Verify Before Trust - Current Scams And How To Protect Yourself
Learn to identify common scams like AI deepfakes, SMS spoofing, and fake IT support. Practical tips to protect yourself and your family from bad actors.
Posts
Total Posts: 75
Uninstalling and Resetting Ceph on Proxmox
Step-by-step commands to completely uninstall Ceph and reset its configuration on your Proxmox cluster for a fresh start.
Minisforum MS-A2 Unboxing and Hardware Review
Hands-on review of the Minisforum MS-A2 mini PC with dual 10GB SFP+ ports, AMD Ryzen 9000 series, and toolless design - perfect for home labs.
ByteStash – Code Snippet Organizer
A walkthrough of deploying ByteStash, a web application for organizing code snippets, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, configuration, the web interface, creating snippets, and security considerations.
Draw.io – Whiteboarding/Diagramming Web Application
A walkthrough of deploying Draw.io, a free and open source whiteboarding and diagramming web application, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, the web interface, navigating the application, and embedding/publishing diagrams.
Trivy – Docker Image Vulnerability Scanning
A walkthrough of using Trivy by Aqua Security to scan Docker images for vulnerabilities before deployment. Covers running the Trivy container, interpreting scan results, understanding CVE information, and making risk-based deployment decisions.
AirTrail – Airline Flight History Tracker and Map
A walkthrough of deploying AirTrail, a self-hosted airline flight tracking application, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, the web interface, adding flights, viewing flight lists, and the statistics dashboard.
Proxmox - Setup Secondary Linux Bridge on a Secondary Physical Network Interface
A walkthrough on creating a secondary Linux Bridge in Proxmox bound to a dedicated physical network interface, useful for separating management traffic from server data traffic or setting up an isolated storage network.
VMware ESXi to Proxmox Virtual Machine Migration Integration
A walkthrough of migrating virtual machines from VMware ESXi to Proxmox using the built-in import function. Covers mounting an ESXi host, importing virtual machines, configuring settings, and troubleshooting network interface issues post-migration.
Proxmox – Reduce Quorum to 1 Node
A quick guide on reducing the expected quorum in a Proxmox cluster to a single node, allowing you to run one node while keeping the cluster configuration intact.
Nginx Proxy Manager – Reverse Proxy
A walkthrough of deploying Nginx Proxy Manager with an external MariaDB database using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, admin interface configuration, setting up proxy hosts with Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates, Cloudflare DNS integration, and configuring Access Lists for restricted access.
Setup Uptime-Kuma to monitor Docker Containers
A walkthrough of configuring Uptime-Kuma to monitor Docker containers both locally and remotely. Covers updating the stack for local daemon access, configuring the Docker daemon for remote connections, setting up Docker hosts in Uptime-Kuma, and creating container monitors.
Migrate Persistent Docker files from Local Volumes to NFS Volumes
A walkthrough of migrating Docker container persistent files from local volumes to NFS volumes using TrueNAS Scale and Portainer. Covers setting up NFS shares, creating NFS volumes in Portainer, copying files via the container shell, and switching containers to use the new NFS volumes.
TrueNAS Scale – Adding Secondary Network Interface, Dataset, NFS Service and Shares
A walkthrough of configuring TrueNAS Scale with a secondary network interface, creating datasets, enabling and configuring the NFS service, and setting up NFS shares for external system access.
Adding a Secondary 10gbps Interface to Ubuntu Server 24.04
A step-by-step guide on adding a secondary 10Gbps network interface to an Ubuntu Server 24.04 VM in Proxmox, covering Linux Bridge creation, adding a virtual network device, and configuring a static IP address with netplan.
Install TrueNAS Scale 24.04.2 Virtually on Proxmox
A walkthrough of installing TrueNAS Scale 24.04.2 as a virtual machine on Proxmox. Covers virtual machine configuration, the TrueNAS installation process, setting a static IP address, web interface configuration, and creating a storage pool.
Trilium Notes – Hierarchical Note Taking Application
A walkthrough of deploying Trilium Notes, a hierarchical note taking application, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, initial setup, theme customization including the Bing Daily Theme, and configuring the launch bar.
Lidify – Discover Artist based on your Library
A walkthrough of deploying Lidify, a Docker container that integrates with Lidarr and Spotify to recommend new artists based on your existing music library. Covers Spotify developer setup, Lidarr API configuration, deployment, and using the application to discover and add artists.
