It started with curiosity
I have been getting into self-hosting for a while. At first I wanted somewhere my applications could keep running after I closed my computer. Then I found myself wanting to understand much more: where my data ends up, which services my devices contact, how DNS, tracking and ad filtering work. One question led to another.
I started the lab in January 2026. Nannix is where I bring this journey together: what I explore, the tools I enjoy using and the choices I change as I understand more. I like leaving room for the parts I am still figuring out.
My frustration with subscriptions
I have always disliked subscriptions. I resent adding a monthly fee for every little part of my digital life and keeping on paying to access my own things. When a service also collects information about my habits, that feeling grows: I am already giving something valuable, on top of money. I want to understand that exchange better and decide how much of it to accept.
I do recognise the efficiency I am buying: a ready-to-use app, available everywhere, with people looking after its infrastructure. That convenience has value. I am willing to spend time building some of it myself, because I learn and get more say in the process. The cost shifts to hardware, electricity, maintenance and my own hours; for me, some of those hours are enjoyable too.
First I watch, then I try
YouTube opened many doors for me. I followed Italian and American creators; Morrolinux was a reference for self-hosting and Riccardo Palombo for Linux and distributions. I like starting with someone describing a tool they actually use, then reading the documentation and seeing whether it might work for me too.
Finding time to dig deeper is the difficult part. Following a guide gets me started; understanding why a configuration works takes more patience. I experiment, discuss ideas with other people and revisit steps I had taken for granted. The library holds references that help me along and others I want to return to.
The MacBook I already had
I started with a 2016 MacBook Air with 256 GB of storage that was sitting unused at home. I liked putting it back to work. Before looking for the perfect server, I wanted to see what I could do with what I had: this machine gave me a practical starting point and limits to think within.
It has no battery, so it depends entirely on mains power. A power cut switches it off immediately. Eventually I want to improve this with a battery or backup power and suitable shutdown handling. In the meantime I have developed considerable respect for the socket under the desk.
Linux Mint, Docker and changing choices
Today I use Linux Mint and Docker. I liked having a graphical interface to help me get familiar with the machine, even though I now work mostly in the terminal. Docker has become how I organise services and try new applications. Every addition gives me another part of the system to understand.
Now I would consider Ubuntu Server for a leaner configuration. Migration is still on my list: I need to prepare it and find a moment when changing something that works makes sense. A NAS or mini PC might have a place in the future too. For now I prefer to grow the lab alongside my needs.
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