In my pursuit of creating a standout online presence, the idea of a resume website became increasingly appealing. Rather than settling for conventional platforms, I embarked on an adventurous journey to self-host my website, leveraging my Network Attached Storage (NAS) as the foundation. Join me as I share the steps, insights, and troubleshooting experiences behind this intriguing endeavor.
The Spark of Creation: The Resume Website
The resume website concept emerged as a canvas to showcase my skills, accomplishments, and transition into the realm of IT and cybersecurity. This virtual representation needed to reflect not only my journey but also the innovation and technology I was venturing into.
Self-Hosting: A Quest for Control
Empowered by my ambition to control every aspect of my online presence, I decided to self-host my website. This meant that I was responsible for the setup, configuration, and maintenance of the entire infrastructure. The idea of hosting it on my own Network Attached Storage (NAS) intrigued me.
Navigating the Technical Terrain: Layers of Expertise
WordPress and MySQL: My resume website’s foundation was built on WordPress, paired with a MySQL database for efficient data storage. This choice provided flexibility for content management and customization.
Nginx Reverse Proxy and Cloudflare Tunnel: Ensuring security and accessibility were top priorities. I employed an Nginx reverse proxy to manage incoming web requests and routed traffic through a Cloudflare tunnel for enhanced protection.
Synology DSM Containers: Orchestrating with Ease
Synology DSM Containers: To orchestrate this complex setup, I harnessed Synology’s DSM Containers, a versatile tool that simplifies the deployment and management of applications. I leveraged these containers to encapsulate my entire website’s ecosystem.
Stack Creation via Container Management: Drawing inspiration from my experience with orchestration tools, I approached Synology DSM Containers with a similar mindset. I crafted a stack using container management, defining resources and their relationships. This approach streamlined deployment and configuration.
Troubleshooting: Challenges and Solutions
- Joining WordPress to the Database: Connecting WordPress to the MySQL database presented its challenges. However, diving into the documentation and troubleshooting step by step helped me establish the crucial connection.
- Certificate Problems: Issues with certificates arose, hampering secure connections. I resolved this by provisioning a Cloudflare SSL certificate, ensuring encrypted communication.
- Port Mapping and Subdomains: Navigating port mapping and configuring subdomains proved intricate. Through trial and error, I grasped the nuances of directing traffic to the correct destinations.
- Proxy Host Mastery: Learning how to proxy host was a puzzle that required patience. I delved into online resources, forums, and guides to ensure smooth routing of requests.
A Journey of Empowerment: A Website Beyond the Ordinary
As my self-hosted resume website took shape, I realized that every layer of this process was an opportunity for empowerment. From mastering Linux commands to orchestrating resources with Synology DSM Containers, each step cemented my understanding of the technology driving my online presence.
Beyond the Bits and Bytes: Conveying Transformation
My self-hosted website is more than just a digital presence; it’s a testament to my transition from physiotherapy to IT. It mirrors my ability to adapt, learn, and embrace new challenges.
Conclusion: Self-Hosting as a Journey of Mastery
In the realm of IT, self-hosting your website is more than a technical feat; it’s a journey of mastery. It’s an opportunity to shape every aspect of your online identity, infuse it with innovation, and showcase your technical prowess. As I continue my IT journey, my self-hosted resume website stands as a symbol of my capabilities, a tangible result of my efforts to understand and harness the technology that defines our digital age.