Watchtower – Automatic Docker Container Updater
A walkthrough of deploying Watchtower, an automatic Docker container image updater, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment configuration, the update process, using labels to filter containers, and notification options.
Lidarr – Music Management Server
A walkthrough of deploying Lidarr, a music collection manager, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, media profiles, importing existing libraries, configuring indexers and download clients, and adding new artists.
Pinchflat – Channel Monitoring YouTube Downloader
A walkthrough of deploying Pinchflat, a self-hosted YouTube content downloader built on yt-dlp, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, media profile configuration, source setup, and Plex integration.
SearXNG – Internet Metasearch Engine
A walkthrough of deploying SearXNG, a free internet metasearch engine that aggregates results from more than 70 search services without tracking or profiling users, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, preferences, backing up settings, and setting it as your default search engine in Google Chrome.
Issues with Expanding Windows 11 Drives
A walkthrough of resolving the grayed-out Extend Volume option in Windows 11 Disk Management caused by the Recovery Partition. Covers using the DiskPart tool to remove the Recovery volume and successfully extending the OS drive.
Upgrade Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS to 24.04 LTS
A walkthrough of upgrading Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS to 24.04 LTS in place. Covers the prerequisite steps, the intermediate upgrade to 23.10 if upgrading before August 15th 2024, and the full upgrade process with all prompts and confirmations.
Proxmox – Setup NFS Share and Configure Backups
A walkthrough of setting up a NFS share on a Synology NAS, connecting it to Proxmox as backup storage, and configuring an automated backup routine for all virtual machines with rolling retention.
Clearing Https Redirection for Internal Http Sites in Google Chrome
How to fix Google Chrome forcing HTTPS on internal HTTP-only sites caused by cached HSTS policies. Covers the troubleshooting process and step-by-step instructions to clear HSTS settings and browser cache.
Tandoor Recipes
A walkthrough of deploying Tandoor Recipes, a self-hosted recipe management application, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, creating and importing recipes, sharing recipes publicly, and inviting other users to your space.
Install Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS
A step-by-step walkthrough of installing Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS from downloading the ISO to completing the installation. Covers network configuration, storage partitioning, profile setup, SSH, and post-install updates.
Unifi Firewall Configuration
A walkthrough of configuring the Unifi Firewall including general security settings, port forwarding, and firewall rules for network segmentation. Covers understanding traffic flow, creating ACL rules, and setting up true VLAN isolation on a Unifi network.
Kanboard – Project Management Software
A walkthrough of deploying Kanboard, a free and open source Kanban-style project management platform, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, user setup, creating projects, customizing columns, categories, automatic actions, and task management.
Chocolatey – Automatic Software Package Management
A walkthrough of deploying Chocolatey, a command-line package manager for Windows, through Active Directory Group Policy. Covers automated agent installation, setting up application packages with PowerShell scripts, and automatic software updates at startup.
Proxmox – Setup Cluster and Migrate Virtual Machine
A walkthrough of setting up a Proxmox cluster with multiple hosts and migrating a virtual machine between them. Covers cluster creation, joining a second host, and live migrating a VM without shared storage.
UniFi Wireless Private Pre-Shared Keys Migration
A walkthrough of migrating multiple UniFi wireless SSIDs into a single SSID using Private Pre-Shared Keys (PPSK). Covers configuring PPSK on the UniFi Network Application, assigning different passwords per network, migrating client devices, and removing old SSIDs.
Manyfold – 3D Printing Model Manager
A walkthrough of deploying Manyfold, an open source web application for managing your collection of 3D modeling files, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, initial setup, library configuration, and uploading and organizing your 3D printing models.
Travel Router – GL-AXT1800 Setup & Review
A deep dive setup guide and review of the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 Slate AX Travel Router. Covers initial power on and setup, WiFi repeater configuration, WireGuard VPN client setup, and the physical toggle switch feature for enabling and disabling VPN connections on the go.
WireGuard Server – VPN Docker Container
A walkthrough of deploying a WireGuard VPN Server inside a Docker Container using Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers network setup for external connections, the deployment stack, displaying peer configurations, setting up the WireGuard client on PC, and using QR codes to configure mobile devices.
Creating a Virtual Machine in Proxmox
A walkthrough on creating virtual machines in Proxmox covering the settings that work best for deployment. Covers getting installation media onto the hypervisor, deploying both Linux and Windows Server virtual machines, and installing the QEMU Guest Agent on both operating systems.
