Blog
Docker:
I taught myself how to use Docker through self-education using ChatGPT, insightful YouTube channels.
Docker, a revolutionary containerisation platform. It allowed me to
encapsulate each service within a lightweight container, providing consistency across various environments. With Docker Compose, I create containers effortlessly,
defining multi-container applications with a simple YAML file. The synergy between Docker and Docker Compose streamlined my workflow, enabling me to spin up complex
setups with ease.
Portainer emerged as my cockpit, offering a user-friendly interface to manage Docker environments. Its intuitive dashboard provided insights into
container health, resource usage, and deployment status, empowering me to monitor and control my fleet of containers effortlessly. The containers I run and use
are:
NGINX Proxy Manager: A robust reverse proxy solution that simplifies the management of multiple domains, SSL certificates, and routing rules. It acts as a
gateway, directing incoming traffic to the appropriate Docker container based on domain or path.
Heimdall: A sleek dashboard for organising and accessing all my
web applications in one place. With Heimdall, I can create custom tiles for each service, giving me a unified interface to interact with my diverse array of
applications.
StirlingPDF: A versatile tool for generating PDF documents from various sources. Whether it's converting web pages to PDF or merging multiple documents,
StirlingPDF automates the process seamlessly within Docker.
Dockage: A comprehensive solution for managing databases within Docker containers. From MySQL to PostgreSQL,
Dockage simplifies database setup and maintenance, offering a consistent experience across different database engines.
UptimeKuma: A monitoring tool that keeps a
vigilant eye on the health and performance of my web services. With UptimeKuma, I receive real-time alerts for downtime or performance issues, allowing me to take
proactive measures to ensure the reliability of my infrastructure.
Cloudflare: A robust CDN and DNS provider that enhances the security and performance of my
websites. With Cloudflare, I can leverage features like DNS management, CDN caching, and DDoS protection to optimise my web presence.
My Personal Network:
As someone who is passionate about technology and home automation, I was excited to take on the challenge of configuring my home network using Home Assistant.io.
I wanted to create a solution that would allow me to securely access my network from anywhere, while also providing monitoring and file sharing capabilities.
The first
step in my journey was to set up a WireGuard VPN. I had heard great things about WireGuard's security and ease of use, and I was excited to give it a try. After some
research and experimentation, I was able to successfully configure my VPN and test it out. I was impressed by how simple and seamless the process was, and I felt
confident that my network was now more secure than ever.
Next, I turned my attention to monitoring my network. I wanted to be able to see what devices were connected,
and to monitor their usage. I was pleased to find that Home Assistant.io had built-in support for monitoring, so I was able to set this up quickly and easily.
I now have detailed information about my network usage, and I can see if there are any issues or bottlenecks that need to be addressed.
Another important
aspect of my configuration was to set up access to my network from anywhere. I knew that I would be travelling and working remotely, so I needed to find a
way to access my network from anywhere. To achieve this, I decided to use DuckDNS. DuckDNS is a free service that allows you to set up a custom domain name
for your network, so you can access it from anywhere. After setting up my custom domain name and configuring the appropriate ports on my router,
I was able to access my network from anywhere.
Finally, I wanted to set up a file server using Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and Samba. I wanted a central
location to store all my files, and I wanted to be able to access them from anywhere. After some research and experimentation, I was able to set up my
file server and test it out. I was impressed by how easy it was to set up and use, and I was pleased with the performance.
Overall, I am extremely
pleased with the final outcome of my home network configuration. I now have a secure and reliable VPN, monitoring capabilities, and the ability to
access my network and files from anywhere. I highly recommend Home Assistant.io, WireGuard VPN, DuckDNS and Ubuntu 22.04 LTS with Samba as a great
solution for anyone looking to configure their home network. With a little bit of research and experimentation, anyone can achieve these same results.
IT Technician Job
As an IT professional, I have a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to operating systems and networking tools. My expertise ranges from Windows 98-11,
Windows Server 2008 R2-2022, Linux, and iOS. I have a deep understanding of domain tools such as AD, DNS, DHCP, HP switches, and Unifi, as well as HTML, CMD, batch files,
YAML, and Macs.
My passion for technology started at a young age, and I've always been fascinated by the inner workings of computers and networks. Over the years,
I've dedicated myself to learning as much as I can about different operating systems and networking tools, and I've gained a wealth of knowledge and experience
in the process.
One of my key areas of expertise is Windows. I have a deep understanding of the different versions of Windows, and I am well-versed in the
features and functionality of each one.
