Start here

Step-by-step order: The starter stack

1. 1

   Pick your box

   Choose a mini PC at home or a small VPS before installing anything.

   Best mini PC · Cheapest VPS

2. 2

   Install your first app

   Set up Immich with Docker Compose.

   Immich with Docker Compose

3. 3

   Bring your photos home

   Move your library out of Google Photos.

   Google Photos to Immich

4. 4

   Make it safe

   Back up Immich and test a restore before you rely on it.

   Immich backup and restore

5. 5

   Next project: media

   Pick a media server, then enable hardware transcoding.

   Jellyfin vs Plex · Jellyfin Quick Sync

Optional extra: Vaultwarden with Docker and HTTPS (internet-facing, so do it after step 4).

A beginner path into self-hosting. A good first project is a self-hosted photo library with Immich:

1. Immich Docker Compose Setup (Version-Pinned, Update-Safe)
2. Move Google Photos to Immich with Google Takeout and immich-go
3. Immich Backup and Restore: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Immich Hardware Requirements and Sizing: Sizing Worksheet
5. Immich Offsite Backup with restic: Step-by-Step Guide

Overview: The starter stack

Next: Hardware · Apps