OK, coach. I think I’d like to run my own VPN, but I’m on the economy plan. I can’t afford to buy a new computer.
The Raspberry Pi is nominally $35. That will buy you a multi-core CPU, a gig of RAM, an Ethernet port, etc. What it doesn’t include is
- Disk
- Power supply
- Keyboard
- Monitor
- Case
You don’t really need a keyboard or monitor for your VPN server, you’ll use a Micro SD card for the disk, and the Pi uses a micro-USB power supply. You might be able to use your cell phone charger for the power supply, but the Pi needs good power, so splurge $10 and get a really good one.
The latest Pi, an SD Card, a case and a power supply are available in a kit for about $50.