Tinkercad design tool for 3D printing

"Tinkercad is a free-of-charge, online 3D modeling program that runs in a web browser."  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinkercad
"Tinkercad uses a simplified constructive solid geometry method of constructing models. A design is made up of primitive shapes that are either "solid" or "hole". Combining solids and holes together, new shapes can be created, which in turn can be assigned the property of solid or hole. In addition to the standard library of primitive shapes, a user can create custom shape generators using a built-in JavaScript editor."
"Shapes can be imported in three formats: STL and OBJ for 3D, and 2-dimensional SVG shapes for extruding into 3D shapes. Tinkercad exports models in STL or OBJ formats, ready for 3D printing."

Autodesk Tinkercad:  https://www.tinkercad.com/
Online training is available ... (create a personal account).

Getting Started Guide:  https://assets.ctfassets.net/jl5ii4oqrdmc/4nMtGEJi53o3n7V2KJKG7a/0b1818fdecff4868bebc74ebeaf925cf/Tinkercad_Getting_Started_Guide_printable.pdf

Tinkercad Wiki:  https://tinkercad.fandom.com/wiki/Tinkercad

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/search/keyword/?q=tinkercad%20tutorials
https://www.instagram.com/explore/search/keyword/?q=tinkercad%20platform

Termite: a simple RS232 terminal

This might be used to communicate with old computers or equipment that have RS232 serial ports.
https://www.compuphase.com/software_termite.htm?fbclid=IwdGRleANfpv1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHj6WnvTjKVsNN6B6-se2maKfSLbP12tSsN1tKKpt99ds0n8hGdpTOE45o5dX_aem_jzA8pFcFooynqeSCYKf5iw

5 Little-Known Uses For Your USB Port On Windows 11

https://www.bgr.com/1988902/hidden-uses-usb-port-windows-11/

Drill press station plans

https://www.woodsmithplans.com/plan/3-in-1-drill-press-upgrade/

Workbench on aluminum extrusion frame

There are some interesting ideas in this video:

https://youtu.be/Hiq6ahntl5E?si=DLcWvFDDuO42H6Dz

Blog with more details and measurements: https://www.blacktailstudio.com/blog/...

"Items used in this video: 

• Wall Control Panels: https://amzn.to/2JvyNWH 
• Horizontal Panels: https://amzn.to/2L9fDq0 
• Wall Control accessories: https://amzn.to/3o39LgO 
• Husky workbench 62": https://homedepot.sjv.io/xADDA 
• Husky workbench 46": https://homedepot.sjv.io/d4goQ 
• Miter saw: https://amzn.to/3htjCdl 
• Jigsaw: https://amzn.to/383obIh 
• Aluminum Extrusion 97": https://amzn.to/3hxnCJW 
• Extrusion 48": https://amzn.to/3htIBNq 
• T nuts: https://amzn.to/2X6BTUe 
• Extrusion brackets: https://amzn.to/3n1glD2 
• Metal saw: https://amzn.to/381thEF 
• Concrete drill: https://amzn.to/3n2tZ8Q 
• Concrete anchors: https://amzn.to/2WVec1h 
• Build a table saw like mine: https://www.sawstop.com/ 
• Electrical box extenders: https://amzn.to/3rIDY6U 
• Viewtainer set: https://amzn.to/3o13guY 
• Tapered drill bit set: https://amzn.to/3n2WyDp 
• Dust separator: https://amzn.to/3n2uNuo 
•  iVac products: https://www.ivacswitch.com/ivac-switch/"

Setting Up Raspberry Pi Servers

https://raspberrytips.com/raspberry-pi-server-starting-guide/

"A Raspberry Pi can do way more than you'd expect, including everything from storing files to hosting games.

... a server is simply a computer with certain applications installed that can be used by other devices."

"For most projects, I recommend using a Raspberry Pi 4 or Pi 5 as your server's base ...

These models also come with an Ethernet port, which is especially useful for servers (generally faster and more stable than Wi-Fi), and enough RAM for most projects (4GB is a good start in many cases)."

" With Raspberry Pi, we'll mostly use trusted Linux operating systems, which limits our options.

Raspberry Pi OS: Based on Debian (see below), it just had this extra layer of compatibility from the Raspberry Pi manufacturer itself, making it the perfect choice for 95% of projects.

Debian-based distributions: Because of its slow update cycle, Debian has always been the go-to for servers that need to run reliably for a long time. It's true on Raspberry Pi too. You can either install Debian directly or one of its minimal sisters, made for Raspberry Pi (like DietPi or Armbian).

Ubuntu: I tend to avoid Ubuntu for servers, because of its fast pace for updates, you can get more bugs than when using Debian. On the other hand, it has the advantage of including more recent versions than Debian and is now well-supported for Raspberry Pi devices, which makes it a decent choice anyway.

For servers, you should always consider using the lighter option, such as Raspberry Pi OS Lite, Ubuntu Server or Debian without GUI, as in most cases you won't need anything more than a few command lines."

"It's possible to use a Raspberry Pi as a shared folder on your network. If you have multiple devices (computers or even phones/tablets), you can access your files from any of them. In the fancy world of tech experts, it's called a NAS (Network Attached Storage).

...

Your cloud server: This is the kind of buzzword I avoid using, but it's how most people understand it better. In this case, I'm referring to a tool like Nextcloud that allows you to sync all your files in real-time with the Raspberry Pi."

"Media Streaming at Home - A Raspberry Pi is the perfect accessory for your TV setup. It's small, quiet, and easily connects to an HDMI ...  We have a special tutorial for using a Raspberry Pi as a media center."

' Most web servers still start with a tech stack called LAMP (Linux + Apache + MySQL + PHP), and then you can create HTML or PHP pages in the web server's directory.  ...

