Hubzilla Hosting on Own Server: Offers Compared

Hubzilla Hosting on Your Own Server: Providers Compared

In a time where data privacy and control over one's own data are becoming increasingly important, Hubzilla offers a comprehensive solution for social networks, forums, websites, and more. Hubzilla is an open-source platform known for its decentralized structure and the ability to seamlessly connect with other networks.

Hosting Hubzilla on your own server allows you to maintain full control over your data and communication channels. But which hosting provider is right for you? Our comprehensive comparison of the best providers will help you find the perfect solution for your Hubzilla hosting. We analyse and evaluate various hosting options to provide you with a clear overview of costs, services, and support. Discover how to set up and operate your own Hubzilla server to utilise a secure and flexible communication platform.

What is Hubzilla?

Hubzilla is an open-source platform designed for decentralized social networks, forums, websites, and other collaborative applications. It enables users to share content, communicate, and interact while retaining full control over their data.

Main features of Hubzilla:

• Decentralisation: Hubzilla is part of the Fediverse, a network of independent servers that can communicate with each other. This means there is no central control over the entire network.
• Nomadic Identity: One of Hubzilla's standout features is "nomadic identity", allowing users to seamlessly move their identity and data between different servers without losing information.
• Zot Protocol: Hubzilla uses the Zot protocol, known for its strong encryption and secure communication. It supports encrypted messaging, authentication, and seamless data migration.
• Versatility: Hubzilla offers features for social networks, blogs, forums, file sharing, and more. Users can share content, comment, and engage in discussions.
• Data Privacy and Control: Users have full control over their data and can set detailed privacy and permission settings, allowing them to determine exactly who has access to their content.
• Extensibility: With numerous plugins and add-ons, Hubzilla can be easily customised and expanded to meet users' individual needs.

These features make Hubzilla a powerful and flexible solution for users who value privacy, control over their data, and the ability to seamlessly integrate with other networks.

What are the requirements for a server to run Hubzilla?

Hubzilla requires a Linux VPS hosting (preferably Ubuntu or Debian) with Apache (mod-rewrite enabled and "AllowOverride All") or Nginx, PHP 8.1 or higher, and MySQL ≥ 8.0.22, MariaDB ≥ 10.6, or PostgreSQL ≥ 12. PHP extensions such as curl, gd, mysqli, mbstring, xml, zip, openssl, iconv, intl, sodium, bcmath (or gmp) are required. The server must support PHP command line access without restrictions on exec() and proc_open(), as well as cron for task scheduling and an email server or gateway for PHP mail(). A dedicated domain or subdomain without directory/path components is necessary. Hardware requirements include a minimum of 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended), a modern multi-core processor, and at least 20 GB of storage space. An SSL certificate for encrypted connections and regular backups are also required.

Detailed information on the Diaspora system requirements can be found at https://hubzilla.org/page/info/admin_guide.

What to consider when choosing a server provider for Hubzilla hosting?

When selecting a server provider for Hubzilla hosting, ensure they offer sufficient hardware resources. The provider should support Ubuntu or Debian and provide the necessary software components (Apache/Nginx, PHP 8.1, MySQL ≥ 8.0.22, MariaDB ≥ 10.6, or PostgreSQL ≥ 12). A stable internet connection, the ability to install SSL certificates, support for cron jobs, and PHP command line access are important. The provider should offer regular backups, security updates, and good technical support.