Wireless access point refreshes sound simple on paper: buy new hardware, swap it in, done. In practice, your Meraki AP migrations will likely turn up a few real-world wrinkles. Here is a process you should follow to get everything cut over cleanly with zero extended downtime for your end users.
Nextcloud is consistently one of the most-installed apps on TrueNAS SCALE, but the official app catalog ships with a few defaults and quirks that can send a fresh install sideways; especially if you're putting it behind a reverse proxy like NPMplus. The good news is that once you know which boxes to tick (and which to leave alone), the whole stack comes up clean and stays up.
This guide walks through the exact sequence I used to deploy Nextcloud on TrueNAS SCALE Community Edition with NPMplus handling SSL and reverse proxying, with all the working settings with no detours, no "try this and see if it works" steps, and no recovery sections you'll only need if something breaks.
*Updated 2-16-2026 to fix hyperlink issues!
Getting a new computer is exciting, but the transition from your old system to the new one requires careful planning to ensure nothing important gets left behind. These principles apply universally, regardless of your hardware path: whether you are performing a standard upgrade (PC to PC, Mac to Mac) or switching operating systems entirely (PC to Mac or Mac to PC). Whether you're upgrading at home or replacing workstations at your business, proper preparation can mean the difference between a smooth, stress-free experience and hours of frustration tracking down missing files and forgotten passwords.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before, during, and after a computer migration. There are several things you can do ahead of time to make the process faster and more successful; with less surprises!
If you are serious about data protection, you likely follow the "3-2-1 Backup Rule": three copies of data, two different media, and one offsite. That "offsite" copy is the lifesaver; whether it’s a mirror of your Synology NAS or a full-system image of your workstation. But while your local hardware sits quietly on a shelf sipping 20 watts of power, the cloud datacenter holding those system archives is a different story.
Data centers currently consume an estimated 1-2% of global electricity, a number expected to rise sharply with the AI boom. As IT enthusiasts, system builders, and data hoarders, we have a responsibility to ask: Where are my system backups actually living, and how are they being kept cool?
Finding a "green" provider isn’t just about believing a leaf icon on a homepage. It’s about finding a balance between technical compatibility (S3, WebDAV, rclone) and verifiable sustainability (PUE metrics, water usage, and renewable sourcing). Here are the top 10 cloud storage options that balance robust system and NAS backup needs with environmental responsibility.
Sometimes you need to change your Windows Server edition; maybe you installed Datacenter but only have a Standard license, or you're migrating licensing models. Here's how to do it in-place without a full reinstall.
Microsoft’s official stance is that Remote Desktop Services (RDS) generally requires an Active Directory Domain. However, for small environments, standalone servers, or specific test cases, you can set up a Workgroup RDS Deployment.
This guide covers how to install the RDS roles manually, configure licensing without a domain controller, and strictly manage local user access.
⚠ Important Warning: This guide focuses on a Workgroup setup. If you require strict Per-User CAL enforcement or advanced features like RD Gateway, a Domain environment is the only fully supported path.
Whether it’s a splash of water on your smartphone or a full cup of coffee dumped into your laptop keyboard, liquid is the #1 enemy of electronics. When moisture meets electricity, you are in a race against short-circuits and corrosion.
If you’ve just had a spill, don't panic. Follow this step-by-step guide to give your device the best chance of survival.
After years of working with small and medium businesses across the Pacific Northwest, I've learned one fundamental truth: the right hardware makes all the difference. Whether you're building out a new office network, upgrading your storage infrastructure, or simply need a reliable mouse that won't quit on you during a critical deadline, choosing the right equipment saves time, money, and headaches down the road.
This guide represents my go-to recommendations for devices that consistently deliver performance, reliability, and value. These aren't just products I recommend; they're the equipment I trust for my own infrastructure and confidently recommend to clients.
Remember when Google first arrived on the scene? It felt like magic. Suddenly, we had this oracle that seemed to know everything. Ask it anything, and boom!!! Answers. We crowned it the all-knowing arbiter of truth, the solution to every question, the end of "I don't know."
Except it wasn't. Not really...
There are several free technical certifications available that can help build IT skills boost your resume and to start you on a path towards a career in IT. While some certifications are entirely free, others may require a small testing fee. Here are some of the best options:
