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Self-hosting, step 1 of 4About an hour in all
  1. Get a server
  2. Install Qwest
  3. Let your team in
  4. Keep it running

Old Mac

Run Qwest on a Mac with Docker Desktop.

1 min read

A spare Mac (a Mac mini is ideal) can run Qwest in Docker Desktop.

You need: macOS 13 or newer, 8 GB of RAM or more.

1. Install Docker Desktop

Section titled “1. Install Docker Desktop”
  1. Download it from docker.com/products/docker-desktop (pick Apple Silicon or Intel to match your Mac).
  2. Open the .dmg, drag Docker to Applications, and open it.
  3. In Settings›General:
    • Tick Start Docker Desktop when you sign in to your computer.
    • On Apple Silicon, tick Use Rosetta for x86_64/amd64 emulation on Apple Silicon.

Check it works in Terminal:

Terminal window
docker compose version

2. Keep it on

Section titled “2. Keep it on”
  1. System Settings›Energy (on laptops, Battery → Options):
    • Turn on Prevent automatic sleeping when the display is off.
    • Turn on Start up automatically after a power failure.
  2. System Settings›Users & Groups›Automatically log in as: pick your account, so Docker starts after a restart. (Not available while FileVault is on.)

3. Let other computers in (local network only)

Section titled “3. Let other computers in (local network only)”

The first time Qwest starts, macOS may ask whether Docker can accept incoming connections. Click Allow.

Find the Mac’s address in System Settings›Network (like 192.168.1.42).

Next

Section titled “Next”

Install Qwest, with the macOS / Linux commands.