An old laptop being used as a homelab server, sitting on a desk with its screen displaying a command-line interface. It is connected to a network switch, with a glowing data network graphic in the background.

Part 1: Reviving an Old Laptop with Debian & Docker

Kickstart your homelab by turning an old laptop into a secure server. This guide details the process of installing Debian, performing initial hardening, and setting up Docker and Docker Compose for a solid foundation.

A security shield with the AWS logo at the center, visually blocking unwanted internet traffic like ads (shopping cart icon) and trackers (browser window icon). This represents a cloud-based ad-blocking DNS filter.

How I Built My Own Ad-Blocking DNS Server in the Cloud (Updated AWS Edition!)

Enjoy a faster, ad-free internet everywhere. This 2025 guide details how to build a free, private DNS server with AdGuard Home on an AWS EC2 instance, complete with SSL encryption and automated renewal.