Here are some examples:

• WordPress: what most websites are built on (including RaspberryTips). It allows you to create web pages from an editor (basically like Word) instead of typing code.
• Webmin: a systems management tool perfect for a Raspberry Pi server, allowing you to monitor and manage all your services from a simple web interface.
• Zabbix or Nagios: great tools to keep an eye on your Raspberry Pi and other devices on the network that rely on a web server to provide a web interface with everything you need.

The process is always the same, you start with a web server, download a zip file for the application and put it in the root directory of your web server."

"Privacy & Remote Access - Another great use for a Raspberry Pi running 24/7 at home is VPN (Virtual Private Network). It's something I use a lot to access my home network from anywhere. ...
I recommend setting up a free service like WireGuard, Tailscale or OpenVPN that allows you to access your home network from your laptop or cell phone without any subscription or fees. Once you connect to it from outside your home, you'll basically have access to your entire home network as if you were there."

"Home Automation  -  It is much easier to do this with a tool or system designed to help you connect to all these devices and make them work together, rather than writing scripts to do it. Here are some great starting points:

• Getting Started With Home Assistant on Raspberry Pi (2 Ways)
• How To Install Domoticz on Raspberry Pi (Step-by-step guide)
• How To Install & Use Grafana On Raspberry Pi

We have a dedicated article on getting started with home automation on Raspberry Pi ..."

Robocopy file copier is built into Windows ...

https://www.xda-developers.com/windows-robocopy-is-the-best-file-copier-imaginable/

"Robocopy is a command-line tool that offers versatile file transfer capabilities and options that extend beyond File Explorer's capabilities. I can have granular control over what's copied, what to include or ignore, how many retries I need, view logs, and even create automated file copy tasks. Let's discuss why you should use Robocopy instead of the regular method, especially for huge file transfer sessions."

3D printed bullet feeder & die

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/SsMyKaSbsfc?fbclid=IwRlRTSANQTJlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHg8U7KW4H-E-O5Pxc0jtFOEOHcJO4IIrH5CfPiZSikOY0Tbm7ECjmmHuuv3s_aem_nCMvMALJG-G402lyJeZ28A

A $6500 C5 Corvette Project

The first in a series of articles about a 1999 Corvette:

https://www.drivingline.com/articles/the-ticket-to-dirt-cheap-v8-glory-meet-our-6500-c5-corvette-project/

Details on the tire upgrade:

https://www.drivingline.com/articles/less-weight-more-grip-new-tires-wheels-for-our-budget-c5-corvette-project/

For the magnesium wheels "the factory staggered diameters and widths that came on all C5 Corvettes, in this case 17x8.5-inch in the front and 18x9.5-inch in the rear."  The writer opted to buy another set of "rear" tires to get  18x9.5-inch rims all around.
" I could run the same size tire on each corner as well, settling on a 285-35-R18 size. A lot of C5 owners go even wider, but this would still be a substantial improvement."

Planning more work on the Corvette:
https://www.drivingline.com/articles/budget-c5-corvette-project-car-update-all-the-little-things/

A Quick C5 Z06 Buyers Guide:

https://www.drivingline.com/articles/bang-for-the-buck-vette-a-quick-c5-z06-buyers-guide/

Have an old iPad lying around? You might be able to make it run Linux soon

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/06/developers-get-linux-up-and-running-on-old-ipad-air-2-hardware/

Installing Linux on iPad: JailBreaking it

https://www.linuxvox.com/blog/install-linux-on-ipad/

Install and run Linux on iPad (sort of)

Need to run it within an app …
https://www.linuxfordevices.com/tutorials/linux/linux-on-the-ipad

Tiny11 update "should" support Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported PCs

https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/tiny11-update-should-support-windows-11-25h2-on-unsupported-pcs

"...  there seems to be a surge of software apps that allow Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. For instance, Tiny11. It's a tool that can create a lightweight version of Windows 11, designed to run on older PCs that don't meet Windows 11's strict system requirements"

Best Text Editors for Linux

https://www.debugpoint.com/text-editors-linux/

"... they are classified according to their generic use cases. Although they are termed as text editors, some of them are used for coding and development as well. That said, you can use them as code editors if you want.

However, this list does not have heavy-duty code editors, such as Visual Studio code, etc. They are in a different category. You can check them out in this guide: 5 best code editors for Ubuntu"

Fix Windows 11 Workgroup Not Showing All Computers on the Network

10+ potential solutions here:

https://www.minitool.com/news/windows-11-workgroup-not-showing-all-network-computers.html

Stop using your ISP's DNS

https://www.xda-developers.com/please-stop-using-your-isps-dns/

"...  if you're still using the DNS servers that your ISP or cellular provider set up when you first got service, ... those plaintext queries get stored and sold to advertisers and anyone else who might want to get their hands on the information they hold."

"In no particular order, each of these DNS providers will be more secure and private than your ISP's:

• Cloudflare (1.1.1.1): Runs a large chunk of the internet, known for not blocking sites unless known as a threat
• Quad9 (9.9.9.9): Encrypted DNS, also known for not blocking sites without them serving malware or other threats
• Control D (76.76.2.2): No logging, various encryption methods, and works on Apple devices
• AdGuard Public DNS: Anonymized, uses some filtering, has Apple profiles."

"But self-hosting gives you more control - You get ad-blocking, locally resolved domains, and more":

" Self-hosting a DNS server is deceptively simple to do these days, whether you choose from any of the options, including Unbound, AdGuard Home, PowerDNS, or my personal favorite, Technitium. You'll still want to have some queries sent to an external DNS server in an encrypted manner for fallback, but having your own local DNS server making its own encrypted requests will increase the security and privacy of your home network and the devices using that DNS server."

The comments are interesting also.

Start a Hyper-V virtual machine (VM) automatically on boot-up

From MS Search Assistant:
"To start a Hyper-V virtual machine automatically on boot, open Hyper-V Manager, select the VM, go to Settings, and under 'Automatic Start Action', choose 'Always start this virtual machine automatically'. Make sure to apply the changes for each VM you want to start automatically. woshub.com redmondmag.com

Configuring Automatic Startup for Hyper-V VMs:
To ensure your Hyper-V virtual machines (VMs) start automatically when your host system boots up, follow these steps:

Setting Automatic Start Action:
    Open Hyper-V Manager:
        Launch Hyper-V Manager from your Windows system.

