A collection of notes, references, and observations gathered across various topics.
This is not a library of complete instructions. Consider it a map of useful directions. Some paths are clearer than others, but that is usually how these things work.
Look around. You may find what you came for.
I have been quietly avoiding the task of turning the topics below into actual content, as one does. For now, consider this a rough roadmap of what I plan to share.
1. Budget NAS Server Build
A practical approach to private storage without handing the keys to another subscription service. The goal is simple: keep your files under your control, avoid unnecessary vendor lock-in, and build something reliable without paying enterprise prices for consumer hardware.
2. Building a Game Server
Sometimes it is better to keep your worlds on hardware you control. This section covers the general considerations behind hosting a game server with your own rules, your own backups, and settings tailored to the way you prefer to play.
3. Choosing Network Hardware for a Home Lab
Not a definitive buying guide. These are the devices I chose, the requirements they were meant to meet, and the reasoning behind each decision. There are plenty of options. Some are simply more sensible than others.
1. Initial Server Setup
A practical rundown of the first steps worth taking after bringing a server online. Covers basic administration, sensible defaults, and common mistakes that have a habit of becoming much larger problems when ignored.
2. Local HTTPS domains with Nginx Proxy Manager
Notes on using Nginx Proxy Manager to assign HTTPS-enabled domain names to services on a local network. Internal traffic does not need to travel in plain text simply because it never leaves the building. A little encryption is a reasonable precaution. It also keeps uninvited listeners from learning more than they should.
1. Domain and DNS Setup
A plain overview of domains, DNS records, and a few considerations worth understanding before changing settings at random. The concepts are not especially complicated. The consequences of overlooking them occasionally are.
2. Install & Configure CasaOS
A quick walk through of CasaOS and the features that make it a convenient dashboard for a NAS or local server. Useful for managing services without living in a terminal window every hour of the day.
3. Install & Configure CubeCoders AMP
A condensed set of setup notes for CubeCoders AMP. Nothing the official documentation cannot tell you, but sometimes it helps to have the important parts gathered in one place without the scenic route.
4. Setting Up a Plex Server
Notes for organizing and serving a personal media library through Plex. Bring your legally(😉) acquired collection, a suitable storage drive, and perhaps the pirate hat for atmosphere. The rum remains optional.
5. Install & Configure Server Dashboard (Homarr)
A simple outline for using Homarr as a central landing page for services, dashboards, and admin panels across your local setup. It keeps the sprawl easier to navigate, and with a little HTML and CSS, it can even look like someone meant to design it that way.
1. Hosting a Minecraft Server with Crafty Controller and a Custom Domain
A basic outline for setting up a Java Edition Minecraft server with Crafty Controller. Includes notes on instance management, domain configuration, and the general process of letting players connect without passing around an IP address and port number like a handwritten secret.
2. Host Minecraft Servers with CubeCoders AMP
An alternative setup outline using CubeCoders AMP. Covers the main steps, useful settings, and a few details worth knowing before you start clicking through menus and hoping for the best.
3. Host Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Zombies T6 Plutonium Server with IW4M Admin
Notes on running a Black Ops II Zombies server through Plutonium T6, with CubeCoders AMP handling the instance and IW4MAdmin providing administrative controls. Zombies are predictable. Players occasionally require additional tooling.
4. Host Project Zomboid Server with Mods
A straightforward collection of notes for setting up a Project Zomboid server with mods. Suitable for a private world, a public sandbox, or a small group of friends who will eventually discover that canned food has become a political issue.
1. Network Security and Best Practices
A practical introduction to securing a network without turning the subject into a certification exam. Basic concepts, common risks, and straightforward examples for understanding what should be protected and why.
2. Server Security and Best Practices
Running a server, public or private, comes with responsibilities. This section covers the common ways things go wrong and the basic security habits that keep a minor oversight from becoming an avoidable disaster.
3. Understanding Anonymity and Privacy
Privacy and anonymity are related, but they are not interchangeable. A look at the differences, the overlap, and the details people tend to miss when discussing either one.
4. The Reality of The Dark Web and How to Stay Safe on The TOR Network
The dark web is neither a digital wasteland nor a mysterious underground kingdom. It is simply a part of the internet with a reputation that usually exceeds the reality. This section separates fact from fiction and covers basic online safety, operational security, and the precautions worth taking when using the Tor network.