Have you ever thought about running your own server at home, experimenting with virtual machines, or tinkering with your network setup? Welcome to the world of homelabs—a space where tech enthusiasts can learn, experiment, and create, all from the comfort of home.

As someone passionate about homelabs, I’ve been amazed at the projects you can take on with even basic equipment. From running Proxmox clusters to exploring new software, homelabs are an excellent way to grow your skills, whether you’re in IT or just curious about technology.

But here’s the thing: I don’t often hear much about homelabers in Calgary. That’s why I’m writing this article—not only to share the possibilities of homelabs but also to connect with others in our city who might be working on similar projects (or want to start!).

Why Homelabs Are Worth Exploring

Homelabs are like a personal playground for technology. They give you a hands-on way to learn new skills, troubleshoot problems, and even prepare for IT certifications. Here are just a few things you can do with a homelab:

• Run your own cloud services: Host files, media, or even websites locally.
• Experiment with virtualization: Platforms like Proxmox or VMware make it easy to create virtual machines for testing.
• Practice networking: Set up a custom network, configure routers, and learn cybersecurity basics.
• Learn IT management tools: Try out automation, monitoring, or even lightweight enterprise-grade tools.

For tech enthusiasts in Calgary, this could be your next big hobby. With a bit of effort, you can turn old hardware into a homelab environment for testing and learning—no enterprise budget required!

My Own Homelab Journey

To give you an idea of what’s possible, I’ll share a little about my setup. I’ve worked with several systems running as my homelab over the years, however my favourite has been using mini PCs like the Beelink and Trigkey, using them to create a Proxmox cluster for running virtual machines. It’s a small and energy-efficient setup that lets me experiment with new tools and ideas without needing enterprise-level hardware.

Whether it’s configuring firewalls, running Docker containers, or testing new operating systems, my homelab has been an invaluable resource for learning and problem-solving. And the best part? It’s incredibly rewarding to see your own tech ecosystem come to life.

Let’s Build a Local Homelab Community

I’m writing this not just to share my experience, but to connect with others in Calgary who are interested in homelabs. Whether you’re an experienced IT professional or someone curious about diving into tech, I’d love to hear from you.

Imagine a local community where we could:

• Share ideas and tips for setting up homelabs.
• Exchange hardware or help each other troubleshoot.
• Host meetups or virtual sessions to collaborate on projects.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re new to the idea of a homelab, here are some quick tips to get started:

• Start small: Use old hardware you already have, like a retired laptop or desktop.
• Pick a focus: Do you want to learn networking? Host a website? Experiment with virtualization? Choose a starting point.
• Leverage free tools: Platforms like Proxmox, OpenMediaVault, and Docker are free and powerful.
• Reach out for advice: Whether it’s online forums or local experts, there’s no shortage of support available.

Let’s Connect!

If you’re in Calgary and interested in homelabs, I’d love to hear from you. Share your setup, ask questions, or even just say hello.

Let’s talk homelabs!