Dan Peters Designs is an independent computing workshop focused on affordable Linux systems, repaired and reused hardware, self-hosting, practical software, and helping newer users move away from Windows, Microsoft, Google, and other locked-in platforms.
What is Dan Peters Designs?
Dan Peters Designs documents real computer builds, Linux migration, repair and reuse, self-hosted services, original software, themes, icons, and creative experiments.
The main idea is simple: useful computer systems do not have to begin with expensive new hardware. They can be built gradually from repaired, secondhand, salvaged, or already-owned equipment.
Who is Dan Peters?
Dan Peters is a designer, builder, repair-minded computer user, and Linux experimenter. DPD grew from his own attempts to build practical systems with limited resources and document what worked, what failed, and what could help someone else.
Who is this site for?
The site is especially for newer Linux users, people considering leaving Windows, people looking for alternatives to Microsoft and Google services, home-server beginners, repair-minded users, and anyone trying to do more with the hardware they already have.
You do not need to be an expert. Technical terms should be explained, and migration can happen one application, service, or device at a time.
What is independent computing?
Independent computing means having more practical control over your hardware, software, files, services, and repairs.
- Using open-source tools when they are a good fit
- Keeping important files under your control
- Repairing and upgrading equipment instead of replacing it automatically
- Self-hosting useful services when practical
- Reducing dependence on closed platforms
- Choosing gradual migration instead of all-or-nothing purity
Do I have to abandon Microsoft or Google completely?
No. DPD supports practical migration at your own pace. Replacing one application, service, account, or device at a time is still meaningful progress.
The goal is greater control and better choices, not passing an ideological purity test.
What are Atoll and Harbor?
Atoll is the primary workstation and creative shop. It is where much of the design, software, image work, Linux testing, and documentation happens.
Harbor is the always-on server. It hosts the DPD website and is being developed for storage, backups, game hosting, monitoring, cloud services, and other self-hosted tools.
Both systems are working examples of building useful infrastructure from modest, repaired, upgraded, or repurposed hardware.
What kinds of projects are on the site?
- Linux tools and beginner-friendly utilities
- Linux migration guides and software alternatives
- Self-hosted services and home-server projects
- Repair, reuse, and Right to Repair material
- Desktop themes, icons, and creative digital assets
- Build notes, experiments, failures, and fixes
- Essays about ownership, privacy, and independent computing
Some projects are stable and usable. Others are active experiments or works in progress. Project pages should state their current status clearly.
What is MT Server?
MT Server is DPD’s local-first, offline-capable server platform built to make useful self-hosted services approachable for homes, small organizations, community groups, schools, and small businesses. It uses Debian and established applications, with guided setup intended to reduce the amount of server administration a normal user has to learn.
MT Server is still under active development and testing. Its project pages and News posts show what is working now, what has been tested, and what remains in progress.
What are DPD Apps?
DPD Apps are practical tools built around real problems that came up in day-to-day work and projects. They are treated as separate products, with their own pages, status, downloads, and documentation rather than being folded into MT Server.
Can I download Android apps directly?
Yes. DPD can distribute its own Android apps directly from the website when a build is available. The Apps and Downloads pages are the place to check for current releases and installation information.
Does DPD offer website hosting?
Yes. DPD offers modest WordPress hosting for local artists who want a place to run their own portfolio or project site. DPD provides the hosting space, WordPress availability, SSL, and server infrastructure; the artist remains responsible for building and maintaining the actual site and for owning their domain name.
Hosting is a small practical service, not a full-service web-design business. Current pricing and signup details are listed on the hosting page.
Are downloads available?
Yes. The site offers software and creative downloads, including DPD Apps, Android application packages when available, Linux tools, themes, icons, and other project files.
The main Downloads page points to the appropriate areas, including DPD Apps, Software Downloads, and Themes & Icons. Larger projects such as MT Server also have their own project pages and release information.
Are the projects free and open source?
Many DPD software projects and downloads are offered freely, and some are intended to be open source. That does not mean every app, service, or future product must use the same model. Each project or download should state its own license, source-code availability, price when applicable, and usage terms.
Do you use AI?
Yes. AI tools are used for brainstorming, drafting, organization, technical assistance, coding support, visual experiments, and workflow development. They are development tools, not part of MT Server’s product identity or a built-in MT Server feature.
AI is treated as a tool, not as an authority or a replacement for human judgment. AI-assisted material must be reviewed, tested, corrected, and rewritten when needed before publication.
Why does the site mix technical work with humor and creative projects?
Computers are personal tools, not just corporate appliances. DPD mixes practical technical work with humor, art, customization, experimentation, and occasional satire because those things are part of how people actually use and relate to technology.
Why are repair and reuse important?
Repair and reuse can reduce cost, extend the life of useful equipment, reduce waste, and give people more control over devices they already own.
DPD supports access to parts, documentation, diagnostic tools, repair information, and systems that do not become useless simply because a manufacturer wants another sale.
Are there tutorials and technical guides?
Yes. Guides may cover Linux migration, software setup, self-hosting, repairs, system configuration, creative workflows, and lessons from active projects.
Instructions should explain the goal, warn before risky steps, prefer dependable graphical methods for beginners when practical, and provide reproducible terminal commands when they are clearer or necessary.
Is DPD a company?
DPD is primarily an independent workshop and public project. It produces real tools, apps, downloads, documentation, creative work, MT Server, and a small number of practical services such as artist hosting. Some things are free and some services may carry modest fees, but DPD is not presented as a large company or corporate technology brand.
Is the site still evolving?
Yes. DPD documents active projects, so pages and project status will change as systems are built, tested, repaired, expanded, or retired.
Changes should be documented honestly rather than making unfinished work appear complete.
Can I contact Dan?
Yes. Use the site’s Contact page for questions, corrections, collaboration ideas, or project-related messages.