The $0 Home Server

The $0 Home Server is a budget-friendly way to transform an old, underpowered computer—like an old laptop—into a home server capable of handling multiple useful tasks. This guide, by Chris Kalos, walks you through the steps to repurpose such a device without spending any extra money.

Here’s what the $0 Home Server can do:

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Key Components and Functions of the $0 Home Server:

1. Hardware Requirements

• Any 64-bit computer (even very old ones, like a 2009 Core 2 Duo laptop).
• At least 2GB RAM is recommended, but it can run with less.
• Ethernet connection is preferred for better performance and remote access.

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Step-by-Step Setup

1. Install Ubuntu Server LTS (without GUI)

• Why Ubuntu Server?
  It’s lightweight, well-supported, and perfect for running headless servers.
• Disable LVM partitioning during installation to avoid disk management issues.
• Keep the laptop connected to Ethernet and disable sleep mode when closing the lid.

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2. Reserve a Static IP for the Server

• Reserve a local IP address in your router’s settings to ensure the IP stays the same.
  This is essential for accessing the server and configuring tools like Samba and VPN.

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3. Connect via SSH

• Use SSH to access the server from another computer on the network:

  ssh [username]@[server IP]
  

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Features of the $0 Home Server

1. Network Storage with Samba

• Samba allows the server to act as a shared network drive.
• Install Samba:

  sudo apt install samba
  

• Configure Samba by editing:

  sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf
  

• Create shared folders (e.g., /media/myfiles) and set permissions to access them from any device (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

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2. Media Server with Jellyfin

• Jellyfin is a free, open-source media server with a Netflix-like UI.
• Install Jellyfin with:

  curl https://repo.jellyfin.org/install-debuntu.sh | sudo bash
  

• Access it via your browser at http://[server IP]:8096.
• Store media in shared folders (e.g., /media/myfiles/movies).

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3. VPN to Your Home Network with WireGuard

• WireGuard VPN allows remote access to your home server from anywhere.
• Set up DuckDNS to create a domain that points to your home IP.
• Use port forwarding to open port 51820 on your router.
• Install WireGuard via PiVPN:

  curl -L https://install.pivpn.io | bash
  

• Generate a VPN configuration and connect from your phone or other devices by scanning a QR code.

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4. Wake-on-LAN Support

• Wake sleeping or powered-off devices remotely using Wake-on-LAN.
• Install Etherwake on the server:

  sudo apt install etherwake
  

• Set Wake-on-LAN options in your BIOS/UEFI and Device Manager (Windows).
• Create a Siri Shortcut or use Tasker (Android) to wake the device remotely with:

  etherwake -i [network interface] -b [MAC address]
  

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Why This Setup is Useful

• Personal Media Server: Access your media from anywhere using Jellyfin.
• Network Storage: Store files centrally and access them from any device on your network.
• VPN Access: Securely connect to your home network from anywhere in the world.
• Wake-on-LAN: Turn on devices remotely when needed.

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Summary of the $0 Home Server

The $0 Home Server transforms an old laptop into a media server, network storage solution, VPN gateway, and remote wake tool without spending any money. It relies on free, open-source software like Ubuntu Server, Samba, Jellyfin, and WireGuard.

This setup offers a practical way to repurpose old hardware while improving your home network and gaining more control over your data—without needing to buy additional hardware.