Homelab Checks and Reference
Summary
This note is a lightweight reminder of the kinds of checks that often support lab operations and infrastructure review.
When to use this note
- when you are adding or reviewing a service in the lab
- when you want a quick architecture and validation checklist
- when you need a broad sanity check before deeper Linux, networking, or security work
Placement and architecture checks
| Check | Purpose |
|---|
| workload role is clear | avoid service sprawl |
| VM vs LXC choice is sensible | improve maintainability and boundaries |
| dependency path is known | make troubleshooting easier |
Service checks
| Check | Purpose |
|---|
| service starts correctly | confirm basic runtime health |
| network path works | confirm intended reachability |
| logs or evidence exist | support later troubleshooting |
Documentation checks
| Check | Purpose |
|---|
| service purpose is documented | keep architecture understandable |
| validation steps are recorded | support rebuild or review |
| change impact is considered | reduce accidental blast radius |
Notes
- this note stays intentionally broad because domain-specific checks still belong in Linux, Networking, Security, and Microsoft
- the point is to support clean homelab habits, not to replace more detailed platform notes
Common mistakes
- adding services without documenting purpose or dependencies
- validating only that the service starts, not that users can reach it
- treating the lab as one flat environment instead of checking boundaries and roles