It’s not a cheap hobby, but self hosting is fun. Learning more about Docker has made it a great way to learn self hosting. I guess Synology is like training wheels in the self hosting community, but when you only know Windows, it’s a good introduction to Linux, servers, networking, RAID, and a ton of other topics.
The units aren’t expensive when you compare it to the storage drives. I use a DS918+ which has 4 bays, and I have 14TB drives in each one. This is much more space than I need, but you always end up with more than you expect. I’d say each drive is probably $250 each right now.
According to NPR today the families won’t receive money. They will get work visas and an interview with an asylum officer. No actual compensation for the years of trauma caused by being separated from your kids or parents. It’s monstrous. The explanation on why there is no financial compensation was that the republicans were against the cost. They are truly evil people. The absolute lack of humanity makes me physically sick.