    Select the VM:
        In the left pane, select the Hyper-V host.
        In the middle pane, choose the virtual machine you want to configure.

    Access VM Settings:
        Click on "Settings" in the right "Actions" pane.

    Configure Automatic Start Action:
        Navigate to Automatic Start Action in the settings menu.
        Choose Always start this virtual machine automatically.

Additional Options:
    Startup Delay: You can set a delay for the VM to start after the host boots. This helps manage the boot order if you have multiple VMs.

    PowerShell Configuration: You can also use PowerShell to set the automatic start action. For example:

powershell:
    Set-VM -VMName "YourVMName" -AutomaticStartAction Start

Verifying Hyper-V Services:
Ensure that the necessary Hyper-V services are set to start automatically:

•     Hyper-V Virtual Machine Management: Should be set to Automatic.
•     Hyper-V Host Compute Service: Also set to Automatic.

Conclusion:
By following these steps, your Hyper-V VMs will automatically start when your host system boots up, streamlining your virtualization management."

Hyper-V: Configuring Automatic Startup and Boot Order of VMs:
https://woshub.com/hyper-v-vm-automatic-startup-boot-order/

How to make Hyper-V virtual machine launch automatically at startup:
https://www.thewindowsclub.com/make-hyper-v-virtual-machine-launch-automatically-at-startup
"Hyper-V mainly offers three launch options:
   *  Nothing: If you choose this option, Hyper-V won't start the virtual machine when you start your computer.
   *  Automatically start if it was running when the service stopped: At times, we restart our computer suddenly when it freezes or hangs a lot. If Hyper-V was running when you restarted the computer, Hyper-V will run the virtual machine automatically when you start your PC.
  *  Always start this virtual machine automatically: If you choose this option, Hyper-V will start the virtual machine automatically at startup. Whether it was running when you restarted your PC or not, Hyper-V will start the selected virtual machine without any prior permission."
"It is also possible to delay the start of the virtual machine. This helps when you want it to start automatically but wait for a few moments first. It is possible to set this up with the help of the Hyper-V Manager as well as PowerShell."

Hyper-V VMs start on same host after restart:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/812263/hyper-v-vms-start-on-same-host-after-restart
"You can view and change the automatic startup and shutdown settings of your Hyper-V virtual machines using PowerShell.

Display the current startup and shutdown settings of all VMs:

Get-VM –VMname * | Select-Object VMname,AutomaticStartAction,AutomaticStartDelay,AutomaticStopAction "

#Virtual Environment, #VM, #Server, #Automation

Home Assistant open-source software for home automation.

Home Assistant:  https://www.home-assistant.io/

• Getting started:  https://www.home-assistant.io/installation/
• Documentation:  https://www.home-assistant.io/docs/
• Integrations:  https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/?brands=featured -
• X10:  https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/x10/ -
• HEYU - X10 Automation for Linux, Unix, and Mac OS X:  https://www.heyu.org/

Home Assistant:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Assistant
"Home Assistant is free and open-source software used to enable centralized home automation. It is a smart home controller that serves both as a smart home hub (sometimes called a "smart gateway") and an integration platform designed for interoperability, allowing users to have a single point of control and enable automating different smart home devices from a central location regardless of manufacturer or brand."
"The Home Assistant software application is commonly run on a computer appliance with "Home Assistant Operating System" that will act as a central control system for home automation (commonly called a smart home hub/gateway/bridge/controller), that has the purpose of controlling IoT connectivity technology devices, software, applications and services from third-parties via modular integration components, including native integration components for common wired or wireless communication protocols and standards for IoT products such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave, EnOcean, and Thread/Matter (used to create either local personal area networks or direct ad hoc connections with small smart home devices using low-power digital radios), or Wi-Fi and Ethernet connected devices on a home network / local area network (LAN)."

"Home Assistant supports controlling devices and services connected via either open and proprietary ecosystems or commercial smart home hubs/gateways/bridges as long they provide public access via some kind of open API or MQTT interface to allow for third-party integration over either the local area network or Internet, which includes integrations for Alexa Smart Home (Amazon Echo), Google Nest (Google Home), HomeKit (Apple Home), Samsung SmartThings, and Philips Hue."

"Home Assistant has its operating system implementation and is compatible to be installed directly on many hardware platforms including single-board computers (for example Intel NUC (mini-PC)), Raspberry Pi and Hardkernel ODROID, as well as virtual machines and most Network-Attached Storage systems. Installing the Home Assistant Operating System image on such other officially recommended hardware platforms just requires installing or flashing a corresponding system image onto a local storage from which the Home Assistant OS can boot from. Optionally it is possible to install the Home Assistant container on other operating systems like Linux, macOS, or Windows (under Windows Subsystem for Linux), but it then it is not possible to install addons and other features that is built-into the supervised operating system so will not get the same experience."

What Is Home Assistant? And Why Isn't Everyone Using It?
https://www.howtogeek.com/what-is-home-assistant-and-why-isnt-everyone-using-it/
" *    Home Assistant works with everything so you can connect all of your smart devices, no matter which platforms they support or how obscure they are.
  *    Automate your smart home like a pro by building complex rules to make your smart home work for you.
  *    The platform is simple and easy to use, so anyone in your household can control your whole smart home without breaking a sweat."
"Being an open-source and free product, Home Assistant isn't tied to any specific brand, offering a flexible solution that seamlessly integrates diverse smart devices. Getting started is remarkably easy, with a range of installation options to suit your needs.
You can run Home Assistant on a dedicated device like a Raspberry Pi, which is how I've set it up. Alternatively, you can repurpose an old computer or home server or even opt for a pre-built Home Assistant device for a hassle-free experience."

