Guides for running your own services instead of renting them from hyperscalers. Covers Nextcloud for file sync, Jellyfin for media, Vaultwarden for passwords, Gitea for version control, and dozens of other open source platforms that replace the subscription stack most people default to. Every guide includes the Docker Compose file, the reverse proxy config, the backup approach, and the failure modes we have hit in production. Self-hosting is not about paranoia. It is about owning the infrastructure your life runs on, understanding how it works, and keeping your data under your own roof. If you want sovereignty over your digital life, this is the practical path.
Why Ubuntu 24.04 Is the Docker Host You Want I run Docker across six hosts in my homelab, from mini PCs running Proxmox VMs to Raspberry Pis tucked behind the TV. Every single one of them started the same way: a clean Ubuntu install and a Docker setup that takes about ten minutes. From the […]
How to Install Docker on Ubuntu 24.04 (Step-by-Step Guide) Read More »
K3s: Real Kubernetes on a Raspberry Pi Let me be honest upfront: running Kubernetes on a single Raspberry Pi is over-engineered. For running a few containers, Docker Compose is simpler, lighter, and more appropriate. If your goal is purely practical — get services running with minimum fuss — you don’t need Kubernetes. That’s not the
K3s: Real Kubernetes on a Raspberry Pi Read More »
And Why You Should Try It in Your Homelab with Twingate 👋 The Old Way: VPNs and Big Doors For years, remote access meant one thing: a VPN. You logged in once, and suddenly your laptop could see everything on the network. That worked fine when: • Everyone sat in the same office. • The
What Is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)? Homelab Guide Read More »
Still port forwarding in 2025? Stop. This guide walks you through real-world security for your Raspberry Pi or homelab — Zero Trust, backups, and monitoring included.
How to Secure Your Homelab Network (2026 Guide) Read More »
This isn’t just a hobby. This is how you build the skills to run production-grade infrastructure — from your garage, spare room, or Raspberry Pi. From the homelab: I run over 30 self-hosted services across my homelab. These are the ones I consider essential — the services that would be the first I redeploy if
Homelab Essential Services (2026): Build Your Full Stack Read More »
When advancing your tech skills and career, demonstrating initiative through practical projects can make a significant difference. Building and managing a homelab is an excellent way to showcase your creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to learn independently. But a common decision arises when starting your homelab journey: Should you use a Raspberry Pi or a
Raspberry Pi vs Mini PC: Which Is Better for Learning and Career Growth? Read More »
If you’re getting started with a homelab, you’re likely asking yourself: should I buy new hardware, build a setup from used gear, or rent cloud servers like Linode or DigitalOcean? This guide will help you compare all three paths so you can choose the best fit for your learning goals, budget, and career growth. Homelabs
Getting Started with a Homelab: Buy, Build, or Rent? Read More »
Want a faster, more secure Raspberry Pi setup? In this step-by-step guide, we show you how to install Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS onto a USB stick using Raspberry Pi Imager — perfect for Pi clusters, homelabs, and Azure Arc projects.
How to Install Ubuntu Server on a Raspberry Pi (2026 Guide) Read More »
This is day one of something big. ReadTheManual is the new home for hands-on tech learning — homelabs, self-hosted tools, career-focused projects, and a growing community of makers and mentors.
Welcome to ReadTheManual: Day One of Something Big Read More »
