Monday, August 18, 2025

Why Do Hackers Target & Attack Who They Do?

It’s quite rare for the average "someone" to be targeted by a deep, sophisticated cyberattack; without a compelling reason

Typically, this only happens when a hacker or group expects or knows they can achieve a significant payoff if they were to attack. If they think or know they could "score" something huge through an attack, they will be far more willing to invest their time and resources into that hack, attack, and/or SCAM.

Windows 10 End of Support: What You Need to Know About Microsoft's Timeline and Your Options

 


Windows 10 End of Support: What You Need to Know About Microsoft's Timeline and Your Options

If you're among the millions still using Windows 10, there's an important deadline approaching that could significantly impact your computer's security. Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will officially end on October 14, 2025, but they've also introduced a new program that might give you more time to plan your next move.

Thursday, August 14, 2025

RAID Controller HBA Mode PLUS Proxmox ZFS Setup Tutorial


RAID HBA Mode & Proxmox ZFS Setup


Overview

This tutorial covers converting a RAID controller to HBA (Host Bus Adapter) mode and setting up ZFS storage in Proxmox. HBA mode allows ZFS to directly manage individual drives, providing better performance and ZFS's advanced features.

Monday, August 11, 2025

A Free Solution for Windows Driver Management

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Snappy Driver Installer Origin:
A Free Solution for Windows OS Driver Management, ID & Installation

Windows device drivers can be a pain to identify, find, and obtain. When "bait" sites promise to provide needed drivers but deliver malware instead, or when Windows Device Manager fails to accurately identify a device that needs a driver, finding the right solution can feel impossible. More recently, I've run into support access limitations with commercial-grade systems and servers, where a corporate or partner account is required just to access necessary hardware drivers for a device.

That's where a free and completely open-source application called Snappy Driver Installer Origin (SDIO) comes to the rescue.

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Maximize Your Digital Privacy

 


How to Maximize Your Digital Privacy in Today's Connected World

In recent months, I've noticed a surge in customer inquiries about online privacy and data security. Questions like "How can I keep my online accounts more secure?" and "I want to browse the internet as anonymously as possible; how do I do that?" have become increasingly common. The growing concern about personal data removal from the internet reflects our collective awakening to digital privacy risks.

This comprehensive guide covers the fundamentals of online privacy, practical steps to enhance your digital security, and methods for removing personal information from the internet.

ProxMox VE: Installation & Free Edition Configuration


Setting Up ProxMox VE:
Installation and Free Edition Configuration


ProxMox Virtual Environment (VE) is a powerful open-source virtualization platform that combines KVM virtualization and LXC containers on a single platform. Whether you're building a homelab or deploying enterprise infrastructure, ProxMox offers enterprise-grade features without the enterprise price tag.

In this guide, we'll walk through the essential steps for installing ProxMox and configuring it for the free edition, including the crucial repository fixes that every non-subscription user needs to know.

Server USB Boot & RAID Controller Access

Server Boot Methods:
USB Boot and RAID Controller Access

When working with servers, especially during initial setup or maintenance, you'll frequently need to boot from USB devices and access RAID controller configurations. This guide tries to help cover the essential methods for both operations across different server platforms.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Email Account Security Audit Guide

Email Account Security Audit Guide


Your email account is often the master key to your digital life. It's used for password resets, financial notifications, work communications, and personal correspondence. A compromised email account can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and privacy breaches. This guide will help you audit your email security and implement strong protection measures.

Monday, July 7, 2025

Network Rack Upgrade

Network Rack Upgrade

After 2 months of careful planning, part sourcing, and even some 3D printing magic, my freshly upgraded network rack is finally live! From a robust Tecmojo 12U frame to a lineup of SBCs and mini-PCs, every component has been placed with purpose. In this post, I’ll walk you through the hardware, share product links, and highlight the key modules that bring my homelab, and the Pacific Northwest Computers’ infrastructure, to life!!

*None of the links are affiliate links or anything! I am simply sharing what I used in this project!

Friday, July 4, 2025

Circuit Simulation & PCB Design Tools


In the fast-paced world of electronics design, having the right tools at your fingertips can make all the difference between a concept that stays on paper and one that comes to life. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, circuit simulation and PCB design software help you prototype, test, and refine your ideas before you ever send files off for fabrication. Below is a curated roundup of both free and professional-grade applications, complete with links and brief descriptions, so you can quickly find the right fit for your next project.