Nick

I second B2, it just works and no horrible UI like backblazes backup app. Me personally, I use Proxmox backup server. All of my VMs run on Proxmox and I have a couple PBS around.

I 2nd this.

Be aware hosting media thru their proxy is breaking their ToS. Not saying anything will happen, but be mindful.

Clonezilla. Done it too many times.

Not sure what beforehand means, but I get in the shower, sit for 20 mins and think, then stand up, get wet, add bar of soap to wash rag, put wash rag all over my body, rinse, then get out and dry.

I remember I spent ~$330 on 8TB HDDs and now you can get 20 TB for around the same price.

I run ejabberd for myself and my family/friend and use conversations on android. Mattermost I would say is the most like discord. I run one of those as well and love it.