Docker Log Rotation for Homelabs: Prevent json-file from Filling the Disk
A Docker documentation-based guide to bounded json-file retention, Compose overrides, and verifying that log growth cannot consume the host disk.
Mailu Self-Hosted: Docker Setup, Requirements, and Beginner Guide
A documentation-based Mailu self-hosted email guide covering Docker Compose, requirements, DNS, home vs VPS, administration, backups, updates, deliverability, and Mailu vs Mailcow.
HomelabAddiction
Practical Homelab and Self-Hosting Guides for Beginners and Builders
HomelabAddiction helps beginners and self-hosters build practical home labs with clear guides on Docker, Proxmox, networking, storage, backups, security, and self-hosted apps.
Self-Hosting
What Is a Homelab? Definition, Uses, and Beginner Projects
What is a homelab, what is a home lab used for, and what can beginners build? Learn the meaning, practical uses, starter hardware, and first projects.
Docker
Docker Compose Best Practices for Homelabs: A Maintainable Stack Layout and Operations Checklist
Homelab
Homelab DNS Rules for Domains, Split-Horizon DNS, and Local HTTPS
Self-Hosting
Homelab Backup Strategy: Build a 3-2-1 Plan You Can Restore
Self-Hosting
Mailu Self-Hosted: Docker Setup, Requirements, and Beginner Guide
Beginner path
Build the foundations in a sensible order
Start with one useful goal, then add hardware, networking, security, and recovery practices as your home lab grows.
01
What is a homelab?
A beginner-friendly explanation of what a homelab is, why people build one, and what you can do with it.
02
What should you self-host first?
Start with practical services that teach useful skills without creating too much maintenance.
03
Homelab hardware basics
Understand what hardware you need before buying equipment you may not use.
04
Networking basics
Learn IP addresses, DNS, DHCP, NAT, VPNs, and firewalls.
Browse category
Docker
How to Set Up Rootless Docker for a Homelab: Safer Containers Without Full-Root Daemon Access
Set up rootless Docker for a homelab, understand the low-port and privilege tradeoffs, and decide when the extra isolation is worth the effort.
Docker Health Checks for Compose: Probes That Reflect Real Service Readiness
Learn how Docker health checks really work, how to pair them with Compose startup ordering, and how to pick probes that reflect service readiness instead of process uptime.
Secrets Management for Homelabs: Safer Docker Compose Patterns for Passwords and Tokens
Use Docker Compose secrets, BuildKit secrets, and encrypted files to keep passwords and tokens out of compose files, screenshots, and Git history.
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Self-Hosting
Homelab Server for Beginners: What It Is, What It Runs, and the Hardware That Matters
Choose a beginner homelab server by workload: compare mini PCs, used desktops, NAS systems, towers, and rack servers, plus the equipment worth buying first.
Does WireGuard Need Port Forwarding? The 3 Homelab Cases That Matter
Use the right WireGuard port-forwarding answer for three common homelab cases: a server at home, a home client connecting outward, or a CGNAT setup that cannot accept inbound traffic.
Homelab Documentation Template: README, Inventory, and Runbooks That Stay Usable
Copy a practical homelab documentation template with a front-door README, service inventory, network notes, runbooks, and a change log that stays usable during outages.
Homelab Naming Conventions and Folder Layout for Hosts, Services, and Notes
Build a homelab naming convention and folder layout that keeps hosts, services, network records, and recovery notes understandable as the environment grows.
Browse category
Networking
Replace Port Forwarding with Tailscale or Cloudflare Tunnel Safely
Replace port forwarding with Tailscale or Cloudflare Tunnel by choosing the right access model, testing the cutover, and removing old exposure safely.
Headscale vs Tailscale for Homelabs: Choose the Control Plane You Can Maintain
Compare Headscale and Tailscale by control-plane ownership, maintenance, access control, and recovery responsibilities.
Tailscale vs WireGuard vs Cloudflare Tunnel for Homelabs: Choose by Access Model, Control, and Exposure Risk
Choose between Tailscale, WireGuard, and Cloudflare Tunnel by separating private device access, self-managed VPN control, and selective public web-app exposure.
How to Set Up Homelab Network Segmentation: VLANs, IoT Isolation, and Firewall Rules
Learn how to set up homelab network segmentation with a practical five-zone VLAN model, IoT isolation, firewall rules, DNS, logging, and Proxmox and Docker placement guidance.
Latest dispatches
Recent articles
NAS & Storage
Rackmount UPS for Homelabs: Pick 1U vs 2U for NAS, Proxmox, and Network Gear
NAS & Storage
APC vs CyberPower for Homelab UPS: Match the Load Shape First
Homelab
Homelab Network Diagram Template: Track Hosts, VLANs, and Services Clearly
NAS & Storage
Budget UPS for Homelabs: Choose by Load, Output, and Shutdown Support
Proxmox
Proxmox Backup Server Setup for Homelabs: A Recovery-Focused Workflow
Proxmox
Homelab Storage Design: Separate Boot, Apps, Media, and Backups
Self-Hosting
Homelab Documentation Tools: Obsidian vs BookStack vs Wiki.js
Self-Hosting
Homelab Maintenance Checklist: Weekly, Monthly, and Quarterly Checks
Self-Hosting
How to Document Your Homelab: Notes, Inventory, and Runbooks That Stay Useful
Homelab
Homelab IP Plan Template: Track VLANs, DHCP Reservations, and Static Assignments Clearly
Proxmox
Proxmox Cloud-Init Templates: A Consistent VM Provisioning Workflow
Self-Hosting