How To Setup a Desktop PC as a Server

Desktop PC as a Server:

The Ultimate Setup Guide (Windows 10/11)

Applies to: Windows 10 Pro / Windows 11 Pro (22H2 and later)

The purpose of this guide is to help folks with configuring a standard desktop computer to reliably serve files, printers, and business applications (QuickBooks, Sage, etc.) without downtime or performance lag.

A Professional Guide For Responding to a Network Breach, System Breach, or Hack

Digital First Aid:

A Professional Guide For Responding to a Network or System Breach, and/or Hack

Discovering a security breach is a high-stakes race against time. Whether you are a home user or a business owner, your response in the first few hours determines whether the attacker is evicted or stays for the long haul.

Setting Up OPNsense as a Private DNS Server with Intrusion Detection (ProxMoxVE)

Setting Up OPNsense as a Private DNS Server with Intrusion Detection in a Proxmox VM

Transform your network security with a dedicated DNS server and real-time threat detection

OPNsense Installation Guide

 

OPNsense Installation Guide (ISO)

If you're looking to take control of your network with enterprise-grade tools, installing OPNsense is a powerful first step. Whether you're setting up a home lab, securing a small business network, or just want better visibility and filtering, this guide walks you through the full installation process; from hardware prep to post-install configuration. With just a few components and a bit of time, you’ll be ready to deploy a firewall and DNS solution that rivals commercial offerings.

OPNsense DNS Server Setup via ProxMox

 

Private DNS Server & Traffic Monitoring:
OPNsense VM on ProxMox

Setting up a secure and intelligent home network doesn’t have to be complicated. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to deploy OPNsense on Proxmox as a private DNS server and traffic monitor, giving you enterprise-grade filtering, visibility, and control; right from your living room. Whether you're looking to block ads, monitor bandwidth, or enhance your network’s security posture, this setup offers a powerful and flexible solution without replacing your existing router.

Troubleshoot Mac Scanning Problems & Issues

 

Scanning on Your Mac Not Working?

Here's How to Try to Fix It!

If your printer or scanner won't scan to your Mac/Apple computer anymore, try these steps to hopefully get things fixed:

IoT Devices Wireless Troubleshooting Guide

Wireless Troubleshooting Guide for IoT Devices

(Amazon Echo, Smart Home Devices, etc.)

Ensuring stable wireless connectivity is essential for the proper functioning of IoT devices. If you're experiencing issues during setup or daily use, follow this checklist to optimize your network for compatibility.

 Xfinity, Comcast & Comcast Business 
Modem Port Forwarding

1. Login to your Xfinity/Comcast Modem by entering one of the two following IP addresses into a browser address bar:
1. 10.0.0.1 for residential customers.
2. 10.1.10.1 for Comcast Business customers.
   
   
2. The default logins for most Comcast/Xfinity modems are:
1. Username: cusadmin Password: highspeed
2. Username: admin Password: password
   
   
3. After you log in, if you are asked to change the default password, do so! That way no random people can try to gain access to your modem if they gain access to your wifi/network. Use a safe/secure password and make a note of that information for future use.
   
   
4. First off, you want to configure the Firewall in your modem to either be set to Custom or if you can, turn it off completely if possible.
   
   
5. After turning off the Firewall, go to "Connected Devices".
   
   
6. Reserve the IP address (set a static IP) for the device that you are port forwarding to.
   
   
7. Click on the "Advanced" tab, and you can then set up any/all port forwarding rules as needed to your statically assigned device!
   

Xfinity/Residential Modem Firewall:

Comcast Business Modem Firewall:

• To make sure you have in fact opened the needed ports successfully, you first need to figure out your public IP address. You can visit www.whatismyip.com and get your Public IP address.

• Next, visit www.yougetsignal.com's Open Port testing site and make sure the ports you have opened/forwarded are indeed working!

Jon Pienkowski

Pacific NW Computers

www.pacificnwcomputers.com

www.linktr.ee/pnwcomputers