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Olares One Review: Gaming, Local AI, and Cybersecurity Potential in a Compact System

Unknown — Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sponsored: The Olares One was provided by the manufacturer for this review. Opinions are my own.

</a> Introduction</h2>
A gaming PC, local AI workstation, self-hosting box, and compact desktop in one device — that’s what the Olares One is aiming for. I’m testing it from two main angles: gaming and local AI. From a cybersecurity perspective it’s also relevant to me, though I haven’t yet built out my full lab setup on it.
The hardware is not what you’d call a normal mini PC: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, NVIDIA RTX 5090 Mobile with 24 GB VRAM, 96 GB DDR5, and a 2 TB NVMe SSD. Olares positions it heavily around local AI workflows, app deployment, personal cloud, and keeping control over your own data.
That mix is what makes it worth a look. It’s not just a gaming PC, not just an AI box, and not just a small desktop — it’s a compact power-user machine.
</a> Design and First Impression</h2>
Strong first impression. The Olares One doesn’t feel like an office mini PC, it feels more like a small high-end workstation. Compact enough for a desk, but the hardware inside is what you’d usually expect in a much bigger tower.
I like the form factor. A lot of powerful systems are large, loud, or visually aggressive. The Olares One takes the opposite path: serious performance in a compact chassis. For someone who wants gaming, local AI, and technical experiments on the same machine, that matters.
The package doesn’t feel like a DIY build either. Hardware, OS, and apps come together in a way that reminds me a little of Apple — not because it copies Apple, but because the whole thing is clearly designed as one product. The big difference is that it isn’t a closed ecosystem.
</a> Premium Feel, but Open</h2>
That mix of polished hardware and technical freedom is one of the things I like most. It looks and behaves like a finished product, but it doesn’t lock me in.
Olares OS is open source — a self-hosted operating system that turns the device into a personal cloud for AI workflows and data. It also isn’t tied exclusively to Olares hardware; you can install it on other platforms, dual-boot with Windows (dual-drive or single-drive), or wipe Olares OS entirely and run native Windows.
For me that creates a useful middle ground. Premium and integrated, but still open. I wouldn’t call it an “Apple killer.” A better description: Apple-like premium feel, with open source, dual-boot, and actual control over the hardware.
</a> Gaming</h2>
The Olares One is marketed as a local AI desktop, but the hardware is obviously good for gaming too. An RTX 5090 Mobile with 24 GB VRAM is a strong base for modern titles and GPU-heavy work.
What I like about the concept is that it isn’t built for one purpose. You can game, record, stream, run tools in the background, and still have headroom for other workloads. Strong GPU, plenty of RAM, fast NVMe — flexible combination.
Real gaming numbers always depend on the title, settings, OS, and individual setup, so I won’t make up FPS figures. But based on the hardware alone: this isn’t a mini PC for browsing and office work. It’s a real performance system.
If you only care about gaming, a traditional tower will give you more upgrade flexibility and probably costs less. If you want gaming plus local AI, self-hosting, coding, and technical workflows on the same box, the Olares One is a much more compelling package.
</a> Local AI</h2>
Local AI is where it gets genuinely interesting for me. Most people use cloud services for chatbots, coding assistants, and creative AI tools. Convenient, but not ideal if you want to keep prompts, data, and workflows under your own control.
24 GB VRAM and 96 GB system RAM are a solid base for local LLMs and AI experiments. I’m planning to run models like Qwen3.5-27B on it through frameworks like Transformers, vLLM, SGLang, and KTransformers.
Local AI isn’t a tech demo for me — it’s about control. When the model runs locally, the prompts, documents, and experiments stay on hardware I own. I can swap models, build my own pipelines, and not worry about rate limits or what a provider does with my data. As someone working in security and self-hosting, that matters.
That’s why the Olares One feels less like a normal PC and more like a personal AI desktop. The 24 GB VRAM is the key spec — most compact systems either lack a dedicated GPU or fall short on video memory, which is exactly where local models hit a wall.
</a> Cybersecurity Workflows</h2>
Beyond gaming and local AI, the Olares One fits well as a security workstation. I haven’t pushed it through larger custom labs yet, but the hardware lines up with that kind of work.
Security usually means running several environments in parallel: Kali or Parrot, Windows test VMs, Burp Suite, Docker containers, local databases, analysis tools, CTF environments, eventually a small AD lab. That benefits from a lot of RAM, a fast SSD, and a strong CPU. 96 GB of RAM is enough headroom to run multiple VMs or container stacks at the same time without choking.
Local AI fits naturally into this. A model running on the same machine can help with structuring notes, explaining code, summarizing logs, or drafting parts of a pentest report — without sensitive data ever leaving the device. That’s a real advantage when client material or internal findings are involved.
So beyond gaming and AI, I see clear potential here as a cybersecurity workstation. The bigger lab tests are something for a follow-up post once I’ve actually run them.
</a> Self-Hosting and Local Control</h2>
The self-hosting angle ties everything together. The Olares One is built as a personal cloud device — workstation hardware paired with Olares OS, with the explicit goal of running AI agents and storing data on hardware you physically control.
That lines up with a moment where more and more services are being pushed into the cloud. Owning the data, the tools, the models, and the workflows on your own hardware is becoming relevant again. A device like this doesn’t replace a proper server setup if you’re running production services for other people, but as a personal local system for AI, dev work, smaller services, and experiments, the concept works.

