Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about this self-hosting column, operator trade-offs, and how the site works. Guides · Getting started.
What is Orivana?
Orivana is Ben Liu's self-hosting column: original deep tutorials and lab notes for operators. Start with Guides, Topics, and curated stacks — written from a Proxmox/Compose review lab, not scraped blog dumps.
Who publishes Orivana?
Ben Liu publishes Orivana as an independent site and runs a small Proxmox/Docker review lab for lab notes. Corrections and privacy requests go to support@orivana.xyz, typically within 2-3 business days.
See the About page and author profile for lab context and the How we review page for methodology.
Is self-hosting free?
The software is often free as in freedom / free as in price, but hosting is not free. You pay with hardware, electricity, domains, backup storage, and your time for updates and incidents.
Compare total cost of ownership against SaaS plans before migrating critical workflows.
Do I need Docker?
No, but Docker Compose is a practical default for many beginners because it packages dependencies and makes rebuilds repeatable. Some projects install natively via packages or binaries.
Read our Compose hardening and first-stack guides, then follow upstream docs for the recommended path.
Where should a beginner start?
Follow Getting started: pick one job-to-be-done, shortlist a few tools, deploy behind a reverse proxy, prove a restore, then harden lightly.
Stacks such as Docker-first starter and Privacy-minded essentials are useful before you chase every option.
What is the difference between guides, topics, and stacks?
Guides are original operator articles (how-tos, comparisons, roundups). Topics are category playbooks that help you choose among tools in one area. Stacks (collections) are curated shortlists for a job-to-be-done, such as a first Docker rack or secure remote access.
Can I suggest a correction?
Yes. Use the Contact page or email support@orivana.xyz with the page URL, what is wrong, and a source link. Precise reports are appreciated and usually answered within a few business days.
Do you show ads?
Orivana may display labeled advertisements (including Google AdSense) to keep the site free. Ads are marked "Advertisement" and only load after cookie consent when advertising is enabled.
See the Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy for details on cookies and opt-out options. Editorial rankings are not for sale.
Are reviews paid placements?
No. Reviews follow our editorial methodology and How we review page. We do not sell rankings or guaranteed placement for money.
Lab notes document what we actually tried on review benches and are not an endorsement for every environment.
Is this legal advice / security advice?
No. Guides are educational operator notes. For compliance, commercial redistribution, or high-risk security design, consult qualified professionals.
Still stuck? Email support@orivana.xyz · contact form.