The easiest offsite backup would be any cloud platform. Downside is that you aren’t gonna own your own data like if you deployed your own system.

Next option is an external SSD that you leave at your work desk and take home once a week or so to update.

The most robust solution would be to find a friend or relative willing to let you set up a server in their house. Might need to cover part of their electric bill if your machine is hungry.

4. Yes, portainer will see every container you make, regardless of how it was created.

5. No, creating a docker container doesn’t make a compose file. It’s like cooking a meal doesn’t output a recipe.

6. You can save the compose file(s) wherever you want, you just need to run “docker compose up” from that directory. If you make the container within portainer, I believe it stores the compose files in its own volume. Not sure about that, I keep my compose file separate from portainer for most services.

$100M of $VT, secure my ultra-comfortable retirement right then and there.