Custom Ubuntu 24.04 LTS File Server — macOS-Style Desktop, Docker, VPN, Kali & Modem Root

I'm building a custom AI-powered operating system. This is Phase 1 — the foundation build.

I need an experienced Linux sysadmin to create a polished, macOS-style Ubuntu 24.04 LTS environment on my hardware — functioning as my primary file server, tightly integrated with my MacBook Air M3.

Everything must be modular, clean, and extensible — I will layer my own AI system on top later (including a Hailo-8 accelerator). Apple-level polish, not default Ubuntu.

All work product and IP become my sole property upon payment.

HARDWARE:
• Server: HP Mini Pro G4 (64GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
• Storage: Yottamaster 5-Bay DAS, 4TB drives (~20TB raw)
• Client: MacBook Air M3 (8GB)
• Telstra 4G modem (to be rooted)
• [Future] Hailo-8 AI accelerator

SCOPE:

1. macOS-STYLE DESKTOP
• GNOME or KDE themed to look like macOS (WhiteSur/McMojave theme)
• Dock, top menu bar, traffic light window buttons, Spotlight-style launcher
• macOS icon pack, cursor, fonts (San Francisco/Inter)
• Dark/light mode toggle, themed login screen
• Must be skinnable for future AI branding

2. STORAGE & FILE SERVER (Core Function)
• RAID/ZFS on 5-bay enclosure (recommend best config)
• Samba SMB3 optimized for macOS (vfs_fruit, extended attributes)
• macOS Time Machine backup share
• Avahi/Bonjour — server appears in Finder automatically
• NFS for Linux clients
• SFTP with key auth
• SMART monitoring, ZFS scrub schedule, nightly backups
• Organized shares: /data/documents, /data/media, /data/backups, /data/projects, /data/ai-models

3. NEXTCLOUD (Dockerized)
• Docker Compose with MariaDB/PostgreSQL + Redis
• SSL via Let's Encrypt, file versioning, sharing links
• Sync client tested on my MacBook
• API access enabled for future AI integration

4. DOCKER INFRASTRUCTURE
• Docker Engine + Compose + Portainer
• Clean project structure, isolated networks per service
• Watchtower, health checks, log rotation
• Well-commented Compose files, extensible for AI containers

5. NETWORKING & VPN
• Tailscale mesh networking
• WireGuard VPN (Dockerized)
• Connect to my cloud server
• Firewall hardening (Docker-aware)
• Wake-on-LAN if supported

6. 5 DOMAINS
• Dockerized reverse proxy (Nginx Proxy Manager/Traefik/Caddy)
• Auto SSL, all 5 domains routed
• Easy to extend for future AI endpoints

7. KALI LINUX
• Kali metapackages on host + Kali Docker containers
• No conflicts with production services

8. MONITORING & HARDENING
• Uptime Kuma + Grafana (Dockerized)
• Disk/RAID health dashboard
• SSH key-only, Fail2Ban, auto updates

9. TELSTRA 4G MODEM ROOT
• Root and unlock my old Telstra 4G modem (I own it outright, off-contract)
• Full admin access, disable bloatware, custom DNS
• Configure as failover internet for the server
• Document root process

MACBOOK MUST WORK WITH:
☐ Finder sidebar auto-discovery
☐ SMB shares reliable, no beach balls
☐ Time Machine backup working
☐ NextCloud sync client working
☐ Tailscale remote access
☐ SSH + SFTP from Terminal
☐ WireGuard VPN access

AI READINESS (for my future work):
• HWE kernel + headers + build-essential
• Secure Boot handled for third-party drivers
• Docker device passthrough documented
• AI partition on storage array
• Python 3.11+ with venv ready
• /opt/ai/ directory structure

DELIVERABLES:
• Fully working server + macOS desktop
• All Docker Compose files, configs, scripts (commented)
• Theme restore script
• Full documentation: shares, permissions, macOS connection guide, RAID maintenance, architecture diagram
• Hailo-8 readiness checklist
• Modem root documentation
• 1 week post-setup support

MILESTONES:
M1 ($95 USD) — Ubuntu, RAID/ZFS, Samba, Docker, macOS theme
M2 ($85 USD) — NextCloud, VPN, Tailscale, domains, MacBook verified
M3 ($70 USD) — Kali, monitoring, modem root, documentation, handover
Total: $250 USD fixed

IP TERMS:
• Full IP transfer to me on payment
• No reuse of any work by freelancer
• All access removed after completion with confirmation
• Everything confidential
• All source files delivered
• 30-60 min handover call before final payment

TO APPLY:
1. Experience with Samba + macOS (Time Machine, Bonjour)
2. Screenshot of macOS-themed Linux desktop you've built
3. Your RAID/ZFS recommendation for 5x4TB
4. Example Docker Compose stack
5. Modem rooting experience
6. Timeline estimate
7. Confirm you agree to IP terms

Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Access: Remote via Tailscale/SSH or video call