The beginner’s guide to self-hosting: Installing Proxmox and hardware choices

Self-hosting offers individuals the ability to manage their own data and enhance privacy by keeping information on personally owned hardware, as opposed to using third-party cloud storage that can scan and store data. A guide to setting up a self-hosted environment involves selecting appropriate hardware, such as a small form factor PC instead of Raspberry Pi, and installing Proxmox as the operating system to manage virtual machines and containers. The process includes using tools like balenaEtcher to create a bootable USB drive, and configuring network connections with devices like Ubiquiti switches for enhanced networking capabilities. Additionally, the guide covers setting up virtual input devices with Jet KVM and customizing Proxmox settings for optimal performance. Once the system is operational, users can enjoy the benefits of direct data transfer via Tailscale, ensuring maximum security and privacy, while also engaging with the broader self-hosting and Tailscale communities for additional support and feedback.