We all know that a vital way in ensuring greater privacy on the Internet is to host our own services. This not only protects yourself, but helps ensure the greater health of the Internet by promoting decentralized services. The problem is, of course, that for non-techies such as myself it is incredibly difficult to even know where to begin. I do not have the opportunity to ask a more knowledgeable friend or take a course, and therefore I would like to ask the Trisquel community instead.
I decided to ask on these forms because so much of how we use our computers today is to access the Internet, and the Free Software community should work hard to ensure that all users, even the less technically gifted, are able to use localized, free software, servers. Ideally we could even come up with a resource that could be helpful for other individuals seeking to set up their own servers. My first question, which is probably extremely very basic, is what material is needed for a small, personal Internet server that should ideally only be used by myself. I assume a personal computer running server software (GLAMP, GNU/Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP). But what do each of these individual services do? And does the server need to be a specialized piece of hardware or is a basic laptop enough? (Again, assuming the server is meant for only one person) Do you also need a domain name? Is it possible just to use your IP address provided by your ISP? What about DNS? Is there anything else that is required? I am very hazy with all of this, and any resources that could clarify would be much appreciated. Finally, which services should I experiment with first? Web, Blogs, Email, XMPP, Owncloud or SparkleShare, MediaGoblin, GNU Social/StatusNet, Diaspora, and Pump.io servers are a few of the programs I would be happy to run myself. But when I have looked at the documentation, it is way over my head. Is there a particular service that is easiest to start with? Obviously, the long term solution is something like the FreedomBox, which will enable all non-technical people to easily have a full software stack of servers. But in the meantime, could you help a newbie start in the right direction? Thanks! -- Warning! NSA analysts could be reading this email. And because there’s hardly any accountability, we have no idea how they may use it. If that bothers you, click (aclu.org/secure/stopnsa) to do something about it.
