Introduction: Why Set Up a Home Server?
Looking to protect your privacy and manage your data at home? A home server gives you full control over your files, media, and network while removing the need for third-party services. Using open-source software like Nextcloud, Jellyfin, and Pi-hole, you can set up a private, secure, and reliable server that fits your needs.
What You’ll Need to Set Up a Home Server
Setting up a home server is easier than you think! You’ll only need some basic hardware and open-source software.
Hardware Requirements:
• A computer, NAS, or Raspberry Pi
• Ethernet connection (recommended for reliability)
• External storage (optional but recommended for more space)
• Router access to configure a static IP address
Software You’ll Use:
1. Nextcloud – Personal cloud storage
2. Jellyfin – Media server for streaming music, movies, and TV shows
3. Pi-hole – Network-wide ad-blocker for all devices
Step 1: Install a Lightweight Linux-Based Operating System
The best OS for your server is Ubuntu Server or Raspberry Pi OS. These systems are stable, lightweight, and widely supported by the open-source community.
How to Install the OS:
1.
Download the OS Image:
• Get Ubuntu Server from ubuntu.com
• Get Raspberry Pi OS from raspberrypi.org
2.
Create a Bootable Drive:
Use Rufus (Windows) or Balena Etcher (Mac/Linux) to write the OS to a USB or SD card.
3.
Install the OS on Your Server:
Insert the bootable drive, power on the server, and follow the setup instructions.
4.
Update the System:
bash
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sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Step 2: Install Nextcloud for Cloud Storage
Nextcloud is a self-hosted cloud solution that lets you store and sync files across devices.
How to Set Up Nextcloud:
1.
Install Apache and PHP:
bash
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sudo apt install apache2 php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql php-curl php-xml php-gd -y
2.
Download and Extract Nextcloud:
bash
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wget https://download.nextcloud.com/server/releases/nextcloud-XX.tar.bz2
tar -xjf nextcloud-XX.tar.bz2
sudo mv nextcloud /var/www/html/
sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/html/nextcloud
3.
Configure Apache:
bash
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sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/nextcloud.conf
Add:
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DocumentRoot /var/www/html/nextcloud
AllowOverride All
4.
Enable the Site and Restart Apache:
bash
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sudo a2ensite nextcloud
sudo systemctl restart apache2
5.
Access Nextcloud:
Go to http://
Step 3: Install Jellyfin for Media Streaming
Jellyfin is a free, open-source media server that lets you stream movies, TV shows, and music to any device.
How to Install Jellyfin:/
1.
Add the Repository:
bash
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wget -O – https://repo.jellyfin.org/debian/jellyfin_team.gpg.key | sudo apt-key add –
echo “deb [arch=$(dpkg –print-architecture)] https://repo.jellyfin.org/debian $(lsb_release -cs) main” | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/jellyfin.list
2.
Install and Start Jellyfin:
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sudo apt update
sudo apt install jellyfin -y
sudo systemctl enable jellyfin
sudo systemctl start jellyfin
3.
Access Jellyfin:
Open http://:8096 in a browser and follow the setup wizard to add your media library.
Step 4: Set Up Pi-hole for Ad-Blocking
Pi-hole blocks ads and trackers across all devices on your network by filtering DNS requests.
How to Install Pi-hole:
1.
Run the Installation Script:
bash
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curl -sSL https://install.pi-hole.net | bash
2.
Follow the Setup Wizard:
• Choose the network interface (eth0).
• Set a static IP address.
• Select a DNS provider (Google, Cloudflare, etc.).
3.
Access the Admin Interface:
Go to http:///admin to manage Pi-hole settings.
4.
Update Your Router’s DNS Settings:
Set the router’s DNS to your Pi-hole IP address to block ads on all devices.
Step 5: Secure Your Home Server
Security is essential for running a home server. Here’s how to protect it:
1.
Enable UFW Firewall:
bash
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sudo apt install ufw -y
sudo ufw allow OpenSSH
sudo ufw allow 80/tcp 8096/tcp
sudo ufw enable
2.
Enable Automatic Updates:
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sudo apt install unattended-upgrades -y
3.
Use Strong Passwords:
Ensure secure passwords for Nextcloud, Jellyfin, and Pi-hole.
4.
Install Fail2Ban (Optional):
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sudo apt install fail2ban -y
sudo systemctl enable fail2ban
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Secure Home Server
With this guide, you’ve set up a powerful, secure home server using Nextcloud, Jellyfin, and Pi-hole.
• Nextcloud keeps your files organized and accessible.
• Jellyfin makes media streaming a breeze.
• Pi-hole improves privacy by blocking ads and trackers network-wide.
Now that your server is running, enjoy the freedom and privacy that comes with managing your own data. Remember to keep everything updated and explore more open-source tools to enhance your setup.
Add the Repository:
bash
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wget -O – https://repo.jellyfin.org/debian/jellyfin_team.gpg.key | sudo apt-key add –
echo “deb [arch=$(dpkg –print-architecture)] https://repo.jellyfin.org/debian $(lsb_release -cs) main” | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/jellyfin.list
2.
Install and Start Jellyfin:
bash
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sudo apt update
sudo apt install jellyfin -y
sudo systemctl enable jellyfin
sudo systemctl start jellyfin
3.
Access Jellyfin:
Open http://
Step 4: Set Up Pi-hole for Ad-Blocking
Pi-hole blocks ads and trackers across all devices on your network by filtering DNS requests.
How to Install Pi-hole:
1.
Run the Installation Script:
bash
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curl -sSL https://install.pi-hole.net | bash
2.
Follow the Setup Wizard:
• Choose the network interface (eth0).
• Set a static IP address.
• Select a DNS provider (Google, Cloudflare, etc.).
3.
Access the Admin Interface:
Go to http://
4.
Update Your Router’s DNS Settings:
Set the router’s DNS to your Pi-hole IP address to block ads on all devices.
Step 5: Secure Your Home Server
Security is essential for running a home server. Here’s how to protect it:
1.
Enable UFW Firewall:
bash
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sudo apt install ufw -y
sudo ufw allow OpenSSH
sudo ufw allow 80/tcp 8096/tcp
sudo ufw enable
2.
Enable Automatic Updates:
bash
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sudo apt install unattended-upgrades -y
3.
Use Strong Passwords:
Ensure secure passwords for Nextcloud, Jellyfin, and Pi-hole.
4.
Install Fail2Ban (Optional):
bash
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sudo apt install fail2ban -y
sudo systemctl enable fail2ban
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Secure Home Server
With this guide, you’ve set up a powerful, secure home server using Nextcloud, Jellyfin, and Pi-hole.
• Nextcloud keeps your files organized and accessible.
• Jellyfin makes media streaming a breeze.
• Pi-hole improves privacy by blocking ads and trackers network-wide.
Now that your server is running, enjoy the freedom and privacy that comes with managing your own data. Remember to keep everything updated and explore more open-source tools to enhance your setup.
