Self-Hosting on Linux Café

Taming rsync: My Backup Scripts and the Quest for Consistent Snapshot Rotation

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:07:15 +0200

Introduction to Backup Scripts

I’ve been running my own homelab for years, and I’ve learned the hard way that a solid backup strategy is crucial. After trying out various backup tools in 2025, I kept coming back to rsync due to its flexibility and reliability. This year, I’ve been focused on fine-tuning my backup scripts to achieve consistent snapshot rotation. Don’t bother with overly complex backup solutions - rsync is a powerful tool that can get the job done.

Recovering from a Failed Borg Backup Repository: Lessons Learned from a Homelab Mishap

Tue, 26 May 2026 08:10:41 +0200

Introduction to Borg Backup

I’ve learned the hard way that having a reliable backup system is crucial for any homelab setup. Borg Backup has been my go-to tool for deduplicating backups, and it’s served me well - until I recently encountered a failed repository. This experience taught me some valuable lessons about recovery and prevention.

Understanding Borg Backup Repositories

Before diving into the recovery process, it’s essential to grasp how Borg Backup repositories work. A repository is the central storage location for all your backups, where Borg stores deduplicated data. When you create a repository, Borg initializes it with a unique ID, ensuring data integrity. I’ve seen this go wrong when the repository index gets corrupted, so it’s crucial to understand how it works.

Taming CPU Usage Spikes with `systemd` and `ps` in My Home Server Setup

Sun, 17 May 2026 10:15:48 +0200

Introduction to CPU Usage Spikes

I’ve had my fair share of CPU usage spikes on my home server, and I’ve learned that they can be caused by a variety of factors, including resource-intensive applications, misconfigured services, or even malware. The real trick is to identify the root cause of the spike and take corrective action. In my experience, using systemd and ps can be a powerful way to manage CPU usage spikes.

What I Would Actually Self-Host Again on Linux

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:04:34 +0200

Introduction to Self-Hosting

I’ve spent years running my own Linux servers, and over time, I’ve experimented with a bunch of self-hosted services. Recently, I decided to take a step back and simplify my setup. This involved figuring out what actually works for me and what I’d self-host again on Linux.

Choosing the Right Services

It’s easy to get carried away with all the services available for self-hosting. I’ve seen this go wrong when people try to host too many services at once. The real trick is to prioritize what’s truly necessary. For me, that includes a personal wiki, a photo gallery, and a Git server. These services are crucial for my daily workflow and personal projects.