gamers who also have productive workloads</li>
AI users who want to run local models</li>
developers who lean on local tools and coding assistants</li>
creators with GPU-heavy media and AI pipelines</li>
self-hosters who want a strong local box</li>
security folks running VMs, CTFs, and lab work</li>
power users who don’t want a giant tower on their desk</li> </ul>
For pure office use, this is overkill and the hardware is wasted. But that’s exactly what makes it appealing for the use cases above.
</a> Honest Perspective</h2>
As positive as my first impression is, this isn’t a cheap standard PC and it isn’t for everyone.
If you only play games occasionally, watch YouTube, and do some office work, you don’t need this kind of device. If you only care about gaming, a traditional desktop will give you more upgrade flexibility and probably costs less.
The Olares One gets interesting when you want to combine multiple worlds: gaming, local AI, development, self-hosting, and security work. That’s where it earns its spot.
I’ll also be straight about the security angle: I haven’t yet pushed it through my full lab setup. The hardware fits the workload — many VMs, lots of tools, local analysis, AI-assisted support — but real results belong in a follow-up.
</a> Conclusion</h2>
The Olares One is not a regular mini PC. It feels more like a compact local AI workstation that also happens to have serious gaming power.
Core Ultra 9 275HX, RTX 5090 Mobile with 24 GB VRAM, 96 GB RAM, and a 2 TB NVMe SSD make it a serious option for anyone who wants more than a traditional gaming PC — and a strong fit for local LLMs running through Transformers, vLLM, SGLang, or KTransformers.
For me it’s mainly a glimpse at what a modern power-user PC can look like: gaming machine, local AI desktop, compact workstation, personal cloud, and cybersecurity lab in one box. Premium and integrated, but with open source, local control, and dual-boot in the mix.
If you want to combine gaming, local AI, self-hosting, and technical workflows in one compact device, the Olares One is worth a closer look.

