A home server setup that draws its own live system map
The setup is stored in Git, with a script that reads stacks and systemd services automatically. Each time changes are pushed, the script checks the real setup and rebuilds an diagram.
Instead of updating the diagram by hand, it pulls active and image names from the actual service files, so the picture stays current. The project is mostly for fun, but it also makes the whole system easier to understand at a glance.
Seeing the full setup helped remove services that were no longer worth keeping. Old laptops can also work well as small personal servers because they use little power, and their batteries can act like a short-term UPS, though batteries wear out and laptops are not built like real server .
Key points
- Keep server setup files in Git so changes are traceable.
- Use and systemd files as the source for an automatic system map.
- Re ports and image names from real service settings instead of updating diagrams by hand.
- A full visual overview can reveal services that should be removed.
- Old laptops can be useful low-power servers, but their batteries and durability have limits.