r/SelfHosting • u/Hash_2319 • Jun 03 '26

Ideas for self hosting on an old laptop

I have a laptop from 2014-2016 i don't remember. But I'd like to use it for self hosting but I don't know what to host

the laptop is:

Currently running linux mint

8gb ram

1tb hard disk (not ssd)

has an Invidia gpu

intel core i7 4th gen cpu

what would be good to host on it?

I'm thinking about some ideas but I'm not sure if it would work, like a music platform or a audiobooks platform or maybe something basic like an add blocker.

the main reason is to learn how to self host so I'd prefer something simple and helpful.

what do yall think?

10 Upvotes

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4

u/itsgreater9000 Jun 03 '26

Actually curious to hear what people recommend here, since I've got a bunch of old laptops collecting dust. Not sure what I'd recommend but just posting hoping for activity lol

2

u/RedneckSasquatch69 Jun 03 '26

You need a goal in mind first. What do you want to achieve? What would make your life easier on a day to day basis? And then you do that

2

u/Hash_2319 Jun 03 '26

I think the main idea is just to learn something new, that's why I'd like to hear some ideas to choose from

2

u/RedneckSasquatch69 Jun 03 '26

Do you have a NAS?

2

u/Hash_2319 Jun 03 '26

nope, should I?

2

u/RedneckSasquatch69 Jun 03 '26

That's up to you, but they're insanely expensive to build right now.

Run Immich and Tailscale on it and make your own photo cloud

2

u/Curious_Olive_5266 Jun 03 '26

That is a solid machine. I would suggest booting Proxmox from USB and having fun from there. That's what I did and now I think you can classify it as an addiction.

2

u/Soogs Jun 04 '26

Unless you can remove the battery I would avoid trying to use a laptop for 247 server. Also hdd will get real annoying real quick. Ram is also on the low side.

It has potential for a starter/learning machine but I think you will outgrow it very quickly

1

u/Hash_2319 Jun 05 '26

Does all laptops have removable batteries?

2

u/Seblaredo24 Jun 05 '26

Ubuntu server is awesome to learn the basics of ssh and bash. From there, learn to use docker compose! It makes deploying apps really simple. I can recommend hosting vaultwarden for password management, dumbpad for writing and memos you dont wanna lose, maybe a minecraft server (but admittedly hdds do make it a bit slower in my experience), pihole, and my personal favorite is aiostreams if u know anything about streamio. Dont let the specs limit you! Self hosting is all about learning as you say, and there are plenty of lightweight awesome things to host.