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capsule

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is Capsule?

Capsule is a personal server platform that lets you own and control your digital space. It provides a way to store your data, run applications, and manage your online identity—all under your control rather than on corporate platforms.

How is Capsule different from cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox?

While cloud storage services let you store files online, Capsule is a complete personal computing platform. Beyond just storing data, Capsule allows you to run applications, automate workflows, and control who has access to your information. Most importantly, you control the infrastructure, so your data isn’t being analyzed or monetized by a third party.

Is Capsule open source?

Yes, Capsule is fully open source. You can view the code, contribute to it, or even modify it for your own needs. We believe in transparency and community collaboration.

Who is Capsule for?

Capsule is designed for anyone who wants more control over their digital life. It’s particularly valuable for:

  • People concerned about privacy and data ownership
  • Developers who want to build personal tools without corporate constraints
  • Self-hosters who prefer to run their own services
  • Anyone tired of constantly changing terms of service and feature removals

Do I need to be technical to use Capsule?

Not at all! While Capsule offers powerful capabilities for developers, we’ve designed it to be accessible to everyone. The basic setup and everyday use require no programming knowledge.

Technical Details

What technologies does Capsule use?

Capsule is built on modern web technologies including:

  • Node.js for the server-side application
  • SQLite for efficient local data storage
  • TypeScript for type-safe code
  • Docker for easy deployment
  • A REST API for extensibility

Can I run Capsule on my existing hardware?

Yes! Capsule is designed to run on a variety of hardware including:

  • Home servers or NAS devices
  • Raspberry Pi and other single-board computers
  • Always-on desktop computers
  • Cloud virtual private servers (VPS)

What are the minimum system requirements?

Capsule has modest requirements:

  • 1GB RAM (minimum)
  • 1GB storage space (for the base system)
  • Modern CPU with at least 1 core
  • Internet connection (for remote access)

Setup and Installation

How do I install Capsule?

We offer several installation methods:

  1. Docker: The simplest method using our official Docker image
  2. Self-hosting: Direct installation on your hardware or VPS
  3. Managed hosting: Through supported hosting partners

See our Getting Started guide for detailed instructions.

How long does setup take?

Most users can get Capsule up and running in 5-15 minutes, depending on your familiarity with self-hosting and the installation method you choose.

Can I migrate from cloud services to Capsule?

Yes, Capsule includes tools to help you import data from various cloud services. We currently support importing from:

  • Google Drive
  • Dropbox
  • Calendar services (Google Calendar, iCal)
  • Contact lists (Google Contacts, vCard format)

More import options are being added regularly.

Data and Privacy

Where is my data stored with Capsule?

Your data is stored on your own hardware or on the hosting provider you choose. Unlike cloud services, we never have access to your data.

Security

How secure is Capsule?

Security is a core focus for Capsule. We implement industry best practices including:

  • Regular security updates
  • Proper authentication and authorization
  • Input validation and sanitization
  • Limited attack surface
  • Optional two-factor authentication

Do I need to update Capsule regularly?

Yes, we recommend keeping your Capsule installation updated to benefit from security improvements and new features. Capsule includes an easy update process, and Docker installations can be configured to update automatically.

Can others access my Capsule?

Capsule is designed for personal use, but includes features to selectively share content with others. You control exactly what is shared and with whom.

Getting Help

Is there documentation available?

Yes! We provide comprehensive documentation covering:

  • Installation and setup
  • Day-to-day usage
  • Troubleshooting
  • Development guides
  • Security best practices

Where can I get support if I have problems?

Support options include:

  • Community forums
  • GitHub issues for bug reports
  • Documentation and guides
  • Direct support options for paid plans

Is there a community around Capsule?

Absolutely! Capsule has an active community of users and developers who share tips, build Caplets, and help each other. Join us on:

  • GitHub
  • Discord
  • Community forums
  • Monthly community calls

Business Model and Future

How is Capsule funded?

Capsule follows a sustainable open-source model. We offer:

  • The core platform as free and open-source software
  • Optional paid hosting for those who prefer managed solutions
  • Professional support options for organizations
  • Development services for custom deployments

What’s on the Capsule roadmap?

Our development focuses on:

  • Expanding the library of built-in Caplets
  • Improving performance and reliability
  • Adding more import/export capabilities
  • Enhancing the developer experience
  • Strengthening security and privacy features

Will Capsule remain free and open source?

Yes, we’re committed to keeping Capsule free and open source. Our business model is built around providing value-added services, not restricting access to the core platform.

How can I contribute to Capsule?

We welcome contributions of all kinds:

  • Code contributions via GitHub
  • Documentation improvements
  • Bug reports and feature suggestions
  • Creating and sharing Caplets
  • Helping other users in the community
  • Spreading the word about digital sovereignty