tech

Jan 22 2018

Control Panel

I have decided to switch from Virtualmin back to VestaCP for managing my site.  There was nothing wrong with Virtualmin from a technical standpoint, just a couple of issues I hated working around (adding a smccloud.com subdomain was the main one).  Although I do lose IPv6 support until March, I doubt many people will even notice that.

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Dec 4 2017

Charter/Spectrum

Well, I was reading a news article today about how Charter/Spectrum is telling the FTC that Title II is making it so they don’t invest in their network but they are telling investors that it isn’t causing any issues.  Also had a link in the article saying that every user on their 60Mbps tier will be upgraded to 100Mbps, the problem I have with this is they are not increasing the upload speed.  Still a crappy 5Mbps, its taking me forever to complete my first backup with CrashPlan Small Business due to this.

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Oct 9 2017

Docker

Well,

I have been playing around with creating Docker containers.  I’ve created two so far.  One to mine Monero (XMR) with a CPU where everything is automatically set and the other is to run a full Monero Node.  It can be difficult to create the container, but it is actually fun too.  Maybe I will create more in the future.

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Jul 24 2017

Wemo® Mini Smart Plug

I picked up a Wemo® Mini Smart Plug for my wife’s nightstand light last week.  It integrates nicely with Alexa (unlike my Sensi Thermostat) and so far I’m happy with it.  I’ve only had one issue with it so far that I can blame on the integration.  Every once and a while, Alexa will refuse to turn it on or off until you use the Wemo app to do it.  I’m thinking something gets a little out of sync between them but I do not know for sure.  The bigger issue I have is my wife refuses to use it at night, she just turns the nightlight off at the bulb like she always has.  Means when I get home I have to turn the light on at the bulb then tell Alexa to turn the switch off.  I’m thinking of modifying the light so the switch doesn’t work, but I’m not sure I want to do that yet.  But as of right now, I can recommend the Wemo® Mini Smart Plug, especially if you have an Amazon Echo of some sort.

 

 

[amazon_link asins=’B01NBI0A6R’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’runtsblo03-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’fb982593-70a0-11e7-9835-650fca09e63d’]

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Jul 19 2017

Smart House

Well,

 

After playing with my Echo Dots for a couple of days I really want to start replacing outlets & switches to make a full smart house.  Do I need to, no.  But the ability to turn a light on or off by speaking would rock.  Especially in our bedroom, where I have to stumble past the bed to my wife’s side in order to turn her nightstand light on.  Currently looking at just a TP-Link Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini for her lamp because it only takes up one outlet.  There are other options that only take up a single outlet, but I’ve read good reviews on them.

[amazon_link asins=’B01K1JVZOE’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’runtsblo03-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c0b07a59-6c94-11e7-82c4-ed998c428b80′]

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Jul 17 2017

Alexa

Well,

My phone got its full Alexa integration today.  So far its pretty neat to use.  Adjusted the temp on my home thermostat a couple of times to try it out and verify that worked.  Also got in the beta test of the skill for the Monero mining pool I’m in, that is awesome too.  Also got my code for my free echo dots last week, they arrived today.  I’ll get them setup tonight and hopefully not confuse myself with saying the key word (thankfully you can update it on the echo devices, can’t on my phone).  I’m planning on putting one upstairs and one in my bedroom, and eventually getting a smart outlet for my wife’s nightstand lamp (and possible other lamps too).

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Jun 19 2017

SiaCoin

Well,

I am officially running a Sia host at home. Currently at around 4.8997TB of storage. I need a lot more SiaCoins for collateral though. Currently at around 12,000SC and I’m thinking in need somewhere around 1,000,000SC for the amount of space I have. But this combined with my Monero mining & Bitcoin loans are a way to make some extra money so I’m happy.

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Jun 6 2017

USB C Cables

Well, since I’ll be getting my new phone this Friday, I need to find some USB C cables.  The one cable it comes with just won’t be enough for me…….To bad Amazon is full of cables that aren’t safe to use.

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Jun 5 2017

Coding

Well, I am working on an Android app for supportXMR.com which is the Monero mining pool I am part of.  I’m using Xamarin so I can code it in C# (which I know better than Java).  Its going ok, but I’m running into an issue communicating with the API.  I hate TLS, it is so difficult to troubleshoot.

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Jun 2 2017

Phone

Well, I am getting really fed up with my Moto G4+.  It has started to suffer from the phantom touch issue they can end up with.  It is getting worse and worse too.  I pre-ordered a [amazon_textlink asin=’B07144ZQ87′ text=’HTC U11′ template=’ProductLink’ store=’runtsblo03-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’b92d5cc3-47c0-11e7-8806-892b38598f1d’] through Sprint since they are my carrier and I also get two free [amazon_textlink asin=’B01DFKC2SO’ text=’Amazon Echo Dots’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’runtsblo03-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’aae1ffd1-47c0-11e7-b65c-f7870e560bfa’] with it as well.  I haven’t had a HTC phone for quite a while, so I hope it is good as it sounds like it will be.

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