Hello fellow lemmings! As mentioned in the title, I’m barely just getting started with the self hosting thing and such.

I have a small personal project for which I’d like to self host my own “ugly-90’s-HTML” blog (I just love the look and feel you know).

I’ve got a desktop machine that I could use as a server, and I also just purchased my own domain from cloudflare (for commitment), but I’m a bit stuck on the actual “putting-my-stuff-online” thing and I don’t want to do anything stupid.

I know there’s a lot of learning I still need to do, but that’s the reason I’m starting this project. Any help would be welcomed.

I have 3 cents of basic networking knowledge (I made my own Ethernet cable conection to my gateway :D); I’m using a linux distro as my main desktop; I have created an ssh tunnel with cloudflare so far, and I’m following a little html+css tutorial. The thing is, I’ve found so many different ways of putting things online, I’m a bit dizzy. I would like something that will teach me the fundamentals without holding my hand too much (a la “next, next, next, confirm, finish”), you know? I mean, I’m learning by essentially making a 90’s website… So, yeah.

Thanks in advance <3

[TL;DR] Me want make 90’s website, don’t know how

  • HumanPerson@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    0·
    10 days ago

    It sounds like you’re on the right track. As long as you aren’t hosting anything too important, just go for it. The only thing to keep in mind is security, which in your case should be fairly simple.

    1. Use common sense: if you never have to enter a password or have a security key to access something, neither does a hacker. You would be amazed how many people host their openhab instances to the internet with no passwords.
    2. Use ssh keys and disable passwords. Ssh keys are sort of like giant passwords that sit in a file and you never have to type in. It is counter intuitive, but it is more secure. A giant key is harder to guess than a password. You can also encrypt your key so you need the key and a password, this is useful for laptops which could be stolen.

    For how to learn simple html and css, w3schools is your friend. You can learn all the random stuff people become extremely opinionated on eventually, but don’t get overwhelmed by all of it and just do what works for you.

    • KazuchijouNo@lemy.lolOPEnglish
      0·
      9 days ago

      Thanks!! I feel a bit more confident about this project now. To know that I’m on the right track is very validating to me. I will do my best to do my proper research and not go balls to the wall on this one.

      I also really appreciate your advice on security, as I think this is the leg from which I limp the most. I’m still very new to all SSH and HTTPS things, so yeah…

      I also didn’t quite understand your first point; what does openhab mean? And how is it possible that the people you mention aren’t getting hacked? Is it related to the second point about using ssh keys? I read in another comment that hackers could compromise my home network if I’m not careful enough, so I want to be extra cautious with that. (I hope I’m not lacking in common sense… perhaps it’s my reading comprehension that’s lacking… Yeah, that must be it!)