Self Hosting

I have for a couple years been self-hosting a number of servers. I run an instance of the NGINX as a front-end for a number of services (primarily gotify and nextcloud). A couple months ago after the domain register I used was hacked, I setup my own DNS server to reduce vulnerability to future hacks.

Over the past week, I have been setting up my own SMTP/IMAP server (that’s email), along with the DNS machinery to have teknomunk@polaris-1.work get mail delivered. As of this writing, receiving email works just fine. Sending still needs work, and I will probably need to use an SMTP relay.

Self-hosting allows those people who are technically capable to have full power over how their service works. It is more expensive in time (but less than you might think) but usually less expensive in money. Total outlay for me is about $5/month and a $20 yearly fee, excluding hardware, electricity and internet connectivity. I estimate the hardware was about $2-3000 spread over 10 years.