Installing & Updating Proxmox 8.1
A step by step guide on installing Proxmox 8.1 on bare metal hardware, configuring the web management interface, setting up the No-Subscription update repository, and running the first system update. Covers hardware prerequisites, installation wizard, and initial server configuration.
My 'Zero Trust' Email Management System
I apply the zero trust firewall model to my email management. All incoming emails route to an Unsorted folder via a catch-all rule, and only emails matching specific sender and subject rules make it to my Inbox. I cover folder structure, routing rules, Outlook’s Sweep feature, and my annual archiving process.
Doku – Docker Disk Usage Dashboard
A walkthrough of deploying Doku, a simple and lightweight web-based application for monitoring Docker disk usage, using Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, web interface access, and a breakdown of each information page including Dashboard, Images, Containers, Volumes, Blind Mounts, Logs, and Build Cache.
Qr Code Identification Card
A creative way to repurpose the ID card window in your wallet with a custom card featuring a QR code linking to your social media and contact info, an emergency contact list, and a hidden cash stash. Includes a printable template and step-by-step instructions.
LinkStack – Social Media Link Page
A walkthrough of deploying LinkStack, a highly customizable link sharing platform with an intuitive user interface, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, initial setup, theme customization, appearance configuration, and setting up your social media link page.
Overseerr – Media Request Management Server
A walkthrough of deploying Overseerr, a request management and media discovery tool built to work with your existing Plex ecosystem, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, Plex integration, library scanning, and optional Radarr and Sonarr configuration for a fully automated media request system.
Install Ubuntu Server 23.10
A step by step walkthrough on installing Ubuntu Server 23.10, covering downloading the ISO, the full installation process including network configuration with static IP, guided storage configuration, profile setup, SSH setup, and running your first system update.
MeTube – YouTube Downloader
A walkthrough of deploying MeTube, a Web GUI for youtube-dl using the yt-dlp fork with playlist support, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, web interface configuration including quality, format, auto start, and download folder settings, plus Plex server integration.
Tautulli – Plex Monitoring, Analytics and Notifications
A walkthrough of deploying Tautulli, a 3rd party application for monitoring Plex Media Server activity and tracking various statistics, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, Plex account integration, activity logging configuration, and notification setup.
Portainer – Update to New Version
A walkthrough on how to update Portainer to the latest version using the Portainer interface and SSH commands. Covers pulling the new image, redeploying the container, and cleaning up old images.
Guide: Migrate from Cloudkey to Unifi Network Application
A complete guide on migrating from a Gen 1 Unifi Cloudkey to the Unifi Network Application running as a Docker container. Covers server prerequisites, backup and restore, deployment, device adoption, and troubleshooting.
Radarr – Movie Management Server
A walkthrough of deploying Radarr, a movie collection manager for Usenet and BitTorrent users, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, media importing, quality settings, indexer and download client configuration.
IT Tools – Handy tools for developers
A quick deployment of IT Tools, a lightweight self-hosted Docker container packed with handy built-in tools for IT developers including a Docker run to compose converter, password strength analyser, color code converter, crontab generator, and more.
Docker Container to Automatically Check-in to Southwest Flight
A quick guide on using a Docker container to automatically check-in to a Southwest Airlines flight exactly when the 24-hour window opens, ensuring the best place in line.
Sonarr – TV Show Management Server
A walkthrough of deploying Sonarr, a PVR for Usenet and BitTorrent users that monitors RSS feeds for new TV show episodes, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, media importing, quality settings, indexer and download client configuration.
Jackett – Indexer for Tracker Sites
A walkthrough of deploying Jackett, a proxy server that translates queries from apps like Sonarr, Radarr, and Lidarr into tracker-site-specific queries, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, configuration, and setting up indexers.
Transmission over Private Internet Access (PIA) – Bittorrent Client over VPN
A walkthrough of deploying Transmission bittorrent client tunneled over Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, configuration, and verifying VPN connectivity.
How-to Save All Your Photos on Facebook to Your Pc
A step-by-step guide to downloading all your photos from Facebook to your PC, including how to request your data, extract the downloaded files, and find your photos for backup or migration.
Things I do after installing Ubuntu Server
A basic configuration tutorial on the steps I take after doing a clean install of Ubuntu Server. Covers changing SSH port, enabling UFW firewall, unattended updates, removing old kernels, NTP, and installing Cockpit.
