Getting Started with Docker Compose: A Home Lab Guide
Install Docker, write Compose files, manage volumes, networks, and deploy real stacks like Nextcloud and Jellyfin.
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All Articles
In-depth guides and honest reviews for home lab enthusiasts. Filter by topic below.
Docker & Containers
Docker
Portainer CE: A Web GUI for All Your Docker Containers
Portainer is the fastest way to get a visual dashboard over your Docker environment. Deploy, manage stacks, and monitor containers without the CLI.
Automatically Update Docker Containers with Watchtower
Set it and forget it — Watchtower watches your containers and pulls new images automatically. Here's how to configure it safely.
Storage
NAS & Storage
TrueNAS Scale vs Proxmox VE: Which Platform for Your Home Lab?
Storage-first vs compute-first — a full breakdown of both platforms covering ZFS, VMs, containers, and which to choose for your setup.
ZFS on Linux: Pools, Datasets, Snapshots, and Why You Should Care
ZFS is the gold standard for home lab storage. Everything you need to know about pools, datasets, scrubs, and automated snapshots.
Networking
Networking
Tailscale + Cloudflare: Remote Access Without Port Forwarding
Access your entire home lab from anywhere — securely — without a single open port. This is the modern way to do remote access.
Nginx Proxy Manager: SSL, Reverse Proxy, and Access Lists in 20 Minutes
One container handles SSL termination and reverse proxy for every service in your lab — with Let's Encrypt auto-renewal.
Orchestration
Kubernetes
Reviews
Gear Reviews
Best NAS Drives for 2026: IronWolf vs WD Red vs Exos Compared
Not all hard drives are created equal for 24/7 NAS duty. I tested all three in a real ZFS RAIDZ2 array — here's what I found.
Best Home Lab Network Switches: Managed vs Unmanaged in 2026
Do you need a managed switch for your home lab? I break down the real benefits of VLANs, trunking, and port mirroring — and when a $25 unmanaged switch is enough.