TRAE in 2026: An Ambitious AI IDE That Still Has Something to Prove

Unknown — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The AI coding space is crowded now, which means a new tool needs more than slick demos and bold claims to stand out. That is what makes TRAE worth a closer look. It is not trying to be just another editor with autocomplete and a chat sidebar. ByteDance is positioning it as an AI-first development environment, which tells you a lot about the direction here.
In practice, TRAE feels like a product that wants to sit much closer to the center of a developer’s workflow. Instead of only helping with small code edits, it leans into agent-style work, larger context handling, and tool-driven flows. That is a meaningful difference, and it is also the main reason TRAE gets attention in 2026.
</a> What TRAE is trying to be</h2>
TRAE is clearly built around the idea that coding tools are moving beyond simple assistance. Its feature set revolves around things like SOLO mode, custom agents, MCP support, and larger-context workflows. That puts it in a category that feels broader than traditional AI code completion.
This matters because there is a real difference between a tool that helps you finish a function and a tool that tries to help you think through a task, break it apart, and execute parts of it for you. TRAE is aiming for the second category.
That will appeal to a certain kind of developer immediately. If you like experimenting with agentic workflows, custom tooling, and AI-heavy environments, TRAE probably feels exciting. If you want a quiet, predictable editor that stays out of your way, it may feel like a bit much.
</a> Where TRAE looks strong</h2>
One of the most positive things about TRAE in 2026 is that it does not feel static. It looks like a product that is being actively pushed forward. In the AI tooling world, that matters a lot. Tools age fast now. A product that looked impressive a few months ago can suddenly feel behind.
TRAE also seems to understand that modern developers do not all work the same way. Some people want a fast chat interface. Others want a system that can take a broader objective and help drive it forward. Some want more control over models and tool integrations. TRAE is trying to cover all of those use cases.
That flexibility is a real strength.
Another point in TRAE’s favor is that it does not come across like a toy. Whether you like the direction or not, the product vision is clear. It is built around the idea that AI should not just decorate the IDE but actively shape how work gets done inside it. That makes it one of the more interesting AI IDEs to watch right now.
</a> Where it gets more complicated</h2>
The same ambition that makes TRAE appealing is also what may hold some people back.
Not everyone wants an IDE that feels like a platform. Features like agent modes, tool integrations, and bigger workflow layers can be useful, but they also add complexity. That is not automatically bad, but it changes the kind of user TRAE is best for.
If your ideal setup is lean, stable, and minimal, TRAE may feel too heavy on concepts and moving parts. There is always a trade-off with tools like this: more capability often means more overhead. TRAE does not escape that trade-off.
So the question is not whether TRAE has features. It clearly does. The real question is whether those features actually fit the way you want to work.
</a> The trust question is still real</h2>
This is where the conversation gets more serious.
Any AI coding tool that touches source code, repositories, prompts, and context windows will raise obvious questions around privacy, telemetry, and data handling. TRAE is no exception. And because it comes from a major company with global infrastructure and aggressive product ambitions, people are naturally going to look closely at how data flows through the product.
One important piece of context here is that TRAE offers a Privacy Mode, which users can turn on or off at any time. That matters, and it deserves to be part of the conversation whenever privacy concerns come up. It shows that privacy is at least being treated as a visible product setting rather than something left entirely in the background.
That still does not end the discussion. Privacy in AI development tools is rarely just about whether a toggle exists. Developers still care about what the mode changes in practice, what the defaults are, what telemetry remains necessary for the product to function, and how clearly all of that is communicated.
So I think the fair view is this: the presence of Privacy Mode is a meaningful plus, but trust still depends on how transparent the product is and how comfortable users feel putting real code into it.
This is not unique to TRAE, to be fair. The entire AI coding market is under pressure here. But TRAE is still in the position where it has to earn confidence, not assume it.
For hobby use or public code, some people may not care much. For professional use, it is harder to wave this away.
</a> Pricing changes the story too</h2>
Another reason TRAE feels different in 2026 is that it is no longer easy to frame it as the cheap newcomer. Once pricing becomes more structured and usage is tied more closely to tokens or plan limits, the conversation changes.
At that point, TRAE is no longer just an experiment you casually try because it is free. It starts competing as a serious paid tool in a market where developers may already be paying for other AI subscriptions, APIs, or editor add-ons.
That does not make it overpriced by default. It just means the bar is higher. People will naturally ask whether TRAE is giving them something they cannot already get elsewhere.
And that is probably the fairest way to judge it.
</a> My take on TRAE in 2026</h2>
TRAE is one of the more interesting AI IDEs in 2026 because it has an actual point of view. It is not just chasing autocomplete quality or wrapping a chatbot into an editor shell. It is aiming at a broader shift in how developers work with AI.
That gives it real upside. For developers who want agents, tool integration, larger-context reasoning, and a more AI-centered workflow, TRAE has genuine appeal. It looks like a product with momentum, not just a marketing splash.
At the same time, it is not a tool I would describe as universally easy to recommend. The complexity is real. The trust questions are real. The pricing reality is real. And as with most AI-heavy tools, the experience probably depends a lot on how much you actually want AI sitting this close to your daily workflow.
So the most honest conclusion is probably this:
TRAE is promising, capable, and clearly ambitious, but it still feels like a tool you adopt with intention rather than one you install without thinking.
That is not a criticism. In 2026, it might actually be the right place for a product like this to be.

