> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nolongerevil.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Choose Your Path

> Hosted service or self-hosted? Pick the right setup for you

## Two Ways to Use No Longer Evil

No Longer Evil offers two deployment options depending on your technical expertise and preferences:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Hosted Service" icon="cloud-check" color="#07C983" href="/hosted/overview">
    **Recommended for most users**

    Plug and play - no server setup required
  </Card>

  <Card title="Self-Hosted" icon="server" color="#0D9373" href="/self-hosted/overview">
    **For advanced users**

    Complete control over your infrastructure
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Hosted Service (Recommended)

### What You Get

The hosted service uses No Longer Evil's managed infrastructure at **nolongerevil.com**. Your thermostat connects to our servers instead of Google's.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Zero Configuration" icon="magic-wand-sparkles">
    No server setup, no database management, no SSL certificates. Just flash the firmware and start using your thermostat.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Always Up to Date" icon="cloud-arrow-up">
    Automatic updates to the API server, dashboard, and features. You always get the latest improvements without lifting a finger.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Web Dashboard" icon="browser">
    Access your thermostat from anywhere via our hosted web dashboard. Control temperature, schedules, and settings from any device.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Easy Device Management" icon="list-check">
    Simple entry code system to link multiple thermostats to your account. Perfect for multi-zone setups.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Novice Friendly" icon="graduation-cap">
    No technical expertise required. If you can follow step-by-step instructions and plug in a USB cable, you can do this.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### What You Need

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Time Required" icon="clock">
    **15-30 minutes**

    Most of this is waiting for firmware to flash and boot
  </Card>

  <Card title="Technical Level" icon="user">
    **Beginner Friendly**

    Can follow simple instructions
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Limitations

<Warning>
  **Data Privacy**: Your thermostat data (temperature settings, schedules) is stored on No Longer Evil servers. We're committed to privacy, but if you need absolute data ownership, consider self-hosting.
</Warning>

<Info>
  **Service Dependency**: Your thermostat depends on No Longer Evil's service availability. If our servers go down (rare), you'll temporarily lose remote access. Local thermostat functionality continues to work.
</Info>

### Best For

* Homeowners who want a simple, working solution
* Users without technical/server management experience
* Anyone who wants to try No Longer Evil without commitment

<Card title="Get Started with Hosted Service" icon="rocket" href="/hosted/overview">
  Follow our step-by-step guide to flash firmware and start using your thermostat in under 30 minutes
</Card>

***

## Self-Hosted (Advanced)

### What You Get

Self-hosting means running your own No Longer Evil infrastructure. Your thermostat connects to **your server**, not ours.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Complete Data Ownership" icon="database">
    All thermostat data stays on your servers. You control the database, logs, and every piece of information.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="No External Dependencies" icon="link-slash">
    Your thermostat works independently of No Longer Evil's service. Even if we shut down, your setup keeps running forever.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Full Customization" icon="code">
    Modify the API server, build custom integrations, add features, or tweak behavior to your exact needs.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Local Network Operation" icon="network-wired">
    Run everything on your local network for ultra-low latency and no internet dependency (optional).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### What You Need

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Time Required" icon="clock">
    **30 minutes – 2 hours**

    Depends on your setup (Docker install, network config)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Technical Level" icon="user-gear">
    **Advanced**

    Comfortable with command line, Docker, networking
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Requirements

<Steps>
  <Step title="Server/Computer">
    A machine that can run 24/7 (Raspberry Pi, NAS, VPS, home server, or cloud VM)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Technical Skills">
    * Command line / terminal navigation
    * Basic networking knowledge (local IPs, port forwarding if remote access is needed)
    * Docker experience (or willingness to learn)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Infrastructure (for remote access only)">
    * Public IP or DDNS service (only if accessing from outside your home network)
    * Port forwarding capability on router (only if accessing remotely)
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Components You'll Run

When self-hosting, you're responsible for running and maintaining:

1. **API Server (Port 8000)** — Handles thermostat device communication
2. **Control API / Dashboard (Port 8082)** — Web interface for device management
3. **MQTT (Optional)** — Publishes climate entities to Home Assistant via MQTT discovery

### Challenges to Expect

<Warning>
  **This path requires some technical comfort.** You'll need to:

  * Install and run Docker (or use the Home Assistant add-on)
  * Set a LAN IP in your server configuration
  * Keep a machine running 24/7 on your network
  * Pull updates manually when new versions release

  SSL certificates, firewalls, and databases are **not required** for a standard home LAN setup — these only apply if you're exposing your server to the internet.

  If you're not comfortable with Docker basics, we recommend the hosted service.
</Warning>

<Card title="Self-Hosted Setup Guide" icon="server" href="/self-hosted/overview">
  Ready for the challenge? Follow our comprehensive guide to set up your own No Longer Evil infrastructure
</Card>