Start here

Step-by-step order: The starter stack

  1. Pick your box

    Choose a mini PC at home or a small VPS before installing anything.

    Best mini PC · Cheapest VPS

  2. Install your first app

    Set up Immich with Docker Compose.

    Immich with Docker Compose

  3. Bring your photos home

    Move your library out of Google Photos.

    Google Photos to Immich

  4. Make it safe

    Back up Immich and test a restore before you rely on it.

    Immich backup and restore

  5. Next project: media

    Pick a media server, then enable hardware transcoding.

    Jellyfin vs Plex · Jellyfin Quick Sync

Optional extra: Vaultwarden with Docker and HTTPS (internet-facing, so do it after step 4).

A beginner path into self-hosting. A good first project is a self-hosted photo library with Immich:

  1. Immich Docker Compose Setup (Version-Pinned, Update-Safe)
  2. Move Google Photos to Immich with Google Takeout and immich-go
  3. Immich Backup and Restore: A Doc-Based Guide
  4. Immich Hardware Requirements and Sizing: A Doc-Based Worksheet

Overview: The starter stack

Next: Hardware · Apps