One plugin turned Obsidian into my home lab


While diving deep into the rewarding world of home lab construction, the real work often happens not on the physical hardware, but in the digital cockpit. To manage the symphony of self-hosted services, the key lies in the art of the open browser tab.

Imagine juggling a complex array of digital demands—a central server running virtual machines, network configuration, smart home automation, and media streaming—all running concurrently on a single mini-PC. Keeping track of this setup requires a curated collection of open windows, each dedicated to a specific piece of the operation.

One window invariably showcases the heart of the operation: the dashboard for the Proxmox system, detailing the various virtual machines and containers thriving on the hardware. Next to this, the router’s administration page provides the necessary control over the network infrastructure.

The digital ecosystem continues with dedicated spaces for specialized functions. A third tab is reserved for Home Assistant, the brain of the smart home, while a fourth is dedicated to Jellyfin, ensuring that media consumption is seamless and centralized.

Switching between these critical operational zones is a daily negotiation. While keyboard shortcuts offer a tempting path to efficiency, the sheer number of windows quickly transforms a simple task into a mental juggling act. It is a testament to the power of self-hosting, a setup that demands both technical mastery and a healthy dose of digital focus.

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