Installing Ubuntu Server 22.04.1 LTS on a Raspberry Pi 4
A step-by-step walkthrough of installing Ubuntu Server 22.04.1 LTS onto a Raspberry Pi 4 using the Raspberry Pi Imager tool. Covers OS selection, SD card configuration, SSH setup, and basic first boot configuration.
Automatically Mount a Windows Share on a Linux Server
A walkthrough on how to use the CIFS Utilities Package to automatically mount a Windows file share on a Linux server at startup using Windows credentials for secure access.
Vaultwarden – Password Manager
A walkthrough of deploying Vaultwarden, the self-hosted server side of the Bitwarden password manager, using Docker and Portainer. Covers deployment, accessing your vault, setting up the Chrome extension, and the Android app.
Install Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS
A complete walkthrough for clean installing Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS. Covers downloading the ISO, booting from install media, configuring network settings with a static IP, disk partitioning, user profile setup, enabling OpenSSH, and performing initial system updates.
Duplicati – Restore Files
A follow up walkthrough on restoring files from backups using the Duplicati container. Covers restoring to the same server or a new server, connecting to remote backup storage, and restoring Docker container files.
WordPress – Website Builder
A walkthrough of deploying WordPress, a free and open-source content management system, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment with a MySQL database, initial setup, and basic configuration of the interface.
Uptime-Kuma – Monitoring Tool
A walkthrough of deploying Uptime-Kuma, a self-hosted monitoring tool for HTTP, HTTPS, TCP Ports, PING, DNS Records, and more, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, configuration, setting up monitors, and creating status pages.
Duplicati – Backup Container
A walkthrough of deploying Duplicati, a backup client that securely stores encrypted, incremental, compressed remote backups, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers deployment, configuring backup jobs, scheduling, and uploading to an FTP server.
Heimdall – Application Dashboard
A walkthrough of deploying Heimdall, a simple way to organise all your most used web sites and web applications into a dashboard with an integrated search bar, using Docker and Portainer on Ubuntu Server.
Install and Configure Docker, Docker Compose and Portainer on Ubuntu Server
A step-by-step guide to installing Docker, Docker Compose, and Portainer on Ubuntu Server. Covers adding the Docker repository and GPG key, installing Docker CE, setting up Docker Compose for multi-container applications, and deploying Portainer as a lightweight web-based container management GUI.
Change Dns Settings
Learn what DNS is, why you should change your default DNS servers for better privacy and security, and how to do it on your router, Windows PC, Mac, and mobile devices.
VMware ESXi 6.7 - Install and Setup Guide
A step-by-step guide for doing a fresh install of VMware ESXi 6.7 on a server. Covers the OS installation, basic network configuration including static IP and DNS, NTP setup, and licensing.
Active Directory Disable/Remove Old Computer Accounts Automatically
A PowerShell script and automation guide for cleaning up stale Active Directory computer accounts. Disables accounts inactive for 180+ days, moves them to an Old Computers OU, and deletes accounts inactive for 270+ days. Includes Task Scheduler setup for full automation.
XCopy Command Guide
A guide to using the Windows XCopy command for server-to-server file transfers, covering key flags for preserving ownership, permissions, and file attributes during file server migrations.
IIS/FTP Server Setup - Windows Server 2016
A step-by-step guide for installing IIS on Windows Server 2016 to host websites, configure HTTP redirection sites, and set up an FTP server with authentication and authorization rules.
Adding a Secondary Domain Controller - Windows Server 2016
A step-by-step guide for adding a secondary domain controller to a Windows Server 2016 environment, covering AD DS role installation, server promotion, and moving Domain Naming and Schema Master Roles using PowerShell.
Windows Server 2016 - Basic Setup
A step-by-step guide for installing and configuring Windows Server 2016 Standard from bare metal, covering OS installation, network configuration, domain joining, Remote Desktop setup, and Windows Update.
Reset Cisco Switch to Factory Default Through Cli
A quick 6-step guide for resetting a Cisco edge switch to factory defaults using the CLI by booting into recovery mode and clearing the configuration files.
High Availability File Server Setup - Windows Server 2016
A step-by-step guide for setting up a 2-node Windows Server 2016 failover cluster for high availability file sharing, covering iSCSI storage configuration, cluster creation, witness shares, and cluster-aware updating.