bauherren

Path to self-hosting

Author: Christos, Pranshu

The biggest disservice I've committed unto my friends, those of which I successfully converted to 'free-software' is not preaching the good word of 'self-hosting' - earlier.

'Self-hosting' and 'free-software' go hand in hand

I'm sure every Linux user can in a moments notice list away all the evil things Microsoft and Apple have done towards mankind and computing. While at the same time, coyly lowering their pitchforks for Google or any other service they rely on. Actually, the same rallying cry against Windows does somewhat transfer over into the realm of mail - albeit - is protonmail any better?

Now bauherren.ovh has it's own email server, matrix, searx instances

We even have our own mercurial and git server.

And guess the best thing... it runs entirely on free-software :)

It's never been easier

There are a dime-a-dozen quality guides and even dedicated guides like landchad.net (PRANSHU: Only Mr Smith thing I will ever use) that have everything you need to start self-hosting.

I'll admit it for some nicher things, like setting up an IRC chat bot, goodluck finding an up-to-date guide then again goodluck convincing your friend-circle to switch to IRC.

Why self host instead of using discord, gmail, github, etc...

Simple — Your interests are not aligned with that of these for-profit companies. Every now and then, this simple fact manifests in different ways and goes in your vison, yet, because of the convinence offered by these platforms, people ignore it. _Every_ single of these 'free services' have commited unethical acts we choose to ignore, the list goes on and on and on.

The company might be good at hiding their mis-aligned interests, as is the case with discord, but the simple fact of knowing their intentions is living rent-free in the back of your head, maybe even subconsciously affecting your decisons of usage with these platforms.

Now, there are companies that are focused on making a change, for example Drew DeVault's sourcehut, and if you are willing to pay for them you shoud[EDIT: AVOID DREW DEVAULT SOFTWARE]. But if you are like me, and have more time and less money, just self host already.

Amish

This doesn't mean you need to take a vow of chastity when it comes to non-free software services. The point of self-hosting is not about being dogmatic, and moving away from all your friends. You are your own person.

There has always been naysayers

Naysayer's are nothing new. I'm sure you've ran into people who scoffed at or shut you down for using a 'free' operating system.

One banner

Ultimately, free-software and self-hosting can and should unite under one banner