Feel free to add any tips or suggestions to the thread for people. This is what I have compiled based on what I have read online:
Use strong and unique passwords: Generate complex passwords using tools Bitwarden to generate very strong passwords for everything.
Configure your router and modem: Ensure your router and modem are set to block WAN requests and limit accessible ports to prevent unauthorized access.
Implement automatic backups: Make sure your home server is set up to create automatic backups.
Consider a Virtual Private Network (VPN): Use a VPN to encrypt data transmissions between your devices and the server, providing an additional layer of security.
Monitor power consumption: Be mindful of your server’s power usage and consider energy-efficient options to reduce costs.
These are great tips that I think everyone should use. I would also add that you want to make sure you have physical backups so if something fails, it can be copied over.
You should always calculate how much disc space you need too. And triple that for backups. It is always better to be safe than sorry!
I think it is also important to make sure you are using the right hardware that is reliable and efficient for the tasks. This is not to say you need to spend an arm and a leg, something like an AMD Ryzen 3 processor is good enough. If you want to run a more demanding structure, then it is worth getting something more powerful. Also it is best to opt for more RAM. It is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it! I always say 16GB minimum. Doing a mix of HDDs and SSDs will give you solid storage and security for backups too.