Absolutely not. Windows 7 may still function, but it is a target for unpatched vulnerabilities. Attackers are actively seeking windows 7 hosts for remote code exploits, lateral movement, and privilege escalation.

Do not run Windows 7. Stop running Windows 10 after the end of life date next year.

Actual budget with simple fin for bank links. Currently hosted on pikapods, will move to self hosting on prem at some point.

Yep. This exactly.

I disagree! They can be great options, inexpensive and reliable. My current home server is a Dell r620 with xeon CPUs, 64gbs of RAM, and 2 terabytes storage in raid 5. It serves several vms, a mix of Windows and Linux. More than enough for many home set ups. Boots the os off a 16gb flash card. Cost me $185. Thing has been a tank.

I bought two short L brackets from home Depot, and have it hanging flat against the wall. It’s been fabulous.