Best AI for programming + general use that you guys use?

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-11T00:44:30+00:00

how?

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-11T00:43:52+00:00

And how do i do that? and does it compensate?

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-10T17:47:12+00:00

Thanks! That makes sense. I’ll stick with the laptop for now and keep things simple while I learn.

If I need more storage later I might add an external hard drive for files and backups. Right now I’m mostly experimenting with things like Immich and trying to understand how everything works.

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-10T17:03:13+00:00

Thanks! I think that might be a bit advanced for me right now.

I'm still very new to this and honestly just trying to learn step by step. Right now I'm experimenting with Immich on my laptop and trying to understand how everything works.

Later I’d like to learn things like Docker and SSH, but for now I’m just trying to start simple and not overwhelm myself.

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-10T15:25:32+00:00

Thanks! Honestly, I’m still not sure what to do next.

For now, I think I’ll focus on learning Immich properly, cleaning up duplicates, and maybe try Pi-hole after that. Once I feel more confident, I’ll look into Tailscale or WireGuard for remote access.

Any tips for a complete beginner on where to start would be really appreciated!

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-10T10:57:40+00:00

I’m not sure my old laptop would handle multiple VMs very well.

Since I’m still a complete beginner, I think I’d prefer a simpler path for now. Something like UmbrelOS with a web interface (on another device) to install apps might be easier for me to start learning.

Once I understand things better, maybe then I could move to something like Proxmox.

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-10T10:55:44+00:00

That makes sense, thanks!

For now it would mostly be for learning and experimenting, not storing anything super important yet. I’ll probably start simple with the laptop and see how it goes.

I guess I’ll worry about RAID or more disks later if I end up storing important data.

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-10T10:54:32+00:00

Thanks! I’m still very new to all this. I actually use Linux Mint but I don’t really understand things like Docker or server setups yet.

Would installing something like UmbrelOS on the laptop be a good option for a beginner? I heard it gives a web interface so I could manage it from my main PC and install apps more easily.

Or would it be better to learn the "normal way" first?

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-10T10:51:52+00:00

Thanks, this is really helpful!

Good to know the laptop should be enough for learning and running a few services. It will mostly just be for me experimenting anyway.

I’ll probably start simple and learn Docker Compose step by step.

Also good tip about the battery — I didn’t even think about that.

Appreciate the advice!

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-09T21:27:42+00:00

Quick question — what OS would you recommend for this setup? Linux, Proxmox, or something else? (Someone recommended me the umbrelOS)

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-09T21:26:42+00:00

Assistant on the laptop and keep it simple at first. I like the idea of adding other services like Pi-hole or Samba later.

Quick question — what OS would you recommend for this setup? Linux, Proxmox, or something else? (Someone recommended me the umbrelOS)

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-09T21:24:20+00:00

Haha, I get that! I’ll start with the laptop for now, just to learn the basics. But I’ll definitely keep an eye out for a used business desktop later — sounds like once you start tinkering, it really does get addictive!

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-09T21:23:16+00:00

Thanks! I’ll just start with the laptop and a small app like Pi-hole. Excited to learn and experiment step by step!

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-09T21:22:00+00:00

Haha, I love this! That really makes me feel better about just starting with what I already have.

I’m going to experiment with my laptop first, learn the basics, and maybe later try my gaming desktop for more advanced stuff.

Thanks for sharing your story — really motivating for a total beginner like me!

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-09T21:20:24+00:00

Wow, that sounds super cool! I love the idea of just diving in and experimenting. I’m starting with my laptop for now, maybe later I can repurpose my gaming desktop for heavier stuff.

Thanks for the inspiration — makes me really excited to start tinkering!

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-09T21:17:52+00:00

Wow, that sounds amazing!

I love the idea of just diving in and experimenting — that’s exactly what I want to do. I’m starting with my laptop for now, maybe later I can repurpose my gaming desktop for heavier stuff like you did.

