This is just meant to be me documenting the journey of the server. You can also use this as a reference, but it is always good to do your own research as I may be doing something wrong.

The server (old laptop at home) relies on some key things:

• Debian

• Tailscale to keep my devices connected

• SSH and SFTP (terminal and file transfer)

I use it for some very basic things like hosting custom scripts I use on the daily, a small private minecraft server, backups, and notes. It has to some extent made things very seamless when switching between my phone, laptop or pc, because the files I need are just always there and I have so so much control.

Setting up SFTP to work on android is also dead easy: just use a compatilble file explorer app and point it towards your SSH keys.

Some security steps to take:

• Disable password login for SSH.

• Only use SSH keys. Try to encrypt your private keys by storing them on something like a yubikey.

• Set up unattended upgrades on Debian.

• Not really a big security thing but email notifications are a nice to have.

• Turn on Tailnet lock and use MFA on the indentity provider you use for Tailscale.

Honestly, I am pretty content with the setup so far. It is extremely simple and just works. I don't think I'll be changing this anytime soon.

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