This is a record of practical choices, not a list of every available project. I prefer software that is understandable, documented, exportable and possible to restore.

Need App Experience and notes
Photos and phone backups Immich A local photo and video library.
Films and television Jellyfin Personal media access without depending on one streaming service.
Music Navidrome Stream a music collection you control.
Audiobooks Audiobookshelf Simple access to audiobooks and podcasts.
Device synchronisation Syncthing Direct synchronisation between devices.
Encrypted backups Restic Scriptable, encrypted and verifiable backups.
Passwords Vaultwarden Lightweight Bitwarden-compatible server.
Notes Simplenote The notes service I use.
Documents and OCR Paperless-ngx Used on Proxmox with real documents. Lightweight in practice, but it depends on a database and needs proper backups.
Personal document management Papra The document application I currently use.
Service monitoring Uptime Kuma Used in the lab and excellent for monitoring services.
Network DNS filtering AdGuard Home Used because it is available on the router.
Network DNS filtering Pi-hole Previously used and a fantastic, simple alternative.
Server and PC monitoring Beszel Used and very good at displaying server and PC information.

Tested, but not current choices

  • FreshRSS — used before as an RSS reader, but not currently deployed.
  • Forgejo — tested, but not something I would personally use; still worth mentioning because other people use it.
  • Mealie — tested and works well. Adding food and recipes can be tedious, which is an important practical limitation.
  • BentoPDF — a lighter PDF option that I prefer over heavier PDF platforms.

This list records experience, not endorsements. Check the review method before treating any project as a recommendation.