Things I build, break,
fix, and write about

17 November 2025
AI
Configuring a lightweight NAS for Proxmox failover

Proxmox Cluster: Build a two-node cluster with a qdevice to secure quorum and enable basic failover. Host VM disks on a NAS or use ZFS replication. You must test node, qdevice and network failures. Keep the qdevice separate from primary storage and power.

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17 November 2025
Deals
Beats Studio Pro + 2 more Amazon tech bargains

Discover the Beats Studio Pro and two more Amazon tech bargains this week.

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17 November 2025
AI
Testing CPU types to optimise Windows VM performance

Test CPU models to improve Windows VM performance. Run repeatable tests in Proxmox. Change CPU type only and measure disk I/O with CrystalDiskMark and DiskSpd. Reboot, warm up, run three passes, and log CPU model and drivers. You must use snapshots and avoid testing on production.

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16 November 2025
AI
Managing GPU passthrough for virtual machines

Proxmox VE GPU Passthrough lets you assign a GPU to a VM for full acceleration. This guide shows the checks, commands and config edits you need. Test on one machine, confirm GRUB, vfio binding and drivers, then scale with care to track PCIe lanes, power and IOMMU groups.

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16 November 2025
Rambles
Weekly Tech Digest | 16 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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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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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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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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