This article examines APM and observability solutions and tools. I’ve also included several quotes collected from observability companies who offer easy access to their platforms, and composed a list below of noteworthy observability solutions. I encourage observability providers to extend free and open access to their platforms and software, beyond free trials and without requiring […]
MySQL Performance Tuning: Tips, Scripts and Tools
With MySQL, common configuration mistakes can create severe performance problems. If you misconfigure just one of the many config parameters, it can cripple performance. Of course, the performance of MySQL is often tied to the efficiency of your MySQL queries. It’s essential to ensure that your performance issues are not due to poorly written MySQL […]
dstat command in Linux w/ examples
This dstat command guide follows my previous 90 Linux Commands frequently used by Linux Sysadmins article. As time allows, I will continue to publish articles on around the 90 commands geared toward Linux sysadmins and Linux power users. Let’s continue this series with the dstat command. Dstat is used for generating system resource statistics. It is a versatile […]
iftop command in Linux w/ examples
This iftop command guide follows my previous 90 Linux Commands frequently used by Linux Sysadmins article. As time allows, I will continue to publish articles on around the 90 commands geared toward Linux sysadmins and Linux power users. Let’s continue this series with the iftop command. iftop is a terminal program that shows network activity and details in text form. It’s […]
Best Linux Distro (2024)
Looking for the best Linux distro (distribution) to enhance your desktop or laptop experience? This article will guide you to what, I believe, are the best Linux distros for beginner, experienced, and expert users. Whether you are a power user or just getting your feet wet, there are indeed specific Linux distros best suited for […]
Home Lab Beginners guide (Hardware)
Until recently, and for well over the past decade, my wife and I have been nomads. Moving from the Caribbean to Miami, New York, Las Vegas, Vancouver, and now back home. This has meant that for many of those years, my home office basically comprised of a few laptops and screens. These days, we are […]
Generating Secure Passwords for your Linux Server
Update: March 4th 2024: While the guidance below – originally provided in 2013 – emphasizes the creation and management of secure passwords, more than a decade later, it’s important to recognize and advocate for the use of passwordless authentication methods wherever feasible. Authentication keys for SSH, biometric authentication, and single sign-on (SSO) are exemplary alternatives that […]
Apache Performance: Disable .htaccess
In 2013, while seeking a detailed guide on performance enhancements for a StackLinux client, I began a quest to find an article that explained the impact of WordPress Caching plugins—specifically, how those utilizing .htaccess might be less efficient than their counterparts. This search turned out to be unexpectedly time-consuming, but it eventually led me to this […]
Choosing the Perfect Network Firewall Device for under $300
Embarking on the quest to find the ideal home office, home lab or small business firewall device is akin to navigating a jungle, but let’s narrow it down by setting the budget to under $300 USD. Picture this: your network is already configured and has been working without issue for a while now. You are […]
Choosing Linux Terminal Emulators – Discussion and List
The terminal emulator stands as an unsung hero, bridging the gap between user and machine with a blend of simplicity and power. As we delve into the world of terminal emulators, we uncover a landscape rich in diversity and innovation. From the classic simplicity of XTerm to the modern, Rust-powered elegance of Warp, terminal emulators […]