Chapters

Build in this order.

Each chapter ends with the prerequisites and tests required for the next one.

00
Orientationready

What you are building and in what order

The finished result, the build order, and the test that ends each phase.

01
Phase 0ready

Prepare the LLM and limit its access

How the owner and LLM work together, what can go wrong, and how to test the limits.

02
Phase 1ready

Set up the always-on Mac

Local recovery, remote access, complete work records, and the first agent test.

03
Phase 2ready

Set up a reliable Linux server

Install Linux, test the hardware, set up updates and access, and prove local recovery.

04
Phase 3ready

Set up the network, remote access, and backup power

Keep local control and household internet working through common network and power failures.

05
Phase 4ready

Protect data and keep account ownership stable

Choose disks and storage, set stable accounts, share files, and prove a restore.

06
Phases 5–6ready

Run household services safely

Install Docker, deploy and update services, protect their data, and test them as a user.

07
Phase 7ready

Test updates, failures, and recovery

Monitor what matters, update carefully, run recovery drills, and know when Kubernetes may help.

08
Referenceready

Keep the records another session will need

Copyable interviews, work orders, change records, handoffs, reviews, and drill records.

09
Appendixready

Glossary

Plain explanations, operating details, common mistakes, and links back to the guide.