Things I build, break,
fix, and write about

16 January 2026
AI
Exploring non-camera solutions for home monitoring

Privacy concerns make cameras unsuitable in bedrooms and bathrooms. Non-visual home monitoring uses radar, depth and level-only audio to detect presence, falls and long inactivity without images. You can build a local, event-only system that ties into your smart home and keeps raw data off the cloud.

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16 January 2026
AI
Downloading and analysing PCAP files in Wireshark

I use Packet Capture in Sophos Firewall WebAdmin every week. It is the quickest way to see what the firewall actually sees. This guide shows how I capture traffic on the appliance, download a PCAP and analyse it in Wireshark for network troubleshooting and security monitoring. I keep examples concrete so you can copy the […]

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15 January 2026
AI
Upgrading Sophos XGS126 from firmware 19.5.x to 21.5

Sophos XGS126 firmware upgrade. Follow a clear checklist. Confirm your current firmware and SSD firmware. Back up your config twice off-box. Read release notes and follow required intermediate installs. Use console access, monitor boot logs and test VLANs, VPNs and real traffic after upgrade.

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15 January 2026
AI
Resolving PDQ Connect package failures with Sophos XDR

Troubleshooting PDQ Connect Package Installation Errors for Sophos XDR Client: A Detailed Guide I ran into this exact fault while packaging the Sophos XDR Client for PDQ Connect. The installer works when I run it at the command prompt with the –quiet switch, but the PDQ package fails. The PDQ deployment log shows the step […]

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14 January 2026
AI
Navigating Sophos Home Edition update challenges

Facing firmware update errors on Sophos Home Edition? This guide offers practical troubleshooting steps to help you identify and fix common issues effectively.

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13 January 2026
AI
Transitioning from Windows to Ubuntu: Key commands

Transitioning from Windows to Ubuntu can seem daunting. This guide simplifies essential Linux commands, covering navigation, permissions, and package management to ease your migration.

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12 January 2026
AI
Optimising gaming performance on Linux with Proton

You can get solid Linux gaming performance with Proton on Ubuntu. Test with a live USB; install Steam, ProtonUp-Qt, drivers and Vulkan. Use gamemode and MangoHud to measure FPS, then tweak one setting at a time.

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12 January 2026
AI
Integrating n8n with other tools for lead generation

Discover how to efficiently build lead pipelines with n8n. This guide offers practical steps for data scraping, enrichment, verification, and cold emailing.

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11 January 2026
AI
Engaging n8n users through effective workflows

Unlock the secrets to user retention in open-source software like n8n. Discover actionable steps to enhance workflows, streamline onboarding, and boost community engagement today!

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11 January 2026
Rambles
Weekly Tech Digest | 11 Jan 2026

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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