Hi everyone, I hope this kind of post is allowed here. I have an old laptop (from around 2014-2015) that I don’t use anymore, and I want to convert it into a server I can use for:
<ul>
<li>Running some long tasks, shell scripts, cron jobs</li>
<li>Self-hosting different services</li>
<li>Data storage</li>
</ul>
I suppose I should install some lightweight Linux server OS on it. What setup would you recommend?
<ul>
<li>I want Linux, preferably something Ubuntu-like.</li>
<li>I want to be able to ssh into it over the internet, but if that’s impossible (or too complicated, insecure, or expensive), then at least over my home network.</li>
<li>I want it to run non-stop, with as little bloatware as possible.</li>
<li>I don’t want anything that isn’t a 100% needed using the resources, and I don’t want it to make much noise. I suppose I need to clean it inside, there’s probably a lot of dust.</li>
<li>I want to keep it relatively hidden somewhere in my apartment.</li>
<li>It has 500 GB SSD, I think it has ports for HDD as well. It has 8 GB of RAM and an Intel i5 CPU (4th generation, I think).</li>
<li>Is it better to keep it near the router, connected via Ethernet cable? I suppose it is, but the router is in my room, so I’m fine with that only if it won’t make noise.</li>
<li>Do I even need the screen? Could I somehow disconnect it so it doesn’t use too much power?</li>
<li>What else do I need to take into account?</li>
<li>What cool services could I run? I’m thinking of trying Pi-hole, some open-source Google Drive alternative, and maybe n8n or similar automation services. Please recommend a few more!</li>
</ul>
If you can answer any of the questions or comment on any of my thoughts, I would be very thankful! Thanks for reading :)

Self-hosted refers to the practice of running your own applications and services on your own servers or devices, giving you full control over your data and how it is managed.

selfhosted

A developer seeks advice on repurposing a 2014-2015 laptop (Intel i5, 8GB RAM, 500GB SSD) into a home server for running scripts, cron jobs, and self-hosted services. Key considerations include choosing a lightweight Ubuntu-based Linux distribution, enabling SSH access, minimizing resource usage and noise, optimal placement near the router, and whether to disconnect the screen for power savings. The goal is a 24/7 server for automation tasks, data storage, and services like Pi-hole, self-hosted cloud storage, and workflow automation tools.

What to do with an old laptop?

I’d install Proxmox and start virtualizing everything. If you plan on exposing it to the internet, make sure to lock things down- use something like fail2ban, change the default SSH port, and disable SSH password logins. If you’re exposing web services, I’d even toss Caddy in front as a reverse proxy and pair it with Cloudflare for DDoS protection. You can even tighten things further by allowing only Cloudflare IPs through your firewall. Those are just the basics.
As far as services to host:
<ul>
<li>Plex + ARR stack</li>
<li>Immich for photos</li>
<li>Nextcloud (open source google drive alternative)</li>
<li>Pi-hole</li>
<li>Home Assistant</li>
</ul>
There are so many open source services you can self host. Here’s a great resource:
<a href="https://selfh.st/apps/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://selfh.st/apps/</a>
Oh, and definitely plug it into ethernet instead of wifi.

laptops are not built for running 24*7 , it might work for a month or so but after that I am 100% sure due to heating one or more circuit will surely break , but I am sure it would be interesting to see how long it will run , if you still give it a go , please update how it is going after a week or so :)

The only thing keeping me from using two old laptops I have laying around is the lithium battery. Running them as servers 24/7 comes with the risk of fire. If I could run them with no battery, that would be ideal.

You can use Tailscale or Zerotier for secure VPN without need to expose host to internet. Clients are available for all major platforms.
I’ll recommend Immich for managing photos.

Proxmox with Cloudflare is a good option. Running Ubuntu Server with Docker is another.