Category: System Admin

3 January 2026
Understanding GPU passthrough support in Proxmox

I use Proxmox CLI GPU Passthrough when I need raw GPU power inside a VM. This keeps the noise down and gets straight to the checks that matter. I’m assuming a single Proxmox host on a recent Proxmox VE release, with root or sudo access. Start by enabling IOMMU on the host. Edit GRUB and […]

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29 December 2025
Understanding sparse files in Linux environments

Sparse files let you create large logical files that consume little physical disk space until you write data. Use them for VM images, test files or temporary swap, but monitor actual usage with du and preserve holes when copying with cp --sparse=always or rsync -S.

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15 December 2025
Estimating costs for enterprise software migration

The SAMOSA bill highlights essential software management strategies, urging businesses to enhance inventory practices, automate licence tracking, and improve negotiation skills for optimal efficiency.

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22 November 2025
Assessing Windows 11 compatibility for medical devices

Check Windows 11 compatibility before you upgrade medical devices. Record exact error messages, capture screenshots and event logs, and run TPM and Secure Boot checks. Keep vendor responses and timelines. Prioritise by clinical risk, isolate affected devices where needed, and log validation tests for procurement and safety boards.

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21 November 2025
Implementing regional redundancy after the AWS outage

Implementing regional redundancy after the AWS outage The recent AWS outage showed what happens when a DNS automation bug gets the wrong chance to run. I read that as a reminder to treat resilience work as a set of checks, not a slide deck. For a homelab, the useful part is simple: map dependencies, split […]

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20 November 2025
Windows 11 24H2: keeping Insider builds usable

Configure Windows 11 Insider Previews for steady test results and fast recovery. Back up your data, choose an appropriate Insider channel, limit background apps, and monitor performance. Follow clear rollback steps to restore a working system.

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17 November 2025
Testing CPU types to improve 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
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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14 November 2025
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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13 November 2025
Distro hopping: strategies for stability

How to Manage Multiple Linux Distributions Without Losing Your Mind I used to swap distros every few days. That taught me quickly that, without rules, the mess grows faster than patience. The useful part is simple: check what you have, keep your configs under control, and make backups before you change anything. Distro hopping: strategies […...

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12 November 2025
Navigating the Linux filesystem for former Windows users

How Linux file structures differ from Windows Linux uses one tree with / at the top. Windows uses drive letters. That is the first thing to get used to. A separate disk shows up as a folder once it is mounted. An extra drive might appear at /mnt/data or /media/usb, not as E:. Your personal […]

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9 November 2025
Troubleshooting common Windows Group Policy issues

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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8 November 2025
Booting from recovery media for repairs

You can fix Windows Startup failures by booting from recovery media. Start with the exact error message. Run Startup Repair, then use Command Prompt tools like bootrec and bcdboot. Check firmware mode, BitLocker and disk health. Record results and restore from image if needed.

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4 November 2025
Avoiding common pitfalls in Windows 11 updates

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Windows 11 Updates I run Insider builds on test machines, not production kit. They are useful for checking scripts, deployment steps, and Windows changes before they hit anything I care about. They also break in ordinary ways, which is why the setup matters. Getting Started with Windows 11 Insider Previews Overview...

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29 October 2025
Troubleshooting Proxmox crash loops

If you face Proxmox crashes and restart loops, start with logs and check your hardware. Gather exact kernel messages and timestamps. Test RAM and PSU, boot an older kernel and run memtest86 and stress tests. Document results and monitor for 24 to 72 hours.

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28 October 2025
Mitigating VM downtime after Proxmox host migration

Proxmox VM migration can leave services unreachable. Switches may hold old MAC or ARP entries. Use these checks and fixes to restore your access fast. Flush ARP and bridge FDB entries. Send gratuitous ARP from the VM or host. Clear the switch MAC table. Test connectivity and monitor for repeats.

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28 October 2025
Choosing between Proxmox and ESXi for virtual machines

Choosing between Proxmox and ESXi for virtual machines I built an SFF PC homelab and ran an ESXi box for eight years without a hypervisor crash. Now I am choosing between Proxmox and ESXi for a new SFF PC that will run about ten virtual machines, including WordPress, WireGuard, Home Assistant and a large personal […]

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27 October 2025
Creating a Telegram bot for Proxmox notifications

Learn how to set up Telegram alerts for your Proxmox cluster with this step-by-step guide. Get real-time notifications and optimize monitoring effortlessly!

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25 October 2025
Building a multi-boot USB with Ventoy and Linux

Unlock the power of your homelab by creating a versatile Ventoy USB drive. This guide walks you through hardware selection, setup, and testing for multi-boot functionality.

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4 October 2025
Setting up reliable notifications for klaxon alerts

Learn how to set up a reliable alarm klaxon notification system that avoids sound detection challenges. By sensing the klaxon's power state, you can ensure accurate alerts. Explore various detection methods and smart home technologies, including Z-Wave and microcontrollers, to create a customised, efficient notification system tailored to your home...

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27 September 2025
Understanding boot sequences in BIOS and UEFI

Explore the key differences between BIOS and UEFI in this concise guide. Understand the boot sequences crucial for installing Linux Mint, and learn practical tips for troubleshooting common issues. Equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate firmware settings, from initialisation to bootloaders, ensuring a smooth installation experience without...

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15 September 2025
Steps for a successful Proxmox VE 9 upgrade

Upgrading Proxmox VE on Older Hardware: A Practical Guide Proxmox VE 9 upgrade Overview of Proxmox VE 9 features Proxmox VE 9 brings newer kernels, updated

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13 September 2025
Installing your first Linux system

Setting Up First Linux Distro: Best Practices I’ll assume you want a clean, reliable start. This guide is a practical primer for setting up Linux. I keep it

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12 September 2025
Customising your Arch Linux desktop environment

Customising Arch Linux: A Beginner's Guide to customising Arch Linux I’ll be blunt. Arch is a toolkit, not a finished desktop. That makes it ideal if you want

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12 September 2025
Installing Windows 11 alongside Linux

Setting Up Dual Boot: A Step - by - Step Approach for Linux and dual boot Dual boot means running two operating systems on one machine and choosing which to

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