writing
Guides
Practical notes from systems I run or have run. Each guide says what it assumes, shows the commands, and ends with how to check it worked.
Backups and recovery
#backups
Proxmox backup checklist: jobs, PBS, off-site, restores
Set up Proxmox VE backups that you can restore: backup jobs, a Proxmox Backup Server datastore, encryption, an off-site sync, and a recorded restore test.
8 min read
#backups
The 3-2-1-1-0 backup rule, applied to a Linux server
Apply 3-2-1-1-0 to a Linux server with restic: a local repository, an off-site copy, an append-only copy, scheduled checks and a restore test.
7 min read
Virtualization
#virtualization
Install Proxmox VE 9 on one server: a first-week setup
Install Proxmox VE 9 on one server: the no-subscription repository, network bridge, storage, 2FA and firewall, then a first container and VM.
7 min read
#virtualization
Running Proxmox in production: clusters, HA and upgrades
Take Proxmox VE from one host to production: build a cluster, add a QDevice, set up HA and live migration, use cloud-init templates and upgrade safely.
7 min read
Automation
#automation
Self-host n8n with Docker Compose, Postgres and HTTPS
Run n8n 2.x on your own server with Docker Compose, Postgres and Caddy for HTTPS, then set up backups, safe upgrades and a path to queue mode.
7 min read
#automation
Make n8n workflows reliable: errors, retries and alerts
Make n8n workflows hold up in production: retries, error outputs, an alerting error workflow, sub-workflows, safe webhooks and concurrency limits.
7 min read
#automation
Should you switch to n8n? A test drive and a decision list
Decide whether n8n fits before you migrate: what changes, a local Docker trial, rebuilding one real workflow, and a simple running-cost comparison.
6 min read
#automation
Migrate from Zapier to n8n: map, rebuild, run in parallel
Move Zaps to n8n step by step: list what you have, map Zapier features to n8n nodes, rebuild, run both side by side, then cut over with a way back.
7 min read
#automation
Migrate from Make to n8n: routers, iterators, error handlers
Translate Make scenarios into n8n: export blueprints, map routers, iterators, aggregators, data stores and error handlers, then test and cut over.
7 min read
#automation
Self-host Mautic 7 with Docker: install, email, cron
Install Mautic 7 with Docker Compose, connect an email provider, set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC, run the cron and worker containers, and back it up.
6 min read