Introduction

One great opportunity from upgrading your computer is setting up a server with the extra compute! I chose to setup Immich, a neat open-source photo hosting platform with a mobile app that automatically syncs from your phone. It delivers a polished user experience, rivaling Google and Apple Photos. This guide walks you through my setup process so you can access Immich from your phone and other devices on your home network.

Install Ubuntu on your lapotp

• Purpose: Set up a stable and secure base operating system for running Docker and Immich.
• Steps:
  1. Download the Ubuntu Server ISO from the official Ubuntu website.
  2. Create a bootable USB drive using a tool like Rufus.
  3. Boot your server from the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu Server.
  4. Configure a static IP address during installation or after, ensuring it's outside the DHCP range of your router.
  5. Update the system: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

How to Set Up SSH Access for Remote Administration on Ubuntu

1. Update Your System

• Open a terminal and update your package lists and upgrade installed packages:

  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

  This ensures your system is secure and ready for new installations

2. Install the OpenSSH Server

• Install the OpenSSH server package, which enables SSH access:

  sudo apt install openssh-server

  Confirm installation by typing 'Y' if prompted

3. Enable and Start the SSH Service

• Enable SSH to start on boot and start it immediately:

  sudo systemctl enable --now ssh

  • To check the status and ensure it's running:

    sudo systemctl status ssh

    Look for Active: active (running) in the output

Install Docker

• Purpose: Docker is a containerization platform that simplifies the deployment and management of applications like Immich.
• Steps:
  1. Install Docker using the official Docker installation guide for Ubuntu.
  2. Add your user to the docker group to avoid using sudo with Docker commands: sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
  3. Log out and back in for the group change to take effect.
  4. Verify Docker installation: docker run hello-world

Install Immich

• Purpose: Immich is a self-hosted photo and video backup solution.
• Steps:
  1. Follow the official Immich installation guide, which uses Docker Compose.
  2. Create a directory for your Immich Compose file: mkdir ~/immich && cd ~/immich
  3. Download the provided docker-compose.yml file.
  4. Modify the docker-compose.yml file to suit your specific needs, such as volume mappings and port configurations.
  5. Start Immich using Docker Compose: docker-compose up -d
  6. Monitor the logs: docker-compose logs -f

Install Immich Phone App

• Purpose: To automatically sync photos and videos from your phone to your Immich server, replacing cloud-based solutions.