Cloud & Hosting

Building a Privacy-First Security Camera: The ROOT Observer Prototype

Discover how the ROOT Observer prototype redefines home security with true privacy-first design. This comprehensive guide explores open-source firmware, local storage, and end-to-end encryption for complete data sovereignty.

14 min read | 53 views | Mar 17, 2026

TapMap: Visualize Your Computer's Global Connections in 2026

TapMap is a fascinating open-source tool that reveals where your computer connects globally by visualizing socket connections on an interactive world map. This comprehensive guide explores how it works, privacy implications, and why it's become essential for security-conscious users in 2026.

14 min read | 35 views | Mar 15, 2026

Why Your First Self-Hosting Outage Is Actually a Good Thing

When your self-hosted services go down, it feels like failure. But that first outage is actually a milestone. Learn how TrueNAS updates, Docker failures, and user dependencies teach valuable lessons about resilience, monitoring, and what really matters in your homelab journey.

8 min read | 83 views | Mar 04, 2026

The Vibe Coding Dilemma: Should SelfHosted Split in 2026?

The r/selfhosted community faces a critical decision in 2026: should it split to separate traditional self-hosted applications from the rising tide of 'vibe coded' disposable apps? We explore the security implications, quality concerns, and community dynamics driving this debate.

10 min read | 84 views | Mar 02, 2026

IPv4 vs IPv6: Why We're Stuck in the Past and How to Escape

Despite IPv6 offering a near-infinite address space and solving the CGNAT problem, the internet still clings to IPv4. This deep dive explores the technical, economic, and practical reasons for the slow transition and provides actionable steps for self-hosters to embrace IPv6 today.

11 min read | 80 views | Feb 26, 2026

Porkbun ID Verification: Privacy Erosion or Necessary Security?

Porkbun's sudden ID verification requirement has sparked outrage in the self-hosted community. We examine whether this is legitimate security or unnecessary privacy erosion, and what it means for your domains in 2026.

13 min read | 86 views | Feb 24, 2026

BrainRotGuard: Build a Self-Hosted YouTube Approval System in 2026

Tired of YouTube's algorithm dictating what your kids watch? Discover how to build BrainRotGuard, a self-hosted approval system that puts you in control. This comprehensive 2026 guide walks through the why, how, and what-ifs of creating a curated YouTube experience for your family.

13 min read | 90 views | Feb 22, 2026

Matrix in 2026: The Complete Discord Alternative You Can Self-Host

For years, people dismissed Matrix as a Discord alternative because it lacked group voice and video chat. In 2026, that's changed completely. Here's how Matrix with Element has evolved into a privacy-focused, self-hosted Discord killer with all the features you actually need.

12 min read | 86 views | Feb 21, 2026

Beyond Discord: The 2026 Guide to Self-Hosted Chat Platforms

Facing platform fatigue, many communities are seeking self-hosted Discord alternatives. This guide, informed by the real-world experience of managing a 55,000+ member server, explores the viable contenders, their trade-offs, and a practical migration path for 2026.

10 min read | 203 views | Feb 18, 2026

Self-Hosted Discord Alternatives: Complete 2026 Comparison Guide

Discover the best self-hosted Discord alternatives for 2026. We dive deep into Matrix/Element, Fluxer, and Stoat—comparing privacy, features, and real-world usability for communities wanting control over their data.

13 min read | 344 views | Feb 18, 2026

Why Matrix Isn't the Discord Killer (Yet): A 2026 Reality Check

Matrix promises a decentralized, open-source future for real-time communication. So why, in 2026, do communities still struggle to adopt it as a true Discord replacement? We dive into the technical and social hurdles holding it back.

10 min read | 120 views | Feb 16, 2026

Best Open Source TeamSpeak Alternatives for Self-Hosting in 2026

Looking to ditch corporate-controlled voice chat platforms? This comprehensive guide explores the best open source, self-hosted TeamSpeak alternatives that give you complete control over your communications and data privacy.

15 min read | 144 views | Feb 15, 2026