OlaresOS & Olares One: A Local-First Personal Cloud for the AI Era

Unknown — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Most “cloud” products follow the same pattern: your data leaves your devices, you rent access back via subscriptions, and over time you lose flexibility and control. At the same time, more people want AI-powered workflows (LLMs, image tools, search, agents) — without sending prompts, documents, or internal notes to third-party services.
This is where Olares enters the conversation: a local-first, self-hosted “personal cloud OS” approach that aims to make running services (and increasingly, AI tooling) on your own hardware feel more like a product than a weekend-long integration project.
In this article, I’ll cover what OlaresOS is, how Olares One fits into the ecosystem (without diving into hardware specs), what’s genuinely compelling about the idea, and where you should keep a realistic mindset.
</a> What is OlaresOS?</h2>
At a high level, OlaresOS positions itself as a self-hosted personal cloud operating system. The goal is to help you run services locally — under your control — while presenting them through a cohesive, “platform-like” experience rather than a collection of separate tools.
If you’ve built a homelab stack before, you’ll recognize the pain points Olares is trying to reduce:

deploying and updating apps consistently</li>
managing identities / access and tying services together</li>
avoiding the “everything is YAML now” spiral</li>
building a usable UI around a self-hosted ecosystem</li> </ul>
In short: OlaresOS is less “just a distro” and more “a curated platform for local services.”

local-first services</li>
local AI workflows</li>
a more integrated “out of the box” platform approach</li> </ul>
Think of it as the ecosystem’s “official” home base, designed to showcase what OlaresOS is aiming for when software and hardware are aligned.

“Send data out, hope for the best” </blockquote>
to

“Keep data local, choose what to share.” </blockquote>
That alone is a strong motivation — especially for builders, researchers, and anyone handling sensitive or proprietary information.

“deploy an app and use it” </blockquote>
instead of

“assemble and maintain a small software company at home” </blockquote>
If OlaresOS delivers on that usability promise, it’s genuinely valuable — even to experienced homelab folks.

consistent UX</li>
a unified way to manage apps/services</li>
an ecosystem mindset rather than isolated components</li> </ul>
That “product factor” matters if you want other people (family, team, less-technical friends) to use services you host.

license clarity</li>
what components are truly open</li>
how portable your data is</li>
whether you can leave without pain</li> </ul>

custom app packaging</li>
identity systems that don’t export cleanly</li>
integrations that assume “the Olares way”</li> </ul>
None of this is automatically bad — but it’s worth checking how easy it is to migrate or rebuild elsewhere.

“the platform is good” </blockquote>
with

“the official device is the best way to use it” </blockquote>
You can evaluate the OS and ecosystem on their own merits, independent of any specific hardware story.

a local-first alternative to cloud ecosystems</li>
a more integrated self-hosting experience</li>
local AI workflows without shipping your data to third parties</li>
something that can be “used” more than it needs to be “maintained”</li> </ul>
It’s less compelling if you’re happy with a purely DIY stack and you enjoy maintaining it — or if you only need a tiny set of services where a minimal container setup already works perfectly.

“I want local AI that can search my notes/docs”</li>
“I want a personal cloud under my control”</li>
“I want a comfortable self-hosted app environment”</li> </ul>

evaluate the install experience, app deployments, updates, backups</li>
check how identity/auth and networking feel in practice</li> </ul>

after you know you like the workflow</li>
after you know what performance you actually need</li> </ul>

</a> Conclusion</h2>
OlaresOS targets a very real pain: people want the power of self-hosting and local AI, but they don’t want to turn their personal cloud into a second job. A cohesive platform that makes local-first workflows practical is the right direction — and the Olares One ecosystem helps communicate that vision clearly.
If OlaresOS continues improving its usability, portability, and transparency around licensing and integrations, it could become a strong option for anyone who wants privacy, control, and local AI without sacrificing day-to-day convenience.

