Author: bruno

16 November 2025
AI
Repurpose SwitchBot button pushers for non-smart devices

Use a SwitchBot button pusher to control your non-smart devices. This guide shows safe mounts, how to measure button travel, scheduling and hub integration. Test alignment, choose non-critical buttons, and use non-destructive fixes.

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16 November 2025
Home Automation
paperless-ngx | v2.19.6

paperless-ngx v2.19.6 enhances user experience with bug fixes, improved email handling, better text search, and updated dependencies for Python 3.12.

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15 November 2025
AI
Configuring smart lighting without a neutral wire

Configuring a Smart Lighting System Without a Neutral Wire I’ll walk through practical steps to get smart lighting working where the wall switch has no neutral. This is common in older UK homes. I cover how to assess the wiring, which smart bulbs and protocols to pick, how to install without changing the mains wiring, […]

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15 November 2025
AI
Using Home Assistant for centralised home control

Integrating Smart Home Devices: A Comprehensive Guide to Central Control Systems I run Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi as my central controller. I prefer local control and a touchscreen that shows the doorbell camera, heat pump status and ventilation unit readouts. This guide walks through getting started, the hardware I pick, and how to […]

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15 November 2025
Home Automation
n8n | n8n@1.119.2

n8n version 1.119.2 is out with crucial bug fixes and version bumps, enhancing community node installations and updating core components.

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15 November 2025
Home Automation
HomeAssistant Core | 2025.11.2

HomeAssistant Core Release 2025.11.2 enhances stability with dependency updates, bug fixes, and improved integrations for a smoother user experience.

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14 November 2025
AI
Using scripts for automated login on Sophos systems

Fix captive portal logins with Sophos authentication automation for education networks. You will capture form requests, preserve cookies and tokens, run scripts at boot, and store credentials securely. Run a single gateway or per device script for reliable internet access.

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14 November 2025
AI
Ensuring proper routing for VLAN traffic over IPSec

Route VLAN traffic through an IPSec Tunnel via head office to a client. You get commands, routing and NAT rules, and test steps to confirm your return paths. Keep configs small; test each change. Monitor MTU and phase 2 selectors to prevent stalls.

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14 November 2025
Home Automation
Traefik | v3.6.1

Explore the key updates in Traefik v3.6.1, including essential bug fixes, documentation improvements, and the importance of the migration guide.

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13 November 2025
AI
Ensuring secure access via SSL VPN for dual-stack users

SSL VPN Dual Stack can let IPv6 bypass the tunnel and break IP based controls. This guide shows how you can force IPv4, use split DNS, or add IPv6 egress so your remote clients present the office IP and your security checks remain consistent.

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13 November 2025
AI
Distro hopping: strategies for stability

How to Manage Multiple Linux Distributions Without Losing Your Mind I used to flit between distros every few days. It taught me one thing fast: without rules, the mess grows faster than my patience. This guide gives a clear, practical playbook for Linux distributions management. I cover what to check before you switch, how to […]

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13 November 2025
Home Automation
ESPHome | 2025.10.5

ESPHome 2025.10.5 brings new features like CONF_ROWS, Python 3.14 restrictions, USB UART improvements, and LVGL rotation fixes for better performance.

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12 November 2025
AI
Navigating the Linux filesystem: tips for former Windows

Navigating Linux File Structures: A Practical Guide for Windows Migrants I switched from Windows long ago and I still get a small kick from the simplicity of the Linux filesystem. The layout is logical and powerful once you stop hunting for C: and D:. This guide walks you through the mental shifts and the practical […]

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12 November 2025
AI
Matching B-roll clips using GPT-5 in n8n

Automating Video Editing: A Practical n8n Workflow for Fast Content Creation I set out to cut the boring bits from short-form editing. I use n8n video editing automation to assemble a first-pass edit that I then polish in Final Cut Pro. This guide walks through the exact nodes and steps I use, with concrete examples […]

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12 November 2025
Home Automation
headscale | v0.27.1

headscale v0.27.1 release brings node expiration management, OIDC fixes, database updates, policy improvements, and enhanced testing for better stability.

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12 November 2025
Home Automation
n8n | n8n@1.119.1

n8n version 1.119.1 is out, featuring a vital bug fix for the license activation modal and updated changelog entries for transparency.

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11 November 2025
AI
Integrating Telegram with n8n workflows for notifications

This guide shows how to integrate Telegram with n8n workflows for notifications. You will set up a bot, store the token securely, and send test messages. It covers error handling, rate limits, and message hygiene. Choose alternative channels when encryption matters.

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11 November 2025
AI
Using n8n for automated lead enrichment in marketing

Creating Efficient n8n Workflows for Your UK Homelab I run n8n on a small rack at home. I build automations that do the boring bits, free up time, and keep data tidy. This guide shows how I design n8n workflows for lead enrichment, with practical steps you can copy into a homelab in the UK. […]

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10 November 2025
AI
Integrating Google Sheets with n8n

Get a practical n8n configuration for Google Sheets. Follow the setup. Add Google credentials. Create a webhook-to-sheet workflow and test each change. Use a service account for self-hosted n8n, secure environment variables, and back up your database. Test credentials with a simple read to confirm access.

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10 November 2025
Deals
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra AI Smartphone + 2 more Amazon tech bargains

Discover the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and two more tech deals this week.

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10 November 2025
AI
Addressing HDD mounting challenges in tight spaces

HDD mounting in tight cases demands careful measurement and airflow planning. You must isolate vibration, use short SATA cables and rubber mounts, and route cables to avoid strain. Follow simple checks before fastening to protect data and extend drive life.

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10 November 2025
Home Automation
Authelia | v4.39.14

Authelia v4.39.14 is out with crucial bug fixes for authentication, ldap pool deadlocks, and updated Docker containers. Get the latest version now!

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9 November 2025
AI
Setting up a 16-port 10Gb switch in your home lab

How to Set Up a Layer 2 Aggregation Switch in Your Home Lab I bought a cheap 16-port 10Gb switch for a homelab test rig and used it purely as a layer 2 aggregation switch. It does not route, but it glues faster uplinks and racks of 1Gb kit together neatly. This guide shows the […]

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9 November 2025
Rambles
Weekly Tech Digest | 09 Nov 2025

Stay updated with the latest in tech! This digest covers AI ethics, auto industry shifts, and the impact of politics on technology, exploring today's pressing issues.

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9 November 2025
AI
Troubleshooting common issues in Windows Group Policy

Windows Group Policy controls settings across your network. Learn to find and fix common issues. You will check scope, permissions, replication, gpupdate and gpresult. You will use step by step checks to identify failing GPOs, resolve conflicts and restore policy application.

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