Open guidebook · by Anish

Home Server#

How I turned an old 2017 MacBook into a home server, written so anyone can do it again on any old computer: install Linux, connect from your other devices, share files, run a private AI and lock it all down. One clear step at a time.

Start here Linux commands Something's broken

The parts#

PART 1Install LinuxMake a USB stick, boot from it, install Debian screen by screen. PART 2ConnectFind it on the network, SSH from Mac, Windows and iPhone, keys only. PART 3Make it a serverAutomatic updates, firewall, lid closed, Tailscale from anywhere. PART 4Store filesHard drives, shared folders for Mac and Windows, nightly backups. PART 5Private AIA local model that never leaves the house, kept offline and locked down. PART 6Security layerTighter SSH and firewall, Fail2ban, a private dashboard, encrypted backups.

Handy pages#

MAPHow the parts connectWhat can reach what, and what's blocked on purpose. LINUXLinux commandsFiles, permissions, hardware, network, SSH, services. MONTHLYHealth checkFifteen minutes, once a month. NOTESServer notebookA page to fill in with your own names and devices.

What you end up with#

flowchart LR
  subgraph You["Your devices"]
    M["Mac"]
    W["Windows PC"]
    P["Phone"]
  end
  T(("Tailscale"))
  subgraph Home["At home"]
    S["Old laptop<br/>Debian server"]
    D1[("Files")]
    D2[("Backups")]
    AI["Private AI"]
  end
  M --> T
  W --> T
  P --> T
  T --> S
  S --- D1
  S --- AI
  D1 -. "nightly" .-> D2