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“How I Built a Personal Server and Stopped Paying for Cloud Storage Forever”

ainaujas

⏱️ 4 Minute Read

How I Built a Personal Server and Stopped Paying for Cloud Storage Forever

Are you tired of shelling out monthly fees for cloud storage? I was too. That’s why I decided to take matters into my own hands and build a personal server. Not only did I save money, but I also gained complete control over my data. If you’re looking for a way to cut costs and take charge of your digital life, this guide is for you. Let’s dive into how I did it—and how you can too!

Why I Decided to Build My Own Server

Like many people, I started using cloud storage services because they were convenient. But over time, the costs added up. I was paying for multiple subscriptions, and I still didn’t have enough space for all my files. Plus, I was concerned about privacy and security. That’s when I realised: why not build my own server?

Key Point

Building your own server can save you hundreds of pounds a year and give you full control over your data.

Here’s what I considered before making the leap:

  • Cost: Cloud storage subscriptions can cost £10-£20 per month, depending on the service and storage size. Over a year, that’s £120-£240!
  • Control: With a personal server, I own my data. No more worrying about third-party access or service outages.
  • Customisation: I could tailor the server to my exact needs, whether for file storage, media streaming, or even hosting a website.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Hardware

The first step was selecting the hardware. I didn’t want to spend a fortune, but I needed something reliable. Here’s what I went with:

Pro Tip

Look for refurbished or second-hand hardware to save money. Many businesses sell used servers at a fraction of the original cost.

  • Mini PC: I opted for a compact mini PC with a decent processor and enough RAM to handle my needs. It cost me around £150.
  • Hard Drives: I bought two 4TB hard drives for redundancy (so if one fails, I don’t lose my data). These cost about £80 each.
  • External Backup: For extra security, I added an external hard drive for backups (£50).

Total hardware cost: £360. That’s less than two years of cloud storage subscriptions!

Step 2: Setting Up the Software

Once I had the hardware, it was time to set up the software. I chose Ubuntu Server, a free and open-source operating system, because it’s user-friendly and widely supported. Here’s how I did it:

  1. Install Ubuntu Server: I downloaded the ISO file from the official website and created a bootable USB drive. Then, I installed it on the mini PC.
  2. Set Up RAID: To protect my data, I configured the two hard drives in a RAID 1 setup. This mirrors the data across both drives.
  3. Install Samba: Samba allows my server to share files with other devices on my network. It’s perfect for accessing files from my laptop or phone.
  4. Enable Remote Access: I installed OpenSSH to access the server remotely. This lets me manage files from anywhere.

Pro Tip

If you’re not comfortable with command-line tools, consider using a graphical interface like Nextcloud. It’s a free, open-source alternative to cloud storage services.

Step 3: Connecting and Using the Server

With everything set up, it was time to start using my server. Here’s how I integrated it into my daily life:

  • File Storage: I moved all my documents, photos, and videos to the server. It’s like having my own private Google Drive.
  • Media Streaming: I installed Plex, a media server software, to stream movies and music to my TV and devices.
  • Backups: I set up automatic backups for my laptop and phone. Now, I never have to worry about losing important files.

One of the best parts? I can access my server from anywhere. Whether I’m at home or on holiday, my files are just a few clicks away.

How Much I Saved (and How You Can Too)

Let’s break down the savings:

  • Initial Cost: £360 for hardware.
  • Ongoing Costs: Just the electricity to run the server, which is about £2 per month.

Compare that to cloud storage:

  • Google One (2TB): £79.99 per year.
  • Dropbox Plus (2TB): £95.88 per year.

After just two years, my personal server paid for itself. And since I can upgrade the hardware as needed, I’ll never have to worry about running out of space.

Key Point

Building a personal server is a one-time investment that can save you hundreds of pounds in the long run.

Is a Personal Server Right for You?

While building a personal server has been a game-changer for me, it’s not for everyone. Here are a few things to consider:

  • Technical Skills: You don’t need to be a tech wizard, but some basic knowledge is helpful.
  • Time Investment: Setting up the server takes time, but once it’s done, maintenance is minimal.
  • Space: You’ll need a small, dedicated space for the server and its components.

If you’re comfortable with a bit of DIY and want to save money while taking control of your data, a personal server is a fantastic option.