I read about VPS again and again, but is it really necessary to run the secure node on a VPS or can I also just run it on my home cumuter?
You do not have to run a secure node on a VPS. You can run it on a home computer. To be more successful, make sure:
1. port forward on your home firewall/router ports 9033 and 19033 to your computer
2. Run it on a 64 bit operating system, linux preferred
3. Buy a domain and create a fully qualified domain name that points to the ip address of your home firewall/router
4. Run the secure node tracker and put the ZEN in the locations you need to for operation.