From FB Home Assistant group:
"Beginner here, started 2 weeks ago.  First impression, a bit of a learning curve.  So between YouTube, members in different groups and heavy use of ChatGPT was able to get a working dashboard.  This is the path from start to finish.
1. Installed HA on VMware Player v17 successfully and was able to open ESPHome.
2. Had no smart devices so I made my own using an ESP32-Wroom.  Installed a new device (ESP32) and installed the YAML code to it by USB.  Base system.  Flashed fine and showed up in the system.
3.  Added a DHT22 to it and YAML code made by ChatGPT and installed via USB.  Compiled ok and could see the temperature and humidity in the scrolling text.
4. Added 2 gauges on the dashboard linked to the temp/humidity entity and worked fine.  Modified the YAML code to add a static IP so I could install wirelessly without worrying about DHCP changing my IP.
5. Added a new device, Arduino Esp32S3 then added a LDR (light dependent resistor). Again, ChatGPT to the rescue.  Some changes needed.  The data value increases with less light so had ChatGPT invert that and to change the gauge from using voltage to displaying 0-100%.  Added gauge to dashboard.
6. Added a BME280 temp/hum/pressure sensor entity and added to the dashboard successfully.
Decided I didn't want my workstation running HA 24/7 so I looked at standalone options.  Saw home assistant green/yellow, RPi and x86 (including mini PC).  Had an Intel NUC in storage that was used as a media center computer so dusted it off.
I Used the Ubuntu method to install HA on the NUC successfully.  Of course I lost most of my dashboard and entities so I started nearly from scratch to rebuild it.
Very basic dashboard but happy I got there in 2 weeks.
Photos:
1.  The ESP32-Wroom and ESP32S3 wired up.
2.  The Intel NUC with 11" monitor
3.  Phone display of the dashboard
4.  RedMi Pad 2 android tablet display"

"... maybe install HA inside PROXMOX or another Virtual Machine. Very light, speedy & useful for backup / snapshots !"

"I'm currently running it with Supervisor on a Pi 5, which I also use as a regular PC. When Supervisor support ends sometime around December, I'll probably switch to running HA OS in a virtual machine.
HACS is also a useful add-on. For example, there are integrations for cat feeders (Petkit), cameras (Tapo), themes (Material UI), and many other things that aren't part of the standard integrations.
I built my own outdoor weather station — it's cheaper that way. For the lights, I use a mix of Tapo and Emos (Tuya), but Nous should work well too. For sockets, I use Tapo . One motion sensor is Tapo, and the other one is also homemade, similar to the weather station, built from an RPI Pico (Arduino is too expensive). Then I also have the Tapo hub and a Tapo two-channel switch.
I have Starlink internet, though I haven't managed to get the integration working yet. I also use other HACS elements, like astronomical graphs. During setup, it even discovered my printer automatically, as well as the Nest Mini and maybe a few other devices."

"I think most folks doing HA are using premade devices for stuff like temp/humidity/etc - it's a lot simpler to set up compared to programming arduinos or esp32 devices. You can get decent temp/etc sensors for like $20 or so a pop that connect via zigbee. I quite like the Thirdreality branded stuff from Amazon
That said, arduinos and esp32's would still have a place for more niche uses that store bought devices don't cover. One I'll probably set up mine for, my electric provider's meter has an IR LED on the top that pulses every time a watt hour is consumed. I'll set up an arduino or something with an IR receiver so I can collect electricity usage data"

"Add Google drive backup, it's fantastic and free. One day something will go bonkers and everything will be gone if you don't.
Keep having fun, rule #1."

Avoid HDD deals that are too good to be true

"Counterfeiters are using intricate methods to pass off used desktop drives from Seagate, WD, and Toshiba as high-capacity surveillance drives. With fake drives permeating all sales channels, here's what you can do to protect yourself." 

https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-spot-counterfeit-hdd/

Use Nextcloud to create a private cloud at home. Docker @ home also

Nextcloud is a suite of client-server software for creating and using file hosting services.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nextcloud

Among other systems, it can be installed on Raspberry Pi micro-computers.

What Is Nextcloud and How Does It Work?

https://dhabaka.com/what-is-nextcloud-and-how-does-it-work/

"If you use a Nextcloud server and its online office suite, you get a safe and easy way to store, share, and work together on your files. It works with both desktop and mobile devices."

"For first-time installations, Docker containers are invaluable. They streamline setup by bundling dependencies into isolated packets. This supports multi-platform configurations, whether it's on Windows or Linux."

Docker: https://docs.docker.com/get-started/#foundations-of-docker

Setting Up Docker in a Home Lab: 

https://mattadam.com/2025/07/02/setting-up-docker-in-a-home-lab-your-simple-guide-to-getting-started/

"Picture your application working perfectly on your system. However, when you attempt to move it to another platform, it fails. That is where Docker steps in. Docker "wraps" apps with whatever they require to execute—code, libraries, and config—so that they will execute the same everywhere.
It's like placing your app in a neat little box. Where you put that box is where it's going to do just what you want it to do."

How I Run My Entire Homelab on Docker (And Why You Should Too):

https://www.howtogeek.com/how-i-run-my-entire-homelab-on-docker-and-why-you-should-too/

•    "Docker containers are lightweight, self-contained virtual systems for running services in minimal space & resources.
•     Docker simplifies setting up, managing, updating, and uninstalling a variety of services with ease.
•     I run over 30 services in my homelab, which fully operates on Docker, showing just how flexible it is and its ease of use."

Best 5 Home Server Projects to start learning Docker:

https://www.virtualizationhowto.com/2025/01/best-5-home-server-projects-to-start-learning-docker-in-2025/

MS Hyper-V Server Freeware

Hyper-V Server: is a freeware edition of Windows Server with limited functionality and the Hyper-V component:. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-hyper-v-server-2012-r2 -  

2012 Download Link: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?linkid=2196267&clcid=0x409&culture=en-us&country=us

See also: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-hyper-v-server-2016

                https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-hyper-v-server-2019

"Microsoft Hyper-V Server is a dedicated stand-alone product that contains the hypervisor, Windows Server driver model, virtualization capabilities, and supporting components such as failover clustering, but does not contain the robust set of features and roles as the Windows Server operating system. As a result, Microsoft Hyper-V Server produces a small footprint and requires minimal overhead."

