# Requirements

What you need to run opendesk on your own server.

> **The short list**
>
> - A Linux server with Docker and the Compose plugin: 2 vCPUs and 4 GB of RAM to start.
> - A domain or subdomain whose `A` or `AAAA` record points at it.
> - Ports 80 and 443 open to the internet.
>
> Everything else on this page is optional. When you have these, run the [install script](/self-hosting/install-script/).

## Server

- **Linux** on **amd64** or **arm64**. macOS works for trying it out with Docker Desktop. On Windows, run it inside WSL with Docker Desktop.
- **Docker** with the Compose plugin. The installer offers to install Docker on Linux if it is missing.
- **Memory and disk:** as a starting point for a small team, plan for 2 vCPUs and 4 GB of RAM, then size from what you observe. Disk grows with email and attachments, so start with at least 20 GB and watch it, or move attachments to [object storage](/self-hosting/storage/).

## Network

- A **domain** (or subdomain) with an `A`/`AAAA` record pointing at the server, such as `desk.example.com`.
- Ports **80** and **443** open, so Caddy can obtain and renew a certificate and serve HTTPS.
- Outbound access to your mail providers (IMAP 993, SMTP 465 or 587) and to Google and Microsoft if you connect those mailboxes.
- Optional: port **25** open and an `MX` record if you want to receive forwarded mail directly on this server. See [Email setup](/self-hosting/email/).

## Optional services

| For | You need |
| --- | --- |
| Password resets, invitations, verification email | An SMTP server, or Amazon SES. See [Email setup](/self-hosting/email/). |
| One-click Google or Microsoft mailboxes and sign-in | Your own OAuth apps. See [Google and Microsoft OAuth](/self-hosting/oauth-apps/). |
| Attachments outside the server | S3, Cloudflare R2 or MinIO. See [Storage](/self-hosting/storage/). |
| Bot protection on sign-in | A Cloudflare Turnstile site key and secret. |
| A managed database | Any Postgres, including Neon. See [Postgres and Neon](/self-hosting/postgres/). |