Docker on Synology or a second server?

[kiriak]

I'm talking about lightweight apps like Unifi Controller, Bitwarden, Nextcloud etc.

My Synology is here and ready, has plenty of space and a solid backup procedure including snapshots.

On the other hand, it is my main backup and archive place, with a lot of important files. So, I'm hesitant to make experiments on the NAS, to install and uninstall things even in Docker, to fiddle with the CLI. Beyond these I'm concerned about security with Docker on NAS, mainly because of my lack of knowledge.

A second server can be quite cheap and small, in the form of a Raspberry or a mini PC like a NUC. A cheap NUC with a Celeron or i3 and a small SSD will probably be capable for more demanding applications.
The second server could also play the role of a backup system or alternative, for some critical files or services.

Do all these make sense or are just my fear of messing up my Synology?

What do you think?

 

[Rusty]

With practice and exercise you would not have problem with docker. The idea behind it is isolation after all so messing something up is king of a long shot.

Still using a new device as your docker host is also an option why not.

What’s the biggest fear here? Also getting a new device for running several light container might not be viable. Imho

 

[Telos]

I'm talking about lightweight apps like Unifi Controller, Bitwarden, Nextcloud etc.

Nextcloud can easily grow into something less than "lightweight".

 

[kiriak]

@ Rusty
maybe I should "play" more with Docker on my old PC repurposed as a server, before going on "production" on the Synology NAS

@ Telos
yes it can

 

[Rusty]

maybe I should "play" more with Docker on my old PC

sounds like a good idea as well.