How to Install and Configure Free Hyper-V Server 2019 / 2016:

https://woshub.com/install-configure-free-hyper-v-server/

"Hyper-V Server 2019 is suitable for those who don't want to pay for a hardware virtualization operating system. The Hyper-V has no restrictions and is completely free. Key benefits of Microsoft Hyper-V Server:

• Support of all popular OSs. There are no compatibility problems. All Windows and modern Linux and FreeBSD operating systems support Hyper-V;
• A lot of different ways to backup virtual machines: simple scripts, open-source software, free and commercial versions of popular backup programs;
• Although Hyper-V Server doesn't have a Windows Server GUI (graphical management interface), you can manage it remotely using a standard Hyper-V Manager console or Windows Admin Center web interface;
• Hyper-V Server is based on a popular Windows Server platform, familiar and easy to work with;
• You can install Hyper-V on a pseudoRAID, for example, Inter RAID controller, or Windows software RAID;
• You do not need to license your hypervisor, it is suitable for VDI or Linux VMs;
• Low hardware requirements. Your processor must support software virtualization (Intel-VT or VMX by Intel, AMD-V/ SVM by AMD) and second-level address translation (SLAT) (Intel EPT or AMD RV). These processor options must be enabled in BIOS/UEFI/nested host. You can find full system requirements on the Microsoft website;
• It is recommended to install Hyper-V on hosts with at least 4 GB RAM."

You can download the Hyper-V Server 2019 ISO install image here: 
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-hyper-v-server-2019. 

System requirements for Hyper-V on Windows and Windows Server:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/virtualization/hyper-v/host-hardware-requirements?pivots=windows

Microsoft has officially phased out the free version of Hyper V with Windows Server 2025.

https://www.starwindsoftware.com/blog/windows-server-2025-and-free-hyper-v-dream/

#Virtual Environment, #VM, #Server

Kubuntu - Wikipedia

A version that runs well on smaller systems …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubuntu

Ubuntu Budgie - Wikipedia

Another flavor to try …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Budgie

Ubuntu MATE - Wikipedia

A version Windows users may prefer …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_MATE

15 Best Free and Open Source Linux Webcam Tools - LinuxLinks

To view security cameras?
https://www.linuxlinks.com/webcam/

3D printed cases for home computer projects

I'm building a media server out of leftover PC parts and a 3D printed case -

A little time and a lot of filament!

https://www.tomshardware.com/news/live/3d-printed-media-server

This futuristic 3D-printed cyberdeck has two swiveling touchscreens — and it's powered by a Raspberry Pi 5:

https://www.tomshardware.com/3d-printing/this-futuristic-3d-printed-cyberdeck-has-two-swiveling-touchscreens-and-its-powered-by-a-raspberry-pi-5

" The biggest design feature that caught our attention was the implementation of dual screens, lending to the need for a unique 3D printed case design. These screens are touchscreens and measure 9 inches across."

You can now 3D print your own NAS bay — the N5 Mini supports five drives and even has customizable faceplates:

https://www.tomshardware.com/3d-printing/you-can-now-3d-print-your-own-nas-bay-the-n5-mini-supports-five-drives-and-even-has-customizable-faceplates

"Like the original Minisforum N5, this 3D printable version has five bays, supporting up to five separate drives."

Build your Own Firewall (#2)

How to Build your Own Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) at Home:
https://www.zenarmor.com/docs/network-security-tutorials/how-to-build-ngfw-for-home
"You can install the whole software virtually to any x86 based PC, mini-PC, or even to any virtualization platform on which a standard FreeBSD/Linux Operating system can natively run on, like KVM, VirtualBox, VMware, Proxmox, etc.
Next-generation firewalls for home use can be installed onto retired PCs, workstations, or servers. The only thing that needs to be kept in mind is that at least 8 GB of memory is required to be able to generate faster reports."
"... we strongly recommend installing OPNsense which has a robust and powerful next-generation firewall software plugin known as Zenarmor (Sensei)."

I'm done with building my own hardware firewalls (another option):
https://www.xda-developers.com/use-prebuilt-hardware-firewall-instead-of-making-one/
"With the Firewalla, everything from Parental Controls to the robust Active Protect system that's constantly being updated is all included in the original purchase cost. I don't know about you, but I'd rather pay upfront than be locked into a service subscription for the features I wanted to use."
"The biggest issue with networking gear is that many consumer-level devices use Realtek Ethernet controllers, or NICs, and those have major issues with Linux. Intel NICs are more compatible, but the low-powered devices sold as routers and firewall replacements often have other hardware components that have similar issues or quirks."

Building a budget 10gbe router/firewall with pfSense from scratch (much more speed than needed at home in 2025, but some interesting ideas):
https://drakeor.com/2021/04/14/setting-up-pfsense-as-a-router/

• "To function as a router, we want one port to talk to the internet (WAN) while the other ports are part of the same LAN network.
• We want the LAN devices to be able to talk to each other.
• We want the LAN devices to be able to connect to the internet."

"If you only have one NIC attached to your virtual machine and forego attaching any others when you install pfSense, pfSense will not configure a Lan port. This will not seem like a big deal at first (since you can just add the interfaces and configure LAN yourself later), but things start to get weird.
...
If using virtualization, remember to attach ALL your NICs and configure a LAN port on initial setup!"
"Although reinstalling pfSense was a lot easier in a VM than bare metal, the performance was pretty subpar, especially in the realm of OpenVPN. This is the biggest reason I've decided to go with bare metal. Keep in mind that at the time of this writing, the hardware I'm using is about 7-8 years old so more modern machines will likely give you much better performance if you virtualize pfSense."

