Always on
A desktop may sleep or be repurposed. A server is arranged around services that should remain available, such as file sharing and compatibility services.
Small scale, real principles
The homelab is the current operational infrastructure used for personal projects. It includes a 19-inch rack, an HP MicroServer Gen10, Linux systems, network equipment, storage and services. It is not a data center, and it does not need to be one: its value is that the same ideas—separation of roles, dependable services, backups, monitoring and careful change—can be explored at personal scale.
Contained services
Docker packages an application and its dependencies into containers. This makes it easier to run distinct services without treating every experiment as the whole machine.
Practice environment
Linux, network services and Samba file sharing create a place to test administration skills and understand what sits behind a familiar desktop.
Infrastructure with a human scale
The rack connects storage, services and legacy compatibility work to the rest of the home network. The photographic record documents the equipment in place without inferring unrecorded device roles or positions.