Choose the exporter

Use node exporter for most Linux systems, including Ubuntu and Debian servers. Use windows_exporter for Windows desktops and servers. Other operating systems and appliances may provide their own Prometheus endpoint; HomeStart can use it when it exposes compatible host metrics.

Linux checklist

  1. Install node exporter using the operating system package or the official release suitable for that machine.
  2. Run it as a background service so monitoring continues after a restart.
  3. Confirm the service listens on port 9100.
  4. From the Prometheus computer, open the private address ending in :9100/metrics and confirm a text metrics page responds.
  5. Allow port 9100 only from the Prometheus server or trusted private network.

Windows checklist

  1. Install windows_exporter using the official installer.
  2. Enable the collectors you need; the normal CPU, memory, disk, network, service and system collectors are a useful start.
  3. Confirm the Windows service is running and set to start automatically.
  4. From the Prometheus computer, open the private address ending in :9182/metrics and confirm it responds.
  5. Restrict the Windows Firewall rule to the Prometheus server or trusted private network.

Virtual machines and containers

Install the host exporter inside each virtual machine when you need that machine’s operating-system statistics. A node exporter container can monitor a Linux host only when it is deliberately given the required host mounts and namespaces. Container platforms can also expose separate container-level metrics.

Security essentials

Good to know
  • Never forward exporter ports through the public router.
  • Prefer firewall allow-lists rather than allowing an entire network when practical.
  • Exporters normally provide read-only metrics, but those metrics still reveal system details.
  • Keep exporters updated with the operating system or your normal maintenance process.

Ready for HomeStart

Once the /metrics address responds from the Prometheus server, open Manage systems in HomeStart and add the computer. HomeStart updates Prometheus’s managed target list for you.