Initial Host Setup
Initial Host Setup
How to set up a fresh Debian host from zero to running the full system.
What You Need
- Fresh Debian 12 installation (minimal is fine)
- Root access or sudo privileges
- Internet connection
- SSH access (recommended)
Step 1: Create User and Basic Setup
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Step 2: Install Docker
Follow the official Docker installation guide for Debian: https://docs.docker.com/engine/install/debian/
After installation, add your user to the docker group:
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Test Docker installation:
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Step 3: Setup SSH Keys (if using SSH)
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Step 4: Basic Security Setup
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Step 5: Clone the Repository
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Step 6: Initial Repository Setup
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Step 7: Setup Storage Tiers
You need to decide where to store your data tiers. For a simple setup:
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For production, you might want different storage for each tier:
- Tier 1: Fast SSD for configs and secrets
- Tier 2: Good SSD for databases and important data
- Tier 3: Large HDD for cache and media files
Step 8: Configure Environment Variables
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Step 9: Start Services
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Step 10: Verify Everything Works
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Common Issues
Docker Permission Denied
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Port Already in Use
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Out of Disk Space
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Can’t Connect to Services
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What’s Next
Once everything is running:
- Set up backups - Configure rclone for your cloud storage
- Configure monitoring - Set up Telegram alerts
- Test recovery - Make sure you can restore from backups
- Documentation - Keep notes of any custom configurations
Your host should now be ready to run the full system!
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