What is self-hosting?¶
Self-hosting means operating the service’s server software rather than relying entirely on a managed website platform. It does not necessarily mean that the physical machine is kept at home.
Where self-hosting can occur¶
The service could run on a cloud virtual machine, rented VPS, dedicated server, workplace computer, home server, network-attached storage device or capable router. The operator controls more of the software stack, including web-server configuration, files, databases and user accounts.
It is similar to cooking in a rented kitchen rather than buying a completed meal: the premises may still belong to someone else, but the customer controls more of the process.
Useful evidence may exist inside the system as website files, databases, access logs, administrator accounts, configuration, credentials and backups. The external service chain still matters. A registrar, DNS provider, cloud company, ISP, dynamic-DNS provider or tunnel service may retain account and connection records.
“Self-hosted” should therefore not be treated as “no provider records.” It describes who manages the software, not the absence of supporting suppliers.
Nor does it identify the individual administrator. Several people may have remote access, and the system may have been compromised.
The point to remember
Self-hosting places more evidence inside the server environment, while external network, domain and access providers may still record how it was reached and funded.