How to build your own firewall with pfSense -
Create your own physical or virtual appliance with this free-to-use open source software:
https://www.itpro.com/security/firewalls/355328/how-to-build-your-own-firewall-with-pfsense
"... pfSense, an open source enterprise firewall based on FreeBSD that offers features comparable to many of the most expensive big-name options on offer, along with a wide range of packages available to extend its capabilities. The best part is, as an open source solution, pfSense is completely free, and all of its features are available without any commercial licensing requirements."
"... pfSense requires a CPU with a base frequency of 600Mhz, at least 512MB RAM, one or more compatible network interface cards (NICs), a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD-ROM for initial installation, and at least 4GB of available storage - either on a hard disk, or a flash device such as an SD card."

Build Your Own Gateway Firewall:

https://www.instructables.com/Build-your-own-gateway-firewall/

"Through the use of open-source software (OSS), outdated PC hardware, and a little know-how, you can build a cheap and highly effective gateway firewall to protect your SOHO LAN."

How to Build a Hardware Firewall with IPFire -
Firewall your home with IPFire, a Linux distro dedicated to keeping your network ports safe.
https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/build-hardware-firewall-ipfire
"IPFire is a dedicated Linux distro for firewalls or other network appliances. You don't need any particularly special hardware to run a firewall; an old PC or a Raspberry Pi is fine (you can find ISOs on IPFire's downloads page)., but note that at least two network adapters are required."
"If you want to use a VM for IPFire, you can use the 32-bit ISO from the IPFire/ directory on the disc. For a small installation, virtualization is unlikely to make any difference — memory requirements are low, but don't try it for a larger and more complex setup. VPN traffic encryption/decryption requires a fair bit of CPU power, so if you're planning on allowing lots of data-hungry access to your VPN, be aware of this."
"You can route your entire home network through IPFire (by setting it as the default gateway on your home router and shifting settings) or, if other users don't like the idea of sending all their traffic through the hardware firewall, you can just route selected machines through IPFire"
"If you want a VPN, you can set it up via OpenVPN with just a few clicks. Two configurations are offered — the appropriately apocalyptic sounding Roadwarrior, and the more descriptive Net-to-Net."

Host an offline Wikipedia on a Raspberry Pi

https://www.xda-developers.com/raspberry-pi-host-offline-wikipedia/

What sort of GPU do you need to run local AI

More VRAM is better - and expensive ...

" AI needs horsepower and Ollama needs GPUs, but you don't have to run out and hand over your life savings to get an RTX 5090, either."

https://www.windowscentral.com/artificial-intelligence/just-what-sort-of-gpu-do-you-need-to-run-local-ai-with-ollama-the-answer-isnt-as-expensive-as-you-might-think

"The RTX 3060 is something of a darling of the AI community because of its 12GB of VRAM and its relatively low cost. Memory bandwidth is significantly lower, but so is the TDP at just 170W. You could have two of these and match the TDP and total VRAM of an RTX 3090, while spending much less."

How to Install Ubuntu 24.04 or 22.04 Linux on Windows with Hyper-V

After install, I had to reboot the virtual machine once and then Ubunutu was happy.

https://linux.how2shout.com/how-to-install-ubuntu-22-04-linux-on-windows-with-hyper-v/

The install seemed pretty slow on a Win-10 Pro system with 16GB of RAM and a Core i5 - the 

Hyper-V machine has 4GB of RAM and a 200GB virtual disc drive.

Using an old PC as a Terminal for Linux

Review this and clean up later ...

Option 1 - use WSL (probably requires Win-10 or higher): 

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/terminal/

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install

https://auth0.com/blog/convert-windows-pc-to-linux-ubuntu-dev-environment/

Option 2 -  Using old computers as thin clients to connect to a Terminal server

https://community.spiceworks.com/t/using-old-computers-as-thin-clients-to-connect-to-a-terminal-server/657926

Option 3 -  Ubuntu desktop as terminal server

https://askubuntu.com/questions/1143542/ubuntu-desktop-as-terminal-server

"For "terminal" access you'll need a OpenSSH Server installed on your PC."

Option 4 - SSH from Windows

https://www.linuxbabe.com/linux-server/ssh-windows

A couple of lightweight Linux distributions (MX Linux & antiX)

MX Linux  -  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MX_Linux
"MX Linux is a Linux distribution based on Debian stable and using core antiX components, with additional software created or packaged by the MX community.[2] The development of MX Linux is a collaborative effort between the antiX and former MEPIS communities."
"Xfce is a fast and medium-low resource usage desktop environment of Xfce version 4.20 offered in 32-bit and 64-bit ISOs.[30]
Fluxbox is a window manager with very low resource usage. This edition was first released on 21 October 2021.[31] 32-bit and 64-bit versions are available."
...
MX Xfce and MX Fluxbox are available in 32-bit variants of those releases."

Download Links: https://mxlinux.org/download-links/
–Xfce (our flagship desktop) - MX-23.6_386, containing a 32 bit PAE 6.1 kernel from Debian Stable, suitable for systems that are 32 bit only.

–Fluxbox -  MX-23.6_386 Fluxbox, featuring the 32 bit 6.1 Debian stable kernel and a customized fluxbox environment -
"The result is a lightweight and fully functional system that has many unique features:"
"This OS functions as well on older low-capacity machines as on fast modern ones."

MX-23 Users Manual:  https://mxlinux.org/manuals/


MX Linux:  https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/linux-unix/mx-linux/
"MX Linux is a good selection if you are in search of a Linux distribution that is simple, stable, and lightweight. With its roots in Debian Stable, it is fast and efficient as well. As such, it is geared towards people who prefer a customizable, low-maintenance operating system. And no matter if you have contemporary or older hardware, MX Linux is tailored to perform optimally without compromising on user interface design simplicity and ease of use.

MX Linux stands apart from other distributions through its MX Tools, which is a robust set of utilities that make the processes of system configuration, management, and troubleshooting easy. This distribution has support for several desktop environments: Xfce (default), KDE Plasma, and Fluxbox, so the users can change it based on their needs and preferences."

