I guess the question is: Is it worth learning the manual how-to setup and config or just learn Docker or and equivalent? Seems to me that everything is going automated. For example: The proxmox scripts that everyone seems to use. Anyone can copy and paste a command but do the know how to do it without a simple cut and paste. I personally have been trying to do most of it w/o scripts or docker. Yes there is a lot of trial and error but when it works i feel good about it. Most will say it's a time thing. I get that. I'm just looking for opinions on weather I should worry about doing things the long way or get with the times and cheat the system.

If you had an unlimited budget to upgrade just *one* part of your home lab, what would you choose — storage, networking, compute, or something else? 💡💾📶 Let’s hear your dream setups!

Are you a gamer in addition to your IT / Networking addiction?

I find it easier to lay out my network before I start building. Honestly, This is the king of field I want to get into. Network design and Infostructure. Just thought I would share.

Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Has Insane Home Lab Potential with 256GB RAM, Triple PCIe, and 25Gb Networking https://www.virtualizationhowto.com/2025/10/minisforum-ms-02-ultra-has-insane-home-lab-potential-with-256gb-ram-triple-pcie-and-25gb-networking/