self-hosted - ITNotes

Self-Hosting Email with Mailcow: A 6-Month Production Reality Check

April 6, 2026

Is self-hosting email actually viable? After 6 months of production use, here is a guide to setting up Mailcow, mastering DNS deliverability, and keeping your server off blacklists.

n8n + AI: Scaling Production-Grade Automation Without the Code Bloat

April 5, 2026

Build resilient, production-grade AI workflows with n8n. Learn to manage Redis memory, enforce structured JSON output, and prevent expensive token loops.

HomeLab

Build a Private Speed Test Server with LibreSpeed and Docker

April 5, 2026

Stop relying on external sites to test your home network. Learn how to deploy LibreSpeed on Docker to identify bottlenecks, monitor Wi-Fi dead zones, and benchmark your internal 1Gbps or 10Gbps links.

HomeLab

Ditch the Password Sticky Notes: Deploying Authentik SSO in Your HomeLab

April 4, 2026

Tired of re-typing passwords for 15 different apps? Learn how to deploy Authentik to centralize your HomeLab security with SSO and Multi-Factor Authentication.

HomeLab

Stop Manual Downloading: Automate Your Home Media with the Docker ‘Arr’ Stack

April 1, 2026

Ditch the manual downloads. Learn how to configure Sonarr, Radarr, and Prowlarr on Docker for a professional, automated media library with instant file moves.

HomeLab

Automate Docker Container Updates on Your HomeLab with Watchtower and Docker Compose

March 31, 2026

Manually updating Docker containers across a HomeLab quickly becomes a chore. This guide walks through setting up Watchtower with Docker Compose to automate image updates — with smart exclusions for databases, notification alerts, and a one-command manual trigger when you need it now.

HomeLab

Set Up AdGuard Home on Your HomeLab: Block Ads, Malware, and Boost Network DNS Security

March 29, 2026

Boost your HomeLab's network security and privacy with AdGuard Home. This tutorial guides you through setting up AdGuard Home with Docker to block ads, malware, and customize DNS filtering for your entire network. Learn practical tips for advanced usage and troubleshooting.

HomeLab

Building a Private Docker Registry on Your HomeLab: Host & Manage Your Own Docker Images

March 27, 2026

Learn to set up your own private Docker Registry on your HomeLab. This tutorial covers everything from basic setup to securing it with HTTPS and authentication, based on 6 months of real-world usage. Gain full control, improve local network speeds, and enhance the security of your Docker image management.

DevOps

Navigating Self-Hosted PaaS: My 2 AM Rescue with Coolify (Heroku Alternative)

March 25, 2026

Tired of high Heroku costs and limited control? Discover Coolify, a powerful self-hosted PaaS alternative. This guide covers installation, configuration, and monitoring, ensuring stable and cost-effective application deployments.

HomeLab

Home Assistant: Build Your Own Smart Home on Raspberry Pi or Old Hardware

March 22, 2026

After months of stable production use, I'm sharing my practical guide to building an efficient smart home with Home Assistant. Learn to leverage Raspberry Pi or old hardware for seamless automation and regain control over your home's intelligence.