# YunoHost — One-Click Self-Hosting Operating System

> A Debian-based server OS that simplifies self-hosting with a web admin panel, one-click app installs, automatic DNS, SSL, and user management for dozens of web applications.

## Install

Save in your project root:

# YunoHost — One-Click Self-Hosting Operating System

## Quick Use
```bash
# Install on a fresh Debian 11/12 server
curl https://install.yunohost.org | bash
# Then open https://your-server-ip in a browser to complete setup
```

## Introduction
YunoHost is a Debian-based operating system that makes self-hosting accessible to non-experts. It provides a web-based admin interface for installing and managing web applications, handling DNS, SSL certificates, email, and user accounts with minimal command-line interaction.

## What YunoHost Does
- Installs 500+ web applications with a single click from the app catalog
- Manages SSL certificates automatically via Let's Encrypt
- Provides built-in email server with SMTP, IMAP, and anti-spam configuration
- Handles user management with SSO (single sign-on) across installed apps
- Configures DNS records automatically when using a YunoHost-compatible domain

## Architecture Overview
YunoHost layers an admin API and web interface on top of Debian. It uses Nginx as a reverse proxy, Postfix and Dovecot for email, OpenLDAP for user directory, and SSOwat for single sign-on. Applications are packaged as shell scripts that follow a standardized packaging format, handling installation, upgrades, backup, and removal through the YunoHost CLI or web panel.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Flash YunoHost image to an SD card for Raspberry Pi or install on a VPS via curl
- Run the post-install wizard to set the admin password and main domain
- Configure DNS records (A, MX, DKIM) using the diagnostic tool's guidance
- Install applications from the web catalog with automatic Nginx and SSO configuration
- Set up automatic backups to local storage or remote servers

## Key Features
- Application catalog with 500+ packaged apps including Nextcloud, WordPress, and Matrix
- Integrated backup and restore for the entire server or individual apps
- Multi-domain support with per-domain SSL and application routing
- LDAP-based user management with per-app access permissions
- Diagnostic tool that checks DNS, ports, email, and SSL configuration

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Coolify** — Docker-based PaaS for deploying apps, less integrated system management
- **CasaOS** — simpler Docker UI for home servers but no email or SSO
- **Cloudron** — similar app-store approach but proprietary with paid plans
- **Sandstorm** — sandboxed app platform but smaller app ecosystem and less active development
- **Umbrel** — focused on Bitcoin and home apps, not general-purpose self-hosting

## FAQ
**Q: What hardware does YunoHost need?**
A: A Raspberry Pi 3 or newer, any VPS with 512 MB RAM, or an old PC running Debian.

**Q: Can I install YunoHost on an existing Debian server?**
A: Yes, but it is recommended to start with a clean Debian installation to avoid conflicts.

**Q: Does YunoHost include email?**
A: Yes. A fully configured mail server (Postfix, Dovecot, rspamd) is set up during installation.

**Q: How are application updates handled?**
A: Apps are updated through the web panel or CLI. YunoHost maintainers track upstream releases and update packages accordingly.

## Sources
- https://github.com/YunoHost/yunohost
- https://yunohost.org

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-49b12303
Author: AI Open Source