Neptune 4 Pro Review

Unknown — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Neptune 4 Pro is an impressive addition to the world of 3D printing, particularly for beginners and enthusiasts alike. As someone who has primarily used the CR-6 SE before, transitioning to the Neptune 4 Pro was a seamless and exciting experience.
</a> Conclusion</h2>
In conclusion, the Neptune 4 Pro is a fantastic 3D printer that excels in build quality, print performance, and user-friendly features. It is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced users looking for a reliable and high-performing 3D printer. If you’re in the market for a new printer, the Neptune 4 Pro should definitely be at the top of your list.
Happy printing!

SysReptor Pro: Revolutionizing Reporting for Penetration Testing

Unknown — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: While SysReptor provided me with a cloud instance for testing, this review represents my honest opinion and experiences. My review was neither paid for nor sponsored beyond the provision of the cloud instance for evaluation purposes.
</a> Transform Your Security Reporting with SysReptor Pro</h2>
In the ever-evolving domain of cybersecurity, delivering precise and clear reporting is paramount, particularly for those engaged in penetration testing and Hack The Box (HTB) exams. Enter SysReptor Pro, a cutting-edge solution crafted for the intricate needs of cybersecurity experts.
SysReptor Pro stands out by offering user-friendly features alongside profound customization options, ensuring that professionals can effortlessly compile comprehensive reports, focusing their efforts on enhancing network and system security.

Markdown for streamlined writing and HTML/VueJS for intricate design, ensuring reports are professional and engaging.</li>
One-click PDF conversion, making reports accessible and shareable.</li>
The ‘reptor’ CLI tool, simplifying data integration and enhancing report accuracy and consistency.</li> </ul>

Macless Haystack for FindMy Flipper Setup

Unknown — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I just describe the original instructions with my own words and added some screenshots and maybe some more steps for Windows and Linux (server) users.
You can find the Project on Github: Macless-Haystack</a>
</a> Foreword</h2>
In this tutorial, I will guide you step by step through the process of setting up a Macless Haystack Server on both Windows and Linux using Docker. I’ll point out any differences in the setup process for Windows as we go along.
I’d like to extend a huge thank you to my friend, AbeNaws, for providing me with a small server from Linode for this tutorial. The server specs are as follows:
- 1 CPU Core - 25 GB Storage - 1 GB RAM</code></pre> Let’s begin.
sudo apt install docker.io python3</code></pre>

For Windows: Download Docker Desktop</a> and Python3</a>. </blockquote>
We can now start with generating our keys. Let’s head over to the Github Repo from MatthewKuKanich</a> and download the generate_keys.py</a> file.
Run the command with python3 generate_keys.py</code> and answer the questions.