MX/antiX Technical Documentation Wiki: https://mxlinux.org/wiki/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

antiX:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AntiX
"a Linux distribution, originally based on MEPIS, which itself is based on the Debian stable distribution.[4] antiX initially replaced the MEPIS KDE desktop environment with the Fluxbox and IceWM window managers, making it suitable for older, less powerful x86-based systems."
"antiX comes with a default desktop built on top of the ROX or Zzzfm file managers, with the GTK library and using IceWM as the window manager.[10] antiX-full and antiX-base include these stacking window managers:

    Lightweight: Rox-IceWM (default), IceWM and ZzzFM-IceWM
    Minimalist: Rox-Fluxbox, Fluxbox and ZzzFM-Fluxbox
    Very minimalist: Rox-JWM, JWM[11] and ZzzFM-JWM

Running the ROX or Zzzfm variants provides desktop icons and a drag-and-drop function. Conky provides system monitor availability."
antiX23.2:  https://antixlinux.com/
"antiX is a fast, lightweight and easy to install systemd-free and elogind-free linux live CD distribution based on Debian Stable for Intel-AMD x86 compatible systems. antiX offers users the "antiX Magic" in an environment suitable for old and new computers. So don't throw away that old computer yet!"
Downloads:  https://antixlinux.com/download/
"If you don't know or care about init systems, choose the sysVinit version."
"The iso images can be written and booted live from a cd, frugal install via hdd, from usb, etc. To make the most of using the antiX live system, particularly from a usb, it is recommended to use the antiX/MX live usb maker or Rufus ..."
Documents:  https://antixlinux.com/documents/

Fwd: 10 features recently added that you probably didn't notice on Windows 10

Some of these like the "Manage mobile devices feature" may be worth checking out for Win-10 & 11:

https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/10-features-recently-added-that-you-probably-didnt-notice-on-windows-10

"...  in the newer version of the operating system, you can access other features, such as the ability to manage your phone storage from File Explorer, use your phone camera as a webcam, and more."

The "Windows Backup with file transfer to new PC" feature may also be useful when upgrading.

Upgrading to Windows 11 on an old PC could be easier than you think | PCWorld

There are tools mentioned that can help test old PCs for Windows-11 compatibility.
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2839398/upgrading-to-windows-11-on-an-old-pc-could-be-easier-than-you-think.html

NVMe SSDs - specifications & history

NVM Express (NVMe) or Non-Volatile Memory Host Controller Interface Specification (NVMHCIS):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NVM_Express

" Architecturally, the logic for NVMe is physically stored within and executed by the NVMe controller chip that is physically co-located with the storage media, usually an SSD. Version changes for NVMe, e.g., 1.3 to 1.4, are incorporated within the storage media, and do not affect PCIe-compatible components such as motherboards and CPUs.^[3]"

M.2 (pronounced "M-dot-2"),^[1] formerly known as the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.2

"M.2 supports a variety of module sizes and interface types, offering greater flexibility for modern devices. It is widely used in compact systems such as ultrabooks and tablet computers, particularly for solid-state drives (SSDs)"

"M.2 modules can integrate multiple functions, including the following device classes: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, satellite navigation, near field communication (NFC), digital radio, WiGig, wireless WAN (WWAN), and solid-state drives (SSDs).^[7]"

What Else Is An M.2 WiFi Slot Good For? 

     https://hackaday.com/2023/01/19/what-else-is-an-m-2-wifi-slot-good-for/

"Many mainboards and laptops these days come with a range of M.2 slots, with only a subset capable of NVME SSDs, and often a stubby one keyed for 'WiFi' cards. Or that's what those are generally intended to be used for ... you can get a lot of alternate expansion cards for those slots that have nothing to do with WiFi."

"... includes adapter cards that add Ethernet (1 Gb, 2.5 Gb), USB 2.0 ports, SIM card (wireless adapter?), an SFP fiber-based networking adapter, multiple M.2 to 2+ SATA port adapters, tensor accelerator chips (NPUs) and even a full-blown M.2 to x16 PCIe slot adapter."

PuTTY: a free SSH and Telnet client

https://putty.software/

PuTTY  is an SSH client for Windows and Unix, including an xterm-style terminal emulator.

Main site:  https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/

Downloads:  https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html  32 & 64-bit versions

Available from MicroSoft: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/xpfnzksklbp7rj?hl=en-US&gl=US

"PuTTY is a communications tool for running interactive command-line sessions on other computers, usually via the SSH protocol. It can also communicate over a serial port, or speak various legacy Internet protocols such as Telnet."

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PuTTY

" PuTTY (/ˈpʌti/)^[4] is a free and open-source terminal emulator, serial console and network file transfer application. It supports several network protocols, including SCP, SSH, Telnet, rlogin, and raw socket connection. It can also connect to a serial port."

"PuTTY comes bundled with command-line SCP and SFTP clients, called "pscp" and "psftp" respectively, and plink, a command-line connection tool, used for non-interactive sessions.^[9]
PuTTY does not support session tabs directly,^[10] but many wrappers are available that do.^[11] "

Guide to installing PuTTY and making SSH connections:

    https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Putty-in-Windows

About PuTTY:  https://gizmodo.com/download/putty

"PuTTY serves as a popular terminal emulator that supports SSH, Telnet and serial communication needs. Network administrators, developers, and IT professionals typically use PuTTY for secure connections with remote systems along with server management and command execution needs in a protected space. PuTTY functions as a bridging tool that enables users to access remote computers along with network devices through encrypted connections instead of restricting itself to a single system like traditional command-line interfaces."

