Homelab
The 3-2-1 Backup Rule in 2026: Keep It, But Add Two Checks
Plan three data copies across separate storage and failure boundaries, with an offsite copy, protected backup credentials, and clean-location restore tests before relying on job status.
Plex in 2026: What Still Works Free
A practical guide to what Plex still does without Plex Pass, where Remote Watch Pass matters, and when free local streaming is enough.
What Is the Safest Way to Expose One Self-Hosted App Publicly?
Keep a self-hosted app private when possible. If public access is necessary, limit its permissions, preserve private administration and test unauthorized and direct-origin requests as well as the intended login.
Back Up a Windows PC to a NAS Automatically
Choose File History for selected Windows files or a supported image-backup agent for system recovery, using a dedicated NAS share, restricted credentials, and tested recovery access.
Move from Plex to Jellyfin Without Losing Your Rollback Path
Move from Plex to Jellyfin with a read-only parallel run, exact inventory steps, client acceptance checks, and restore and rollback gates before cutover.
What Should You Monitor in a Homelab?
Monitor failures that affect household service or recovery, with an owner and response for each alert. Test notification and recovery paths that remain usable when the monitored system or network fails.
Is 2026 a Bad Time to Buy a NAS?
Decide whether a NAS purchase solves a documented storage need, comparing complete-system quotes, drive support, backup costs, and recovery requirements; no current price survey is provided.
Direct Play vs Transcoding in Plex and Jellyfin: What the Dashboard Proves
Use Plex or Jellyfin dashboard and log evidence to isolate container, codec, audio, subtitle, HDR, bitrate, client, and network playback triggers.
Home Assistant OS vs Docker vs VM: Which Install Is Right?
Choose Home Assistant OS for integrated management or Container for deliberately managed companion services. A VM is a hosting choice, not a third installation type; compare radio access, backups and recovery dependencies.
Closet NAS Maintenance: Check Heat, Dust, Power, and Drive Health
A NAS is a small server, and closets are often bad server rooms. Check airflow, power, alerts, disks, and restore paths before it fails quietly.