Getting Started with a Linux Homelab: Best Distro and Tips

Security can get pretty complicated, especially when you're exposing services to the internet. I've got a local server with a bunch of services running, but I keep it protected behind a firewall. If you decide to expose any services, make sure you know about security best practices, like using a good firewall (I recommend OPNsense) and strong, unique passwords everywhere. For the server OS, consider something lightweight like Alpine Linux if security is a top priority.

A good rule of thumb is to be prepared to read a lot! And be cautious with video tutorials; they can sometimes lead to misinformation. Instead, I recommend sticking with documentation and text-based guides. That way, you're less likely to get sidetracked by ads or poor-quality content.

I started with Ubuntu as well. Sure, configuring everything manually can be a hassle, but it’s super educational. Make sure to read through the official documentation and avoid dead repositories. Also, setting up a backup system for your configs is essential—tools like rsync can help a lot. If you're planning to tweak a service, try writing a script for it so you can easily set it up later if needed!

Just pick a project and dive in! Whether it’s a web server or a file server, getting hands-on is the best way to learn and figure things out as you go.