Western Pennsylvania Linux Users Group

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====== Exit the Cloud: A Roadmap to Digital Sovereignty ======

Taking back control of your digital life is a marathon, not a sprint. This roadmap is designed to move you from "Cloud Dependent" to "Sovereign" in a sustainable way.

====== Phase 1: The Data Audit ======
//Before you buy hardware, know what you're actually moving.//

  * **Inventory:** List every service you use (Google Photos, iCloud, Dropbox, Evernote, etc.).
  * **Priority:** Which data is critical? Which is just "nice to have"?
  * **Volume:** How many gigabytes/terabytes are we talking about? (This determines your hardware needs).

====== Phase 2: The Hardware Foundation ======
//You don't need a rack-mount server to start.//

  * **The Entry Point:** An old laptop, a Raspberry Pi, or a used "TinyMiniMicro" office PC.
  * **The Goal:** A machine that can stay on 24/7 and be accessed via the network.
  * **OS Choice:** Start with a stable distribution (Debian is highly recommended for servers).

====== Phase 3: The First Leap ======
//Setting up the "Command Center".//

  * **Headless Setup:** Learn to manage your server via SSH.
  * **Containerization:** Install Docker or Podman. This allows you to run services in isolation without messing up your base OS.
  * **Remote Access:** Set up a secure way to access your server (VPN, Tailscale, or a reverse proxy).

====== Phase 4: Service Migration ======
//Replacing the giants one by one.//

  * **Files & Sync:** Move from Google Drive/Dropbox => [[wplug:guides:self_host_your_data|Sovereignty Stack]] (Nextcloud, Seafile).
  * **Photos:** Move from Google/Apple Photos => [[wplug:guides:self_host_your_data|Sovereignty Stack]] (Immich, Photoprism).
  * **Notes & Knowledge:** Move from Notion/Evernote => [[wplug:guides:self_host_your_data|Sovereignty Stack]] (Joplin, Obsidian).
  * **Passwords:** Move from LastPass/Google => [[wplug:guides:self_host_your_data|Sovereignty Stack]] (Vaultwarden).

====== Phase 5: Hardening & Continuity ======
//Ensuring your sovereignty doesn't end in a hard drive failure.//

  * **The 3-2-1 Backup Rule:** 3 copies of data, 2 different media, 1 offsite.
  * **Automation:** Use cron jobs or systemd timers for automated backups.
  * **Monitoring:** Set up basic alerts so you know when a disk is full or a service is down.

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**Need help?** Don't do this alone. Jump into [[wplug:get_involved:irc:|the IRC chat]] and ask for guidance. 📚