Edited to Add:
Many thanks for all the very informed and quite helpful responses to my request for info about self-hosting.
Based on the input I've received, I think this isn't the right time for me to move ahead with this project.
I don't think I could feel as settled about this decision without the guidance of the many if you who know so much more about it than I do.
You all have my gratitude and appreciation. -Phil

Okay brilliant and accomplished Mastodonians and Fediversians, it;'s time I consult the hive mind about self-hosting.
I've started to read up on this topic, but I haven't seen a clear answer to THIS question yet:
If I self-host from a desktop computer, must I keep it on all the time, or can I turn it off when I'm doing other things.
Specifically, will incoming emails get lost if they can't be delivered in a timely fashion?
My thanks again to all you wonderful souls.
#SelfHosting #FediverseHiveMInd