Cache Tech Community Meetup - April 2025

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, April 26th, 2025
• Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM (MST)
• Location: Bridgerland Technical College, West Building, Room 1860, 1410 N 1000 W, Logan, UT 84321

Event Overview

Join us for a hands-on self-hosting workshop on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM (MST) at Bridgerland Technical College. This month, we’re diving into the world of self-hosted applications using Coolify, an open-source, self-hostable platform that simplifies the deployment and management of applications, databases, and services—giving you a fun sandbox to experiment with tech infrastructure.

Why Self-Hosting with Coolify?

Self-hosting is a fantastic way to learn how systems actually work under the hood while building something useful. Coolify makes the process super approachable by handling the complex parts of deployment for you. It’s like getting a backstage pass to how the internet works! By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a playground to experiment with Docker, networking, and system administration - practical skills that look great on any tech resume.

Detailed Event Schedule

Please check the bottom of the article to find a map to the location.

Part 1: General Meetup & Networking (45 minutes)

• 1:30 - 1:45 PM: Welcome, introductions, and community announcements
• 1:45 - 2:15 PM: Open forum discussion on tech career paths
  • Educational journeys: comparing academic vs. self-taught experiences
  • Local tech job market insights and opportunities
  • Mentorship connections and resource sharing
• 2:15 - 2:30 PM: Break and networking opportunity

Part 2: Technical Deep Dive (60 minutes)

• 2:30 - 2:45 PM: Introduction to self-hosting basics
  • Why self-hosting is a cool tech playground
  • Overview of containerization and Docker
  • Setting up your own infrastructure like a pro
• 2:45 - 3:15 PM: Hands-on workshop: Self-Hosting with Coolify
  • Setting up a Coolify instance
  • Deploying a private Git server
  • Installing financial and media applications
  • Securing your self-hosted applications
• 3:15 - 3:30 PM: Q&A, advanced topics, and wrap-up

Technical Details

During the workshop, we’ll perform a live demonstration of setting up a full self-hosting environment using Coolify. You’ll learn to:

1. Set up a complete self-hosting platform

   • Install and configure Coolify
   • Understand Docker and container orchestration
   • Manage application environments and configurations

2. Deploy essential privacy-focused applications

   • Private Git server alternatives
   • Personal finance tracking tools
   • Media servers and content libraries
   • Note-taking and productivity applications

3. Apply security best practices

   • Proper network configuration and firewalls
   • SSL/TLS certificate management
   • User authentication and access control
   • Backup and disaster recovery strategies

Preparation Checklist

To get the most from this workshop, please prepare:

• Required Software:

  • SSH client
  • A modern web browser
  • Git (git-scm.com/downloads)
  • A terminal emulator

• Optional but helpful:

  • Basic understanding of Linux command line
  • Familiarity with Docker concepts
  • Understanding of networking basics
  • A small VPS or home server (if you want to follow along with your own setup)

Community Engagement

The Cache Valley Tech Community is all about creating a fun, supportive space for tech enthusiasts of all levels. This event is perfect for:

• Hands-on learning: Getting your hands dirty with real tech instead of just theory
• Skill building: Adding Docker, networking, and Linux to your tech toolbox
• Making connections: Meeting other local tech geeks and potential collaborators
• Finding mentors: Connecting beginners with folks who’ve been around the block

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is perfect for all sorts of tech-curious folks:

• Tinkerers who enjoy building and breaking things to see how they work
• Software developers wanting a sandbox to play with Docker and deployment
• System administrators looking to level up their container game
• Home lab enthusiasts ready to add some cool new services to their setup
• Complete beginners who want to see what this tech stuff is all about

What You’ll Take Away

By the end of this workshop, you’ll walk away with:

1. The know-how to set up your own cool self-hosting playground
2. Hands-on experience with Docker, networking, and Linux administration
3. A collection of awesome apps you can run yourself instead of paying subscriptions
4. New tech buddies to collaborate with on future projects
5. Resources to keep learning and building your personal tech stack

Connect With Us

Join our Discord community before the event to:

• Introduce yourself to other attendees
• Ask questions about self-hosting
• Access preparation materials and resources
• Stay connected with the community after the event

We look forward to seeing you for an afternoon of learning, empowerment, and community building at Bridgerland Technical College!

Bridgerland Technical College, West Building, Room 1860, 1410 N 1000 W, Logan, UT 84321