This server OS makes self-hosting easy — how to get started

Ubuntu Server is an excellent option for self-hosting, in part because it’s familiar and relatively easy to work with. A few simple tweaks make the distro much easier to manage; they’re straightforward and the author usually applies them unless primary access to the server is via SSH.

Start by installing a desktop environment if you prefer a GUI over the command line. Use sudo apt-get install tasksel dialog -y, then run sudo tasksel and reboot (sudo reboot) when finished. For a web-based interface that handles logs, storage, networking, user accounts, services and updates, install Cockpit with sudo apt-get install cockpit -y, enable it with sudo systemctl enable cockpit.socket, and open a browser at http://localhost:9090 or http://SERVER:9090.

Make use of Snap packages to simplify installations and automatic updates; for example, sudo snap install nextcloud. Keep in mind some snap configuration files appear under non-standard locations such as /var/snap/.

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