Have you ever thought about setting up a home server?
Of course, this isn’t necessarily the easiest process in the world (depending on the type of hardware you’re using), but it’s a fun way to use older hardware or further develop your computer skills.
And besides, if you’re building your own server, there are some cool things you can do with it. If you’re thinking about setting up a personal server of any kind, keep reading to learn more about the benefits.
1. Create a server, control your data
We know what you’re thinking — why do you need a home server when you can just use a service like Google Drive or Dropbox?
The most important difference between home servers and third-party cloud services is data control.
Contrary to some beliefs, Google Drive et al. not own the data you upload to the cloud. However, the companies retain the license to reproduce, modify and create derivative works from your files.
Here’s the relevant snippet from the Google Drive Terms of Service:
You retain ownership of any intellectual property rights you own in this content. In short, what belongs to you remains yours.
When you upload, post, save, send or receive content on or through Google Drive, you grant Google a worldwide license on the use, placement, storage, reproduction, modification, creation of derivative works (for example, produced as a result of translations, adaptations or other changes). we make your content work better with our services), communicate, publish, publicly present, publicly display and distribute such content.
Cloud providers may also share your data with domain administrators, legal entities and affiliates. Once again, you will find a disclaimer in this regard in the companies’ privacy policies.
If you build your own server, you can still enjoy the benefits of file storage on the go without worrying about your privacy and security.
2. Installing a home server is inexpensive
This is a bit subjective.
If you were so inclined, you could spend several thousand dollars on market-leading hardware to build your own server. And after the initial costs, the ongoing energy costs for all units and refrigeration equipment will be significant.
In fact, anyone can create a home server using nothing more than an old laptop or a cheap kit like a Raspberry Pi.
Of course, the trade-off when using old or cheap hardware is performance . Companies like Google and Microsoft host their cloud services on servers that can process billions of requests every day.