Initial Server Setup 🖥️

Welcome to the dark side of home servers… 🕶️

They say curiosity killed the cat.
But in our case, it only killed some USB sticks, broke a few OS installs, and maybe destroyed your sanity.
Welcome aboard! 😈

This guide will walk you through setting up your home server with the required packages, updating all the existing packages, and additional configurations like setting up a static IP.

I’ll be using my Raspberry Pi 5. If you’re using a PC or laptop, feel free to skip the Raspberry Pi Setup section and jump right into the fun parts. Just make sure your PC is running Linux — preferably not Windows (unless you love pain). You can try it in a VM, go dual boot, or go full chaos mode and wipe everything for a fresh Linux install.

Go big or go home, right? 💣🐧

But why a Raspberry Pi ? Why Linux ? ⤴️

Prerequisites 📦

Raspberry Pi 5 with power supply (or a PC/laptop if you’re feeling rebellious)
MicroSD card (32GB or larger)
External storage (HDD/SSD) if you want to hoard files like a dragon
Keyboard, monitor, and Ethernet/Wi-Fi for initial setup

1️⃣ Raspberry Pi Setup 🛠️

Steps to Follow

Download Raspberry Pi Imager

Get it from here. Trust me, using random ISO torrents is a great way to get new “friends” (a.k.a. malware).
Flash the OS

Use the imager to flash Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit) onto your microSD card. While flashing, enable SSH in advanced settings.
First Boot
- Insert the microSD card, connect to a monitor and keyboard, and power it up.
- Follow on-screen setup. Pro tip: use Ethernet — Wi-Fi is like that friend who promises to help but always flakes.
Update your system
Terminal window
```
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
```
Watch those packages update. It’s like watching paint dry but slightly more satisfying.

Install basic tools

sudo apt install nala -y              # APT’s glow-up
sudo nala install openssh-server -y  # SSH server
sudo systemctl start ssh
sudo systemctl enable ssh
sudo systemctl status ssh

If SSH fails, take a deep breath. And maybe a shot. Then check logs.

🤖 Automated Setup Script

If you want to save time (and avoid copy-pasting commands like a caveman), you can use the provided setup.sh script.

curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/deepesh611/Home-Server/main/setup.sh
chmod +x setup.sh
./setup.sh

What it does

Updates your system
Installs nala if missing
Installs btop and openssh-server
Starts and enables SSH
Logs everything to /var/log/script_install.log

2️⃣ Assigning a Static IP 📡

Your server deserves a stable life. Floating IPs are for ghosts.

Find your gateway and MAC address
- Linux/macOS
- Windows
ifconfig
ipconfig
Note your default gateway IP and your server’s MAC address.
Router time
1. Log into your router (usually via 192.168.x.1).
2. Navigate to DHCP or Static IP settings.
3. Reserve an IP for your server’s MAC address.
Reboot
```
sudo reboot
```
Your server now sticks to one IP, like that friend who overstays their welcome.

3️⃣ Assigning a Local Domain Name (Optional) 🌐

Make your life easier than typing IP addresses like it’s the 90s.

Router DNS settings

Find Static DNS options (mine lives under: Advanced > Applications > Static DNS).
Set domain
- E.g., server.local
- Point it to your static IP.
Test
Terminal window
```
ping <server-ip>
ping <domain-name>
```
If this fails, scream into the void — or fix your router settings.

4️⃣ Accessing Your Server 🛢️

Connect from your PC/laptop:

ssh <username>@<ip-address-or-domain-name>

Default username is usually pi or root.

🎭 Conclusion

Congrats, you now have a basic home server setup!
Soon you’ll be serving files, running containers, and telling your friends, “Yeah, I run a server at home,” while they stare in awe (or concern).

Check out the next sections for advanced guides — like adding external storage, deploying apps with Docker, or accidentally bricking your network and questioning your life choices.