But to be fair, 8gb is still not enough for my overall storage. I figure out a way to store files on telegram. I built a software using python that able to use telegram as a cloud with autosync option. hehe. that was a huge win!
For cloud, I opt for nextcloud. it is quite easy to use.
I keen to run my own barebone server, but many factor now make it unfeasible (the higher electric cost in my country now, the upfront cost to buy bare bone device).
So i opt to use free ones from https://oto.lv.tab.digital
They give me free 8gb of cloud, which is fine for my real important use, for now.
To sync between devices, I use foldersync app. it is more reliable than nextcloud vanilla app for android.
Discussion
Beyond that, i realised that most of the time, i dont actually need a server. All I need was my files to always present in my work PC, my personal laptop and my phone.
I found out about syncthing. basically it is a serverless solution to get my files sync between my devices. This was the epic alternative to cloud solution. In this way, I have zero need for dependence to people's cloud
Because I am using Nextcloud, So I get Nextcloud Calendar. Which is pretty cool.
For app, I used Onecalendar which is even better than google Calendar.
Oh and note, Obsidian also sync well with Nextcloud.
For conferencing, I use Jitsi meet. Of course, I can run my own server, but due to personal challenges, I just use their free server.
For messaging, I use session. It is good. it is fast. I think it is not hard to learn too
For social media, obviously, Nostr. my go to client now is primal.
For email. well this is tricky. because gmail is generally good and fast. I tried proton. didnt like it. tried skiff. got sunset. tried zoho. lock in email.
in the ned, i opt for https://inbox.lv and https://mail.ee (same company different domain). they gave generous 20gb of storage, with IMAP and SMTP. very reliable.
For apps I use edison mail (android) and geary (linux) . no complains tbh. I am using it for my professional use.