a Digital Fortress

Learn self-hosting, Docker, homelabs, networking, Plex or Jellyfin, automation, and cybersecurity. Turn scrap hardware into a secure digital fortress with Core Lab.
10 min read