In addition to Windows, I also have a great deal of experience working with Linux. I am familiar with a variety of
different Linux distributions, and I have a good understanding of the command line and shell scripting. I am also familiar with iOS and have experience
working with Apple devices.
When it comes to networking, I have a wealth of knowledge and experience. I am familiar with a variety of different networking tools
and technologies, including AD, DNS, DHCP, HP switches, and Unifi. I am also familiar with HTML, CMD, batch files, YAML, and Macs.
Overall,
I am a versatile and experienced IT professional, with a broad range of knowledge and skills. I am always looking to learn more and expand my knowledge,
and I am passionate about helping others to understand and use technology to its fullest potential.
Administrator a Phone System
As a administrator of a phone solution, you play a crucial role in ensuring that your organization's communication needs are met effectively and efficiently.
A powerful and versatile unified communication platform provides a comprehensive set of features for telephony, videoconferencing, and instant messaging.
Setting up extensions:
In the system, an extension is a virtual phone number that is assigned to each user. As an administrator, you will need to create extensions for each user, specify their settings, and assign them to a specific phone. This process is straightforward and can be done easily through the management console.
Configuring call routing:
Call routing is a critical aspect of the system, and it is important that calls are directed to the right person or department. To achieve this, administrators will need to set up the rules for call routing, including call forwarding, call queues, call groups, and other settings. These rules can be configured easily through the management console.
Managing phone lines:
The system supports both traditional telephone lines (analog or digital) and VoIP lines. As an administrator, you will need to set up the phone lines for your organization and ensure that they are properly configured and working correctly. You can monitor the status of your phone lines through the management console.
Monitoring call quality:
Ensuring good quality calls is important for the overall user experience. The system provides several tools to monitor call quality, and administrators can use these tools to identify any issues that may be affecting call quality. By monitoring call quality regularly, administrators can help ensure that users are having the best possible experience.
Configuring security settings:
Security is an important consideration for any communication system. The system provides several security features to protect your system and data, including encryption, authentication, and access control. Administrators will need to configure these settings to ensure that the system is secure and protected against unauthorized access.
In conclusion, managing a phone solution requires careful attention to detail and a solid understanding of the different components of the system. By performing the tasks outlined above, administrators can help ensure that the system is running smoothly and efficiently, and that users are able to communicate effectively and efficiently. With the powerful features and flexible customization options that the system provides, administrators can tailor the phone solution to meet the specific needs of their organization and provide an exceptional experience for their users.
Staying Secure: Tips for Protecting Your Network and Personal Information
In today's digital age, it's more important than ever to take steps to protect your network and personal information from cyber threats. From using unique passwords to regularly backing up your data, there are many strategies you can use to stay secure. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at some of these tips.
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Unique Passwords: Use a different password for each of your online accounts to minimize the damage if one of your accounts is compromised. Make sure to use strong passwords with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
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Secure Password Storage: Use a password manager to securely store all of your passwords in one place, so you don't have to remember them all.
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Encryption of Vital Data: Encrypt sensitive information using encryption software to protect it if your computer is lost or stolen.
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Data Backups: Regularly backup important data to an external hard drive or cloud storage to protect against data loss.
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Strong Passwords: Use long, strong passwords that are difficult to guess or crack.
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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, use two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.
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Avoiding Domain Admin Accounts: To minimize the risk of security breaches, avoid using domain admin accounts for day-to-day use and instead use a standard user account with limited permissions.
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Locking PCs: Always lock your computer when you step away from it, even for just a few minutes, to prevent unauthorized access to your sensitive information.
By following these tips, you can help protect your network and personal information from cyber threats. Remember to regularly review and update your security measures to stay ahead of any potential threats.
Microsoft MDT and WDS:
I created a custom Windows image using MDT. This involved creating a deployment share, importing the Windows installation media, and configuring the deployment settings. I was also able to add any additional software or applications I wanted to include in my image at this stage. Once I had created my custom Windows image, I captured and saved it as a .wim file using the Capture Image task sequence in MDT. This created a .wim file of my custom image that could be deployed to other computers. Finally, I deployed my custom image to other computers in my organization using WDS. This involved creating a new WDS deployment server, adding the .wim file I created in MDT, and configuring the deployment settings. I was then able to use WDS to deploy my custom image to any number of computers on my network. By using MDT and WDS to create a custom Windows image and deploy it to multiple computers, I was able to automate the deployment process and include all the necessary software and applications in my image, ensuring consistency across my IT environment and improving overall efficiency. So why wait? Give MDT and WDS a try and see how they can benefit your organization today.