.41 Magnum Shot Loads Made (Fairly) Easy from 30-30 Brass

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?469878-41-Magnum-Shot-Loads-Made-%28Fairly%29-Easy-from-30-30-Brass&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMMLRhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHg5X2b_hlqp2OLDDm6ne1wUPQcsGBjxA_gJpO4uRbtPDBcY9z1srGGBfwX86_aem_TuUWI02EJBT3pVVJH7dImQ

FreedomBox on Raspberry Pi: Host a Private Server Easily

https://raspberrytips.com/freedombox-raspberry-pi/

" FreedomBox is an innovative solution part of the Debian project which allows you to create a private server with minimal setup."

https://www.freedombox.org/

" FreedomBox is a private server for non-experts: it lets you install and configure server applications with only a few clicks. It runs on cheap hardware of your choice, uses your internet connection and power, and is under your control."

FreedomBox: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FreedomBox

About FreedomBox:  https://www.freedomboxfoundation.org/

FreedomBox FAQ:  https://discuss.freedombox.org/t/frequently-asked-questions/1906

FreedomBox:  https://github.com/freedombox/FreedomBox

Running AI LLMs on older hardware

You Think You Need a Monster PC to Run Local AI, Don't You? — My Seven-Year-Old Mid-range Laptop Says Otherwise

https://www.windowscentral.com/artificial-intelligence/my-seven-year-old-mid-range-laptop-runs-local-ai

"...  while not what you'd call fast, it's usable. All three are still churning out responses significantly faster than I could type (and definitely faster than I can think). These were all with a 4k context length."

" You could be out and about with a laptop on battery and still getting stuff done. At home or in the office, hooked up to power, even older hardware can be fairly capable."

Make Your Own VPN

Some VPN alternatives:  https://thetechcrime.com/make-your-own-vpn/

" Unlike third-party services that may log your data or throttle your speeds, building your own VPN ensures you decide how your data is handled. This is especially critical in an age where privacy concerns are increasing."

3 Methods To Build Your Own VPN From Scratch:

https://www.technologytalker.com/3-methods-to-build-your-own-vpn-from-scratch/

1. Using the Cloud

2. Using Your Own Router (requires an OpenVPN-compatible router)
    "... not all routers have the same hardware features, nor can they all host VPNs."

3. Using a Different Device as a VPN Server (Windows PC, etc.)

"You'll also need to set up port forwarding on your router so that your server is accessible from the internet."

Make Your Own Home VPN – Step-by-step Guide (scroll down to this part)

https://www.addictivetips.com/vpn/make-your-own-vpn/

Uses an Ubuntu remote server($) with OpenVPN

"Test Your VPN:
Now that you've gone through this entire process, it's time to verify your VPN is working! All you have to do is disable your VPN, then go to DNSLeakTest (https://www.dnsleaktest.com/). It should display your current, real location. 

Now enable the VPN and refresh the page. A new IP address should appear, which means you're safe behind a wall of VPN encryption."

How To Make Your Own VPN Server:

https://www.vpnmentor.com/blog/how-to-make-your-own-vpn-server/

Method 1: Router-Based VPN Server Setup

Method 2: Set Up a VPN Server on a Windows, Mac, or Other Devices - 

example is for OpenVPN (https://openvpn.net/community-downloads/)

Method 3: Cloud VPN Server Setup

How to create your own VPN? https://www.clrn.org/how-to-create-your-own-vpn/

Install OpenVPN and Easy-RSA on linux ...

"Creating your own VPN offers unparalleled control and customization, but demands significant technical expertise and ongoing maintenance."

What is OpenVPN?  https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/vpns/what-is-openvpn

"OpenVPN is the ol' faithful of VPN protocols – and it still has use today"

"Put simply, OpenVPN allows two devices – no matter where they are in the world – to connect and communicate with each other in a protected manner. It defines how the data getting sent back and forth is encrypted, and how this information moves between servers and devices.
Part of the reason OpenVPN is such a popular VPN protocol is down to its compatibility with many operating systems. Along with that, it offers both security and flexibility to any VPN user."

"OpenVPN is also slower than some other VPN protocols, such as WireGuard. While they don't have as many features as OpenVPN does, they switch this out for both speed and efficiency. Not the end of the world, but worth keeping in mind if you're looking for the absolute top speeds out of your VPN.
Another place where protocols like WireGuard are better is when it comes to newer encryption protocols. OpenVPN doesn't support some of these newer versions."

"Alternative options such as WireGuard or Lightway are growing quickly in popularity but OpenVPN does remain a reliable option, despite its slower nature."

"OpenVPN (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenVPN) is a virtual private network (VPN) system that implements techniques to create secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access facilities. It implements both client and server applications."

OpenVPN Connect for Windows (10 or 11):  https://openvpn.net/client/

https://openvpn.net/connect-docs/connect-for-windows.html

Linux Clients to Connect to an OpenVPN Server:

 https://openvpn.net/connect-docs/linux-clients.html 
"For Linux, you can use open-source Linux clients to connect to OpenVPN servers:

• For CloudConnexa: OpenVPN 3 Client for Linux with CloudConnexa.

• For Access Server: Tutorial: Connect to Access Server with Linux.

• For OpenVPN servers: OpenVPN 3 for Linux official site.
  

Make your own encrypted VPN server using Tailscale

Run Tailscale (https://tailscale.com/) on a spare home computer:

https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/how-to-make-your-own-encrypted-vpn-server-in-15-minutes/

" ... you can install Tailscale on your personal devices, such as your laptop or your phone. Install Tailscale, then log into your account. You'll see your computer running at home in the list of devices in your private network."

"When your devices use your home computer as their exit nodes, all internet traffic passes through that exit node."

"Without those private keys, there is no way for anyone else — including Tailscale — to decrypt the data that flows through your VPN tunnel. With this setup, you get all the benefits of an encrypted VPN connection without having to manually generate, distribute, and handle your public keys."

"... you may want to build yourself a dedicated Tailscale device and plug it into your router with an Ethernet cable.  In that case, you could buy a Raspberry Pi, a tiny, cheap, single-board micro-computer. We recommend a Raspberry Pi 4 or Raspberry Pi 5 ..."

As with other solutions, Tailscale can also be installed in a virtual environment ...