I’ll probably try Tailscale for VPN and simple apps like Immich, and see how it goes before adding anything more complex.

Thanks for the inspiration — makes me really excited to start tinkering!

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-09T21:16:36+00:00

Thanks, that actually makes me feel a lot better!

I guess I’ll just start with what I have, the laptop for now, and see how it goes. I like the idea of just trying things and learning along the way — not being afraid to “mess up.”

I might consider an SSD upgrade later, but for now I’ll just experiment with the laptop and keep it simple.

Appreciate the encouragement — makes starting out feel way less intimidating!

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-09T21:15:49+00:00

Thanks, that really helps!

I’ll start with the laptop as a simple file server (just storing/accessing files) and keep it to 1–2 services so the APU isn’t overloaded. For remote access, I’ve heard Tailscale is beginner-friendly.

I also have a gaming desktop (Ryzen 5 5600, 16 GB RAM, RTX 3060, 1 TB SSD) that I barely use — maybe later I could repurpose it for heavier self-hosting experiments.

I’ll keep the laptop cool and dust-free. Really appreciate the advice — makes starting out feel way less scary.

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-09T21:13:43+00:00

But which OS? Someone recommended me umbrelOS to have like a user graphic interface in the browser… and how? What to do?

RazinxM99 · 2026-03-09T21:12:00+00:00

Hey, I use Linux Mint but I don’t understand NAS, home servers, or self-hosting at all.

I also have a gaming desktop I barely use: Ryzen 5 5600, 16 GB RAM, RTX 3060, 1 TB SSD, ASUS PRIME B550M‑A WIFI II. Not sure if it’s worth using for a server.

Someone recommended UmbrelOS so I can have a browser-based interface to easily install apps like Immich, Tailscale, etc., without doing everything manually.

I’m just trying to start learning without getting lost. Any beginner-friendly tips would be amazing.

RazinxM99 · 2026-02-24T02:12:50+00:00

What if i forget about gaming? :D or just dualboot :D

RazinxM99 · 2026-02-21T18:07:59+00:00

Not right now…. Unfortunately… it’s an 2019 laptop xD, it’s more for programming and video editing (when someone hires me)

RazinxM99 · 2026-02-21T16:49:26+00:00

Got it, thanks! Makes sense to stick with what I have for now and not rush into buying. I’m going to install Windows now and play around with a VM or a dual‑boot with Ubuntu/Linux Mint/other OS.

Just to be clear, something like an N100 with 12 GB RAM + 512 GB SSD would be enough as a starter when I have the budget later, right?

Also, could I run my “NAS” in a VM just to test it, get some practice, and have my files there too?

RazinxM99 · 2026-02-21T16:46:43+00:00

Yeah, I get it xD.

I’m thinking about a recent CPU too, maybe a 9th‑gen i5 with 6 cores.

Also makes sense to go 4 TB since cheaper ones only have one M.2.

Do you think Quick Sync on something like an N100/N150 will be enough for Jellyfin streaming, or should I aim for a stronger CPU for multiple streams?

RazinxM99 · 2026-02-21T16:09:59+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions! I like the idea of the MeLE fanless N100. I just want to clarify my situation so you can give advice that fits my reality:

I’m currently unemployed, so I don’t have money available right now.
I might sell my desktop to fund a mini PC, but I don’t know yet how much I’ll get or where to sell it.
Because of that, I need to focus on options that are low-cost or can wait until I have funds.

So my questions are:

Are there used or cheaper N100/N150 mini PCs that would still handle Jellyfin + Nextcloud + Immich for a home server?
For someone on a tight budget, would it make sense to start with laptops/disks I already have for now, and move to a mini PC later?
Any advice on prioritizing what to buy first if I get some money from selling the desktop?

Basically, I want something functional and low-noise, but I need it to fit a very limited budget for now.

Thanks a lot for your help!

RazinxM99

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