I was already running Ubuntu desktop and a few containers on my old 2012 Mac Mini. But when I bought an 8TB drive, it felt like the right moment to take it a step further. Instead of using it as just a desktop machine, I converted it into a proper Proxmox server.
This way I could start experimenting more seriously with self-hosting my files, media, and apps. And I also wanted to move away from depending on big tech companies that keep adding AI into every service. They decide the rules, they change how apps work, and users have to adapt. Running my own server gives me back some control.
What I Have Running
I’ll keep it simple:
- Media streaming: I set up Jellyfin so I can watch movies and shows directly from my server instead of paying for multiple streaming apps.
- Photos: Immich is now handling my photo storage and is slowly replacing iCloud. It automatically organizes and syncs pictures across my devices.
- Downloads: I connected apps that help me grab and organize media files in the background, so everything shows up neatly in Jellyfin.
- File storage: With Samba shares, I can save, move, and back up files across my devices through my home network.
- System monitoring: Tools like Beszel help me keep an eye on how the server is performing.
So basically, my little Mac Mini is now my own private Netflix, iCloud Photos, and Dropbox all in one.
The Challenges
It hasn’t been without hiccups.
The most frustrating one was when I tried to copy files from one device, only to discover I couldn’t delete them anymore on the server. That turned out to be a “permissions” issue caused by me experimenting on one side and breaking it on the other. It took some trial and error to fix.
Another challenge is simply the age of the hardware. The Mac Mini is doing its job surprisingly well, but I’m definitely pushing it close to its limits.
What’s Next
Now that the basics are in place, I want to refine this setup:
- Better photo management so I can fully ditch iCloud
- A personal homepage with Glance to see all my services in one place
- Cleaning up my old music library and running Navidrome to stream it
- Secure external access with Tailscale so I can safely reach my server from anywhere
These are the missing pieces that will make this build feel complete.
Looking Back
This project has been less about raw tech and more about learning by doing. Some things went wrong, others worked better than expected, but every step gave me more control over my digital world.
It feels good to know that my movies, photos, and files live on a machine right here at home instead of somewhere in a data center. And honestly, it has been fun to turn an old Mac Mini into something that now powers so much of my daily life.