StartOS

What is StartOS?

StartOS is an open-source Linux distribution for running a personal server. It handles discovery, installation, network configuration, data backup, dependency management, and health monitoring of self-hosted services.

Tech stack: Rust backend (Tokio/Axum), Angular frontend, Node.js container runtime with LXC, and a custom diff-based database (Patch-DB) for reactive state synchronization.

Services run in isolated LXC containers, packaged as S9PKs — a signed, merkle-archived format that supports partial downloads and cryptographic verification.

What can you do with it?

StartOS lets you self-host services that would otherwise depend on third-party cloud providers — giving you full ownership of your data and infrastructure.

Browse available services on the Start9 Marketplace, including:

• Bitcoin & Lightning — Run a full Bitcoin node, Lightning node, BTCPay Server, and other payment infrastructure
• Communication — Self-host Matrix, SimpleX, or other messaging platforms
• Cloud Storage — Run Nextcloud, Vaultwarden, and other productivity tools

Services are added by the community. If a service you want isn't available, you can package it yourself.

Getting StartOS

Buy a Start9 server

The easiest path. Buy a server from Start9 and plug it in.

Build your own

Follow the install guide to install StartOS on your own hardware. . Reasons to go this route:

1. You already have compatible hardware
2. You want to save on shipping costs
3. You prefer not to share your physical address
4. You enjoy building things

Build from source

See CONTRIBUTING.md for environment setup, build instructions, and development workflow.

Contributing

There are multiple ways to contribute: work directly on StartOS, package a service for the marketplace, or help with documentation and guides. See CONTRIBUTING.md or visit start9.com/contribute.

To report security issues, email security@start9.com.