In my self-hosted environment, one of the cornerstones is Proxmox. It’s a powerful, open-source platform that brings enterprise-grade virtualization solutions into the hands of home lab enthusiasts like me. Here’s why I chose Proxmox and how it fits into my setup.

What is Proxmox?

Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE) is a complete open-source platform for enterprise virtualization. It integrates KVM hypervisor and LXC containers, software-defined storage, and networking functionality on a single platform, making it a versatile choice for managing virtual machines and containers.

Why I Chose Proxmox

I opted for Proxmox because it offers a robust, feature-rich environment without the hefty price tag. Some key features that drew me in include:

• Virtualization and Containerization: Proxmox allows me to run both virtual machines (using KVM) and Linux containers (LXC) on the same host, giving me flexibility depending on the workload.
• Web-based Management: The intuitive web interface makes it easy to manage VMs, containers, storage, and network configurations.
• High Availability: Proxmox supports clustering and high availability, which is perfect for ensuring uptime for critical services.
• Backup and Restore: Built-in backup solutions make it easy to schedule and manage backups of my VMs and containers, ensuring data integrity.

My Experience with Proxmox

Setting up Proxmox was straightforward. I am using a Beelink mini-PC for my home lab Proxmox server. I run various services, from Immich (a Google Photos alternative) to development environments, all isolated and easily manageable.

Installation and Tips

Getting started with Proxmox is as easy as downloading the ISO, creating a bootable USB, and following the installation wizard. Here are a few tips I’ve learned:

• Use ZFS: For robust data integrity and snapshot capabilities.
• Networking: Leverage Proxmox’s network management for creating complex virtual networks easily.
• Regular Updates: Keep your Proxmox updated to benefit from the latest features and security patches. **Note** there is a “commercial” version of Proxmox that allows for “commercial” updates, but there is a free version that also allows updates to the server infrastructure. You have to enable the updates for the free version.

Conclusion

Proxmox has been a game-changer in my self-hosted universe, offering the flexibility and control I need to manage a variety of services efficiently. If you’re looking to dive into the world of virtualization or enhance your home lab, I highly recommend giving Proxmox a try.