Homelab
Back Up a Windows PC to a NAS Automatically
Set up automatic Windows backups to a NAS with the right method: file history, image backup, vendor agent, or a scripted archive.
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 the things that would make recovery harder or affect the household: internet, DNS, router, UPS, NAS disks, backup jobs, storage capacity, certificates, critical containers, and remote access. Start with alerts you.
Is 2026 a Bad Time to Buy a NAS?
NAS boxes are better than ever, but drive pricing, compatibility policies, and AI-era storage demand make the buying decision less automatic.
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?
Home Assistant OS is the best default for most people because add-ons, backups, updates, and Supervisor are integrated. Docker is best for operators who already manage Compose and do not need add-ons.
Your NAS Is Dying in a Closet: Fix Heat, Dust, Power, and Neglect
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.
What Should Happen to Your Homelab During a Power Outage?
A homelab should fail in a predictable order: keep the network alive first, shut down storage cleanly, stop compute before batteries are exhausted, and restart services only after power is stable.
How Do You Run Security Cameras Locally Without Cloud Dependency?
Use cameras that support local RTSP or ONVIF, put them on an isolated camera VLAN, record to a local NVR such as Frigate, Blue Iris, Synology Surveillance Station, or UniFi Protect.
Immich vs Google Photos: Which Photo Backup Setup Should You Trust?
Google Photos is easier and Immich gives more control, but neither removes the need for a real backup of originals and metadata.