Five months with local cloud computing
2025-07-31
It’s been five months since I set-up my local files “cloud” and I thought I’d write a short update. I’ve made a few changes but, in short, it’s been a great experience with zero issues.
My initial cloud was going to be syncing between the LinuxMini and an M1 MacMini. I expected to continue using the iPad for computing while out on the porch, working off of files on the Mac that would then sync to the LinuxMini. That worked fine but what I didn’t initially plan for was that I would so quickly move all of my work to GNU/Linux including document and graphic design on Scribus and Inkscape. I abandoned the idea of using the Affinity apps on the iPad for that work. So, shortly after that post I bought a used Lenovo Thinkpad off of Ebay for working on the porch or any other place outside the cabin. That changed things a bit.
First, it was easy to make the changes I needed. My computers, my cloud. Rather than leave the M1 Mac on full time as a file server to the iPad I decided to keep it powered down most of the time. It still syncs and can be used to backup with rsync but mostly it’s turned off. The LinuxMini is the primary, daily computer and it syncs with SyncThing to the Lenovo laptop anytime I wake the Lenovo from sleep to use it. If I’m going to town to work at the library I simply wake the laptop and give it a couple minutes to sync before I leave. Easy. When I return I wake it up, for a couple minutes and tidy up any tasks I may have left open when I left the library. Then I close the screen and I’m ready to work on the Mini.
The only thing I have to do with this local cloud is give the laptop a couple minutes before leaving and after returning to sync. It’s zero effort on my part aside from lifting and closing the screen. Once a week I plug in my external drive and run Rsync on the Mini to backup to an external drive. Some would backup everyday but once a week is enough for me. This backup sync covers my essential files, all kept in the Documents folder, but does not include photos which I manage separately with another external hard drive.
A final note, in case it’s not clear, there are at least these three important benefits to this local-only files approach:
- Reduced carbon footprint. My computer would be on anyway. Now I’m not contributing to extra emissions to host my files.
- Security. I have zero concerns about Google or Apple or any other cloud provider because my data is here, locally.
- Cost. There is no expense other than my computer and an external drive which I would have anyway.
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