Home Lab Part 2

Project Overview

This project documents the initial operating system selection and base setup of a standalone server intended to host containerized services. The primary goal of this phase was to establish a stable, lightweight, and easily maintainable Linux environment before layering additional services on top. Ubuntu Server was selected as the base operating system due to its stability, long-term support, and strong ecosystem support for Docker and related tooling.

Problem Statement

The first decision point was determining which Linux distribution and installation type would best support the project requirements. Key considerations:
  • Stability and long-term support
  • Minimal overhead
  • Ease of maintenance
  • Compatibility with Docker
  • Reduced setup complexity compared to a hypervisor-based approach (e.g., Proxmox)

Solution and Implementation

Operating System Selection

Ubuntu Server was chosen over a full hypervisor setup. While Proxmox was initially considered, the installation and configuration overhead was unnecessary for the scope of this project. A bare-metal Ubuntu Server installation provided a simpler and more direct path to deploying containerized workloads.

Installation Notes

  • The server was imaged with Ubuntu Server successfully.
  • Although the initial plan was to operate exclusively via the command line, the optional GUI was installed to simplify local troubleshooting and management.
  • During installation, the display would occasionally enter sleep mode. This was resolved by switching virtual terminals (F7/F14), restoring the display without impacting the installation process.

Remote Access Configuration

  • Initial management was performed via SSH.
  • Chrome Remote Desktop was later installed to provide persistent remote access when the system was network-connected, reducing reliance on local console access.
  • SSH remains available for command-line administration.

Container Runtime Setup

  • Docker was installed after the system was brought online.
  • The Docker installation was straightforward and completed without issue.
  • This completed the baseline environment required for deploying services in subsequent phases.

Results

  • Ubuntu Server successfully deployed and operational.
  • Reliable remote access established via SSH and Chrome Remote Desktop.
  • Docker installed and ready for use.
  • The server is now prepared for service deployment and further configuration in the next phase of the project.