I’m looking to create a space for a small subreddit that I moderate that has maybe a couple hundred active users at most. I feel like the documentation provided here leaves a lot up to assuming the reader has prior knowledge of hosting a web service. I don’t have any such prior knowledge so I’m hoping I can ask here. Please bear with me as I fumble my way through asking questions about a thing I’m doing for the first time.
I am thinking this is accomplished with a computer set up at my location, like a tiny little AWS in my bedroom running by the sheer force of my internet connection, and the hopes and dreams for my community. Or am I completely misunderstanding what it means to host an instance?
-Does the local machine store files like pictures posted by users? If yes I assume this means I should build a computer with sufficient storage to meet this demand.
-Does the lemmy install via ansible require the local machine to run an operating system? Or does ansible fill that role? I’m assuming the former based on the documentation for ansible, and that it should be a linux distro but I’m dense, so I’m asking.
-Is it required that the instance be federated to and visible to other instances? I would like for it to be isolated and somewhat private.
-The local machine would be connected to my personal business ISP connection. Could the instance be traced to my physical location? If so, what would be necessary to mitigate that?
-Am I entirely out of my depth? I can follow a guide real well, and problem solve, I just have no experience.
Thank you for your time!
You can try Phind or Perplexity. They are fine at answering questions like that.
It seems like you want to create a small community space for your subreddit and host it on your own machine. I’ll try to answer your questions based on the information you provided and the search results.
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Local machine storage: Yes, the local machine will store files like pictures posted by users. You should build a computer with sufficient storage to meet this demand[1].
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Operating system and Ansible: Yes, the local machine needs to run an operating system, and Ansible is a tool that helps automate the deployment and configuration of software on that operating system. You’re correct that it should be a Linux distro[2][3].
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Federation and visibility: Federation is not a requirement, and you can choose to keep your instance isolated and private[4]. However, if you decide to federate your instance, you can control its visibility and connections with other instances[5].
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Tracing the instance to your physical location: It is possible that your instance could be traced to your physical location if you’re using your personal business ISP connection. To mitigate this, you can use domain privacy protection services to hide your personal information from public records[6][7][8][9].
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Out of your depth: While you may not have prior experience, you can still follow guides and learn as you go. The Lemmy-Ansible repo provides instructions on how to set up an instance using Ansible[2][3][10]. Additionally, you can find resources on hosting a website on your own computer for both Windows and Linux systems[1][11].
Remember that hosting a website on your own machine has its disadvantages, such as potential security risks and the need for constant maintenance. You might want to consider using a hosting service if you’re not comfortable with managing these aspects yourself.
Good luck with your project, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it!
Citations:
[1] https://makeawebsitehub.com/host-website-computer/
[2] https://github.com/LemmyNet/lemmy-ansible
[3] https://join-lemmy.org/docs/en/administration/install_ansible.html
[4] https://chiefgyk3d.com/boosting-your-mastodon-servers-visibility-a-guide-to-federation-and-relays/
[6] https://www.hostinger.com/tutorials/is-domain-privacy-worth-it
[7] https://www.hostpapa.com/blog/web-hosting/7-reasons-why-you-need-domain-privacy-protection/
[8] https://www.bluehost.com/blog/domain-privacy-protect-your-personal-information/
[9] https://www.godaddy.com/domains/full-domain-privacy-and-protection
[10] https://www.hexbear.net/docs/administration_install_ansible.html
Thanks a bunch for this! This actually does well enough to answer all of my questions in a way that will allow me to get started! Very much appreciated.
hi, fyi i deleted the comment you replied to here because it was generated by an LLM. after seeing your reply, i considered undeleting it, but, after actually reading the whole comment I see (as expected) it is a useless mix of semi-accurate and inaccurate information. (if you want to re-read it, you can click ‘modlog’ on the sidebar - it will remain there for a couple days).
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I wouldn’t start with trying to run an instance. Just find a server that suits you (either rules or location etc) and create your community on that.
