Tag: linux

Cockpit vs Webmin: Web Admin Panels That Don't Make You Cry

Cockpit is the modern systemd-native Linux admin panel. Webmin is the veteran that configures everything. Here's which one should be on your servers, and which shouldn't.

Your Server Doesn't Know What Random Means (And That's a Problem)

Your freshly booted VM is generating SSH keys with barely any entropy, and that should make you nervous. Linux needs randomness to do cryptography, and headless servers are terrible at collecting it. Here's what's actually happening inside /dev/random and how to fix it before you generate a weak key.

Fail2ban vs CrowdSec: Blocking the Bots Actually Smartly

Fail2ban bans IPs that attack you. CrowdSec bans them before they attack you, using community threat intelligence. Here's how to set up both and why you might want both.

Sysctl Tuning: The Linux Kernel Knobs That Actually Matter

Your Linux box has hundreds of kernel knobs in /proc/sys that nobody ever touches. Most don't matter, here are the handful that actually improve a Docker host.

2FA for SSH and sudo via PAM

Adding TOTP to SSH and sudo takes 10 minutes and makes password spray attacks useless. Here's the setup that won't lock you out of your own server.

Systemd Timers vs Cron: Scheduling That Doesn't Suck

Cron has been scheduling your jobs since before you were born. Systemd timers do everything cron does, plus logging, dependencies, and missed-run recovery.

SSH CA: Finally Ditch authorized_keys

Managing authorized_keys across 10 servers is how you lose track of who has access to what. An SSH CA lets you sign keys and revoke access without touching every server.

Wazuh: Open Source SIEM for Your Home Lab

Wazuh gives you SIEM, HIDS, FIM, and threat detection in one stack. Here's how to deploy it in your home lab with Docker and actually use it.

ZFS vs Btrfs: Which Modern Filesystem Wins?

ZFS is the paranoid fortress of filesystems. Btrfs is the scrappy upstart built into your kernel. Here's which one belongs in your home lab.

SBCs in 2026: Homelab on a Budget

DRAM prices are killing the hobbyist SBC market, but there are still great options. Here's what's worth buying in 2026 for a sub-$200 homelab setup.

Podman Quadlets: Systemd-Native Containers

Podman Quadlets turn containers into real systemd services using .container unit files, no daemon, no hacks, just clean native integration.

LUKS Full Disk Encryption on Linux

LUKS encrypts your drives so a stolen server is just expensive recycling. Here's how to set it up, manage keys, and unlock headless boxes remotely.