Getting Started

Build Your Own Home Server

A step-by-step guide for complete beginners who want to turn a Raspberry Pi into a home server customised around the services they actually need.

What can you build?

A home server can be as simple or as capable as you want. This guide helps you build a reliable foundation and then choose the features that matter to you.

🎬 Stream moviesWatch your own library on televisions, phones and tablets.

📺 Organise TV showsManage episodes and keep your library tidy.

📸 Back up photosStore phone photos and videos on your own hardware.

📚 Build a book libraryManage books and authors in one place.

☁️ Store personal filesKeep documents and important files on your network.

🌍 Use services remotelyReach selected services securely while away from home.

Choose only what you need

You do not need every application in this guide. Each application page explains what it does, who it is useful for, what it depends on and whether it can be skipped.

How this guide works

The navigation follows the same order as a real build: prepare the hardware, install Raspberry Pi OS, configure storage, add applications, set up networking and learn how to maintain the system.

Before starting

No previous Linux, Docker or server experience is assumed. Work through the Getting Started folder in order and do not move on until the checkpoint at the end of each page is complete.