About

About blog.shcarab.com

Welcome to blog.shcarab.com – your go-to resource for self-hosting, home automation, and tech adventures!

Who I Am

I’m passionate about taking control of your digital life through self-hosting and home automation. After years of relying on big tech companies for everything from email to file storage, I decided to build my own infrastructure and document the journey.

Why This Blog Exists

This blog was born from frustration – frustration with:

  • Privacy concerns with mainstream cloud services
  • Monthly subscription fees that add up quickly
  • Limited customization options with hosted solutions
  • Vendor lock-in that makes it hard to switch platforms

I realized there had to be a better way, and that’s when I discovered the world of self-hosting.

What You’ll Find Here

  • Step-by-step tutorials for setting up your own servers
  • Home automation guides that actually work
  • Privacy-focused solutions for everyday tasks
  • Hardware recommendations and reviews
  • Troubleshooting tips from real-world experience
  • Open-source alternatives to popular services

My Philosophy

I believe technology should serve you, not the other way around. Self-hosting isn’t about being a tech expert – it’s about:

  • Taking back control of your data
  • Saving money in the long run
  • Learning new skills along the way
  • Building something you can be proud of

What Makes This Different

Unlike other tech blogs that assume you’re already an expert, I write for:

  • Beginners who want to get started
  • Intermediates looking to expand their setup
  • Anyone who values privacy and independence

Every tutorial is tested, every recommendation is based on real experience, and every solution is designed to actually work.

Let’s Connect

Have questions? Found a better way to do something? Just want to share your own self-hosting success story? I’d love to hear from you!

  • Email: claire@shcarab.com
  • Comments: Feel free to comment on any post
  • Suggestions: What would you like to see covered next?

The Journey Continues

This blog is a living document of my ongoing journey into self-hosting and home automation. I’m still learning, still experimenting, and still discovering new ways to make technology work better for everyday life.

Join me on this adventure – let’s build something amazing together!