TLDR pls.

Arch, because I use niche software and the AUR doesn't always get along with Manjaro very well (ungoogled-chromium-bin is the worst offender). Switched to arch, configured it identically to my manjaro install, and all has been well.

That looks like one of those multi-color pens. :)

This is literally the first post I saw when opening the app. I guess I'll do something else.

https://racknerdtracker.com/

Quick search to verify...

So this is how I learn. Wouldn't have it any other way.

You can tell git to use a specific key for each repo. I have the same situation as you and this is how I handle it.

https://superuser.com/questions/232373/how-to-tell-git-which-private-key-to-use

Docker, using the nextcloud:stable image (not-all in-one) with postgres, behind nginx, and finally ZFS with 2x modern HDDs for storage. I run the stock apps plus a small handful, and have carried the same database through many versions over the last 5 years.

It's usable, but definitely not snappy.

The web interface for files is fine. Not instantaneous at all but not a huge problem. I have about 1TB of files (images and videos) in one folder, then varying files everywhere else. I suspect that the number of files (but probably not the size) is causing the slowdown.

Switching to, for example, the notes app is incredibly slow, and the NC Android app is just as bad.

As a heads up, EDMC runs natively on Linux well, or at least it did the last time I used it. See https://github.com/EDCD/EDMarketConnector/wiki/Installation-&-Setup#linux-with-steam-play

Since you've got it running in wine just fine, I personally wouldn't change anything, but if you have issues in the future, you can try that.

The main donate block of items is here: https://github.com/LemmyNet/joinlemmy-site/blob/main/src/shared/components/common.tsx#L129

Follow the chain and you'll see it's just using the progress html element.

It seems to be manually updated.

https://github.com/LemmyNet/joinlemmy-site/blob/main/src/shared/donation_stats.ts

Since you're new, I'd recommend just using the old PC to start and get comfortable. Once you're sure you want to invest some money, you can either build it buy yourself something more energy efficient if you're super concerned about that.

As for the best OS, just any server OS will do. I run Rocky Linux which is a RHEL derivative, but you can also try TrueNas or anything else you want. Even Windows Server would work if you wanted to go that path.

There are many paths you can take, and which you go down depends heavily on personal preference and the desired use of your system.