I try to keep things simple and just use Markdown files for everything. I have a doc for each physical device, and another doc for each service/container running on the LAN.

I generally track hardware specs, upgrade paths, and software changelogs/todos as unsorted lists within these docs. It’s super portable and easily synced across devices via Syncthing.

You’re very welcome. For Markor, I wasn’t a fan of the default viewer theme, which is how I view most notes when on mobile, so I made some tweaks to improve its appearance…below is a screenshot:

If you want something similar, add the following under Settings > View mode:

• Open existing files in view mode: on (this may be default)
• Link color: #71aaff

And replace the <style>...</style> block under the inject -> head pop-up with the following CSS:

<style> 
html, body { 
  font-family: sans-serif-condensed;
  font-size: 110%;
  background: #0d1117; 
  color: #c9d1d9;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0.5em;
}

a {
  color: 58a6ff;
  text-decoration: none;
}

h1, h2, h3, h4 {
  padding-bottom: 0.25em;
  border-bottom: 2px solid #222934;
}

hr {
  border: 2px solid #222934;
}

pre, code {
  color: #b5a5ee;
}
</style>

I write nearly everything in markdown. Like you, I don’t want databases, or other barriers that will complicate portability.

I just use my text editor of choice, usually VSCodium or vim on the desktop, and Syncthing to keep the notes synced across all of our devices.

On Android, I’ve been happily using the Markor markdown editor for years. I’ve tried several others but always return to its simplicity.

All of the above editors support opening folders in a tree view, so you can easily keep your notes sorted under a traditional folder structure and find what you when you need it.

Edit: Forgot to mention that Markor does have a dedicated to-do feature too, which also uses markdown.

We use markdown notes extensively. Everything is synced to our desktops and mobile devices with Syncthing. Markor editor for Android, and VSCodium/vim on the desktop. Works great for tech notes, medical info, shopping lists, recipes, etc.

A better alternative would be to separate the core open source app from any premium, proprietary add-on features, as the developer hinted at here.

As someone else pointed out, it’s difficult to agree that this app follows an open source model when the open source portion of it is essentially non-functional and requires the closed source components to be of any practical use. Until that separation occurs, this isn’t really open source; you’re trusting a stranger on the internet with your (or your client’s) network credentials.

Barring any similar apps, I’ll stick to my password manager and terminal.

The deal breaker for me is that it seems the low-level component that would interface with the shells (presumably managing credentials in some way) is closed source and off-repo. That’s a big red flag for me, no matter how benign the intention.

I hear Anna’s Archives is great for ebooks. I don’t do audiobooks, and can’t stand podcasts, but it sounds like a lot of good suggestions were made for those already.

I haven’t had time to check out the forks from Tibor’s apps, but I recall there were issues with the original Simple Calendar Pro which is why I had settled on Etar at the time. I’ll definitely keep an eye on Naveen’s repos though.

Thanks for the info. Davx5 has worked well for me, but it’s still nice to have alternatives.

My challenge has been finding a decent open source calendar app for Android, which unfortunately excludes Calengoo. I’m just not interested in using closed source network-capable apps to manage my personal information.

Radicale, and I only sync when at home on the LAN. Super simple to setup, requires minimal maintenance and very few resources.

Thunderbird on our workstations syncs directly to Radicale, and it’s an overall good experience.

I use DAVx⁵ to sync on Android/GrapheneOS, but not overly thrilled with the calendaring options there…Etar works “okay”.

I don’t think you’ll be able to build anything with €100, but you might be able to buy an old PC or laptop locally and use it as is. I’ve never run nextcloud myself, but from I’ve read it’ll be the most taxing service on your list. Everything seems pretty minimal, though I don’t know anything about Photoprism.

VSCodium on the desktop, and Markor on Android. I write everything in markdown, and VSCodium is already where I spend half my time editing and writing code, so it was an easy choice. I also use Vim for quick one-offs, especially if I’m already working on a project with it.

Like others here, I also use Syncthing to keep my notes synced between home server, remote clients, and mobile devices.

Manual password entry. I feel that any other method offers insufficient security.

For my desktops, this means interactive decryption before the OS loads. For my servers, only the data drives are encrypted, and I decrypt them manually over SSH whenever a reboot is needed (kernel updates, etc.).

Yeah, it definitely sounds like you’ve got the right approach already. If you can manage your data within the lower storage capacities, I think you’ll appreciate the reduced noise and power consumption of the SSDs.

My home server is a NUC inside an Akasa Turing fanless case with an 8TB Samsung 870 QVO SSD for my file shares. Works great and it’s completely silent.

It should go without saying that routine, off-site backups are an important element of server administration, regardless of drive type. Mine are completed monthly, and critical data (docs, keepass databases, etc.) is also synced across multiple devices using Syncthing.

Thanks for clarifying. I recalled seeing something about 720p caps for certain streaming services when using non-DRM platforms, but I wasn’t sure which.

A kodi distro, such as LibreElec would be my vote, but I don’t believe it does streaming services very well, if at all.

I am so done with streaming services.The local library has more TV and films than I’ll ever have the time or inkling to actually watch.

Yes and yes.

If it works at all, you shouldn’t have any other issues. For example, Intel NUCs have a stated maximum amount of memory, but there are plenty of online discussions about running higher amounts without issue.

I have a couple of Pis, but currently only using the Pi 4 which is my Kodi box (LibreELEC). I planned to use my older Pi 3B as a web server, but I also have Proxmox on a NUC running as my main home server, so I don’t know if there’s any advantage to using the Pi at this point.