A safer way to reach an Ubuntu VM on a Mac mini
Someone shared a setup for running an Ubuntu VM on macOS with OrbStack and reaching it through Tailscale SSH. This can turn a home Mac mini into a small private server for code work. The useful part is that the whole Mac mini does not need to be exposed to the internet.
Key points
- You can host a git repo or Forgejo server inside the Ubuntu VM.
- Tailscale SSH lets trusted people connect from outside the home network.
- The access key is stored in Apple Keychain on the Mac.
- This limits remote access to the VM, not the entire Mac mini.
Quick term guide
- Ubuntu VM
- A separate Ubuntu Linux computer running inside your Mac.
- OrbStack
- A Mac app for running lightweight Linux systems and VMs.
- Tailscale SSH
- A Tailscale feature that lets trusted devices connect securely by remote login.
- Tailscale
- A tool that lets you securely access your home devices over the internet, as if they were on the same local network
- Mac mini
- A small desktop computer made by Apple.
- private server
- A copy of a game's server software run on a personal computer instead of the official game company's servers
- Apple Keychain
- The built-in Mac place for storing passwords and security keys safely.
- remote access
- Connecting to and controlling a computer from another place.