Posts

Optimizing My Workflow With Infrastructure as Code

Docker Compose Following my transition from Unraid, I needed a better way to manage my Docker containers. Very quickly, I discovered docker-compose and instantly adopted it as my preferred method for container management. Docker-compose utilizes declarative YAML files to define the configuration of your containers. This method of management, and ones like it, is what’s known as Infrastructure as Code (IaC), a concept that has become increasingly popular in recent years.

September 5, 2023 Read

Hobby to Pro: My Server Rack Upgrade

Original Setup When I first started this hobby, I never imagined that my setup would expand to what it is now. Originally, I had a small, custom-made table that I used to house all of my hardware. Sure, it didn’t look the best, but it got the job done, or so I thought. Anytime I needed to access something for troubleshooting, it would end up being a huge hassle, wasting precious time and sometimes causing unnecessary frustration.

September 4, 2023 Read

How I Revamped My Server Infrastructure

Original Setup and Where I am Now Until recently, Unraid had been my preferred operating system for my server. Unraid is renowned for its beginner-friendly approach and impressive WebUI, which made it an ideal fit for me when I was just getting started with Linux servers. However, a significant drawback I encountered was that it didn’t allow for a deeper understanding of essential Linux concepts. It was simple enough to follow guides and get things up and running, but I felt that I was missing out on the opportunity to truly grasp how these elements functioned.

September 3, 2023 Read

Synology to DIY: My Hardware Journey

My First NAS My journey into the world of home servers and self-hosting began in 2016 with a modest Synology NAS. As someone who has always had an interest in collecting things, my passion continued into the realm of technology. As you start to accumulate files, managing them starts to become an issue and you start looking for a better way to stay organized. It was at this moment where I began looking at prebuilt NAS solutions, before eventually settling on the Synology DiskStation DS415+.

September 2, 2023 Read

Elevating My Home Network With pfSense

Introduction Shortly after acquiring my initial server, it became evident that my home network required a more robust solution. Up until that moment, I had relied on the all-in-one router provided by my ISP for years. However, my evolving needs prompted a change. As I ventured into hosting services for both personal use and others, I soon recognized the inherent limitations of consumer-grade hardware. Not only are these devices slow, but they also lack advanced features like VPN support and seamless backup capabilities.

September 1, 2023 Read