Nerdy Guides Step-by-step self-hosting and Docker guides

Tools

The tools I use to run the homelab and write these guides.

Everything on this page is something I actually run, not a sponsored list. Apps with a full guide are linked; the rest are on the way.

Browse the Docker apps See the homelab

The toolkit, by category

Grouped the same way as the guides. For the full A–Z of every app in the lab, see the Docker apps page.

Platform Where everything runs
  • Proxmox VEThe hypervisor. A Proxmox host runs a few Docker VMs.
  • Docker and Docker ComposeEvery app runs in a container, with a compose file per app.
  • linuxserver.io imagesWell-maintained container images, used for apps such as Jellyfin.
DNS & Network Getting traffic to the right place
  • TraefikReverse proxy with HTTPS, configured with Docker labels.
  • Technitium DNS ServerLocal DNS with ad-blocking for the whole network.
  • Cloudflare Tunnel (cloudflared)Publishes services, including this site, without opening ports on the router.
Security SSO, secrets and threat detection
  • AuthentikSingle sign-on in front of the admin panels.
  • VaultwardenSelf-hosted password manager.
  • WazuhSecurity monitoring and threat detection.
Media Streaming and the library
  • JellyfinThe media server, with Intel Quick Sync hardware transcoding.
  • The *arr familySonarr, Radarr, Lidarr, Prowlarr and Bazarr look after the library.
  • Seerr / JellyseerrRequests, with Wizarr for invites and Jellystat for stats.
  • TdarrTranscoding the library in the background.
  • AudiobookshelfAudiobooks and podcasts.
Dashboards & Monitoring Keeping an eye on it all
  • HomarrThe start page, with a tile for every service.
  • Uptime KumaUptime checks for every service.
  • GotifyPush notifications when something needs attention.
Automation & Remote access Workflows and management
  • n8nWorkflow automation.
  • DockhandDocker management.
  • NextermRemote access to servers from the browser.
Productivity & Home Files, documents and recipes
  • NextcloudFiles and sync.
  • Paperless-ngxScanned documents, searchable.
  • MealieRecipes and meal planning.
This site How Nerdy Guides is built
  • GhostThe open-source publishing platform, self-hosted in Docker.
  • selfh.st iconsThe app icons used across the site (CC BY 4.0).
  • Cloudflare TunnelHow the site is published from the homelab.

Everyday kit

The things on the desk rather than in the rack.

  • Editor [NT: code editor you use]
  • Terminal [NT: terminal / SSH client]
  • Hardware [NT: hardware you recommend, or see the Homelab page]
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No affiliate links. Nothing here is sponsored. Logos and product names are trademarks of their respective owners; app icons are from selfh.st/icons.