Learn exactly how to set up Linux, Docker, Jellyfin, Sonarr, Radarr, Cloudflare tunnels, ad blocking, and more — on real hardware, the right way.
Mini PC, old laptop, or a dedicated box. We cover all of them with pros, cons, and exact specs to look for.
Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS. Step-by-step: bootable USB, BIOS settings, partition layout, first boot.
Static IP, SSH config, connect from your main machine. This is where most guides stop. We're just getting started.
Core Skills covers Docker and your reverse proxy — then add specialty packs for media, NAS, privacy, monitoring, or anything else you want to run.
Never used Linux? Never opened a terminal? That's fine. Chapter 1 starts with hardware selection and nothing is assumed.
You want Plex or Jellyfin with automated downloads. We wire up the entire Arr stack — Sonarr, Radarr, Prowlarr, and more.
Ad blocking at the DNS level, Cloudflare tunnels instead of port forwarding, Tailscale for private access. We cover all of it.
You want to understand how everything works, not just copy-paste commands. Every step explains the why.
Linux, SSH, first boot. Always free, no card needed.
Docker, Compose, Nginx, SSL, Cloudflare. Unlocks everything. One-time.
Media, NAS, Privacy, Security, Monitoring, Apps. Pick only what you're building.
Discord community, config library, update alerts, early pack access.
Real people running the same stack, swapping configs, and helping each other debug at 2am.
Stuck on a Docker network issue? Post in the community and someone who's solved it will reply — usually fast.
Show off your dashboard, share your compose files, compare hardware. The best builds come from seeing what others are running.
New packs, updated chapters, and bonus configs drop regularly. Community members hear about them first.
"I tried to set up Jellyfin three different times from random blog posts and it never stuck. Following the stack here it actually made sense — I understood what each piece was doing."
"The Docker section alone was worth it. I'd been copy-pasting compose files for two years without actually understanding volumes or networks. That changed."
"Got a mini PC, followed the Foundation section over a weekend, had a working server by Sunday night. Didn't touch a cloud subscription after that."
Start with the free foundation. Add Core Skills and packs when you're ready.