I love Docker, but I hate that containers have to be manually updated. So, I found a solution: Watchtower. This simple Docker container completely streamlined my setup, and I won't deploy another Docker server without it.

If you've ever tried to install Home Assistant, it's likely you've seen the numerous ways to get it up and going. I started with the recommended method, and, through trial and error, found the most reliable way to install and run Home Assistant.

Plugable did it again with its latest 40W Dual USB-C Charger. Delivering 40W from a single USB-C port, or 20W when both are in use, this charger now has a permanent place in my tech bag.

I grew tired of paying for Google One storage just to use Google Photos. Plus, I wanted more privacy and security over my stored pictures. What did I do? I built my own server to replace Google Photos, and you can too.

If you run any type of home server, then you've likely needed to access it when away from home. I know I have. That's where running a VPN at home comes in, and here's how I do just that.

Anker hit it out of the park with its Prime 6-in-1 200W USB-C charger. Delivering 100W from two USB-C ports simultaneously or splitting the power bill four ways and still kicking 65W out of two ports, this charger is the one to beat when it comes to powering your setup with a single wall outlet.

I needed a lot of storage for home media, photos, videos, documents, and more. Instead of buying an extremely expensive Synology server, I went an entirely different route and built my own storage server for a fraction of the cost.

I might spend money on random networking equipment I don't need, but when it comes to my cell phone plan, I save money at every turn. This includes switching to a family phone plan instead of being on my own.

I really wanted to like the Acer PD163Q Dual Portable Monitor. The idea of being able to carry around two screens with me and plug a single cable in was alluring, though that thought process came to an abrupt end thanks to this portable display's constant connectivity issues.

The good news is that the most common issues aren't severe enough to put you off hosting your own server altogether. Here are some common issues you could run into, as well as how to solve them.

It's not all that difficult to run a Minecraft server. In fact, you likely have everything needed to do it in your home right now. On top of allowing for online play with friends, you can even run your own single-player worlds on a server too. Here are my top tips to get started with running and maintaining your own Minecraft servers.

I love Minecraft. But, more than playing it at my desk, I love playing Minecraft anywhere I am. Here's why I keep my single-player world on a server instead of just my local desktop.

Minecraft is a fantastic game. Not only has it defied the odds and survived 16 years as a game, but it's still thriving today.

If you've become bored with the default theme of Pi-Hole, there's an easy way to change that. If you didn't know, Pi-Hole actually has a sort of theming engine. While you used to have to manually install them, the LCARS theme now comes baked in, and here's what all it entails.

Hosting your own Minecraft server doesn't have to be difficult. I've hosted my own servers for friends for the past few years, and it's actually pretty simple to do.

2025 is the year I was determined to keep a journal. And, instead of having to spend money monthly on an app like Day One, I decided to give Obsidian a try. There's no going back.

I was ready to purchase a new camera earlier this year, upgrading from my Sony a6500/a6000 setup that I've been running for several years. I chose to "upgrade" to a seven-year-old camera, but why?

I've been enjoying amateur photography for years, but there's one piece of kit I've never owned up until this month: a variable ND filter. I can't believe I waited so long to get one–it's completely changed my photography capabilities.

It's 2025, and people still flock to 1080p monitors for their computers. I think it's high time that we make 4K the default resolution of computer displays, because a 4K monitor is absolutely worth putting on your desk.