If you get an error, install the cryptography</code> dependency with pip3 install cryptography</code>. </blockquote></a> Server Setup</h2> With docker installed we create a new docker network: docker network create mh-network</code></pre> Then we will install the Anisette Server</a> with this command: docker run -d --restart always --name anisette -p 6969:6969 --volume anisette-v3_data:/home/Alcoholic/.config/anisette-v3/lib/ --network mh-network dadoum/anisette-v3-server</code></pre> Start and setup the Macless Haystack endpoint in interactive mode: docker run -it --restart unless-stopped --name macless-haystack -p 6176:6176 --volume mh_data:/app/endpoint/data --network mh-network christld/macless-haystack</code></pre> You will be asked for your Apple ID and your Password. Make sure that you have 2FA enabled since you will also need it. Once you can see serving at port 6176 over HTTP</code> you have set it up correctly. </blockquote> Finally, restart the server in background by using a different terminal window: docker restart macless-haystack</code></pre></a> Frontend Setup</h2> You can either use the pre-hosted one on Github pages</a> or host it on your own. You can find the web application here: Webapplication.zip</a>. If you need to adjust the Macless Haystack endpoint, click on the gear icon on the top right corner and change the URL. To add a Flipper, click on the Accessories tab and select the + sign. Click import Accessory and paste the private key from the .keys file. The ID can be any number you want, as long as it’s unique for yourself. </a> Adding the .keys file</h2> To import the .keys file, plug in your Flipper Zero and go to the files browser. Now upload the .keys file to the apps_data/findmy</code> folder. </a> Questions?</h2> If you have any questions, please feel free to either contact me via X or on Discord. My name is Mickhat. Please make also sure to join the Discord of the Momentum Firmware</a>.
iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit Review Unknown — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Partnership Disclosure: My content may include tracking links to iFixit for monitoring our partnership and the effectiveness of our collaboration. These links do not result in any commission for me, nor do they influence my reviews or recommendations. I am committed to sharing my honest opinions on products and services I genuinely believe in. This review is sponsored by iFixit. I received the Pro Tech Toolkit free of charge for review purposes. </a> Unboxing a World of Possibilities</h2> The moment you lay your eyes on the iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit, priced at €74.99, you know you’re in for a treat. This kit isn’t just a toolset; it’s a gateway to a world where every tech problem has a solution. With its sleek, black case and neatly organized tools, the kit screams professionalism and quality. For those interested, you can explore more and purchase the kit through the European iFixit Store</a>, ensuring you have the best tools at your fingertips. </a> What’s Inside?</h2> Open the case, and you’re greeted by an array of tools thoughtfully laid out and easy to access. The heart of the kit is the 64-bit driver kit, featuring a well-designed aluminum handle and 64 precision driver bits. Each bit is carefully crafted to meet the needs of repairing a wide range of electronics. </a> Complete List of Bits:</h3> Phillips: #000, #00, #0, #1, #2</li> Flathead: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4 mm</li> Torx: T2, T3, T4, T5</li> Torx Security: TR6, TR7, TR8, TR9, TR10, TR15, TR20, TR25</li> Pentalobe: P2, P5, P6</li> JIS: J000, J00, J0, J1</li> Hex: 0.7, 0.9, 1.3, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 mm</li> Tri-point: Y000, Y00, Y0, Y1</li> Nut Driver: 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 5.5 mm</li> Square: #0, #1, #2</li> Gamebit: 3.8, 4.5 mm</li> Spanner: 4, 6</li> Triangle: 2, 2.2, 2.6, 3 mm</li> SIM Eject Bit</li> 1/4“ to 4 mm Driver Adapter</li> </ul> But that’s not all. The toolkit also includes: A pair of angled ESD-safe tweezers, perfect for delicate manipulation.</li> A variety of plastic opening tools and picks to safely pry open housings.</li> A suction handle for easy display assembly removal.</li> A flexible extension for those hard-to-reach screws.</li> </ul> </a> Build Quality and Performance</h2> Each tool in the iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit feels robust and well-made. The driver bits are made of high-quality steel, ensuring they won’t strip easily when dealing with tough screws. The handle is comfortable to hold, making even the most prolonged repair sessions less of a strain on your hands. </a> Versatility for Every Tech Enthusiast</h2> Whether you’re a professional technician or a DIY enthusiast, this toolkit caters to everyone. Its versatility is unmatched – from fixing smartphones and laptops to tackling intricate tasks in gaming consoles and wearables. </a> Personal Highlights</h2> High-Quality Tools: Precision bits and tools specifically designed for electronics repair.</li> Wide Range of Applications: Ideal for repairing smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more.</li> Portable and Durable: Comes in a compact, durable case for easy transportation.</li> Magnetic Project Mat: An innovative addition to keep tiny screws and parts organized.</li> </ul> </a> Sustainability and Support</h2> iFixit is known for advocating repairability and sustainability, and this toolkit is a testament to that. By empowering users to fix their own devices, it not only saves money but also reduces electronic waste. Moreover, iFixit’s extensive online guides and support make the repair process easier and more accessible. </a> Conclusion</h2> The iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit, priced at €74.99, is more than just a set of tools; it’s an investment in sustainability, a commitment to DIY repair culture, and a testament to high-quality craftsmanship. It’s a must-have for anyone who values the ability to repair and maintain their gadgets. NordVPN Review Unknown — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Affiliate disclosure: I am an affiliate of NordVPN and earn a commission if you purchase a subscription through my link. This does not affect my review in any way, and I only recommend products and services that I believe in. </a> Introduction</h2> NordVPN is a popular VPN provider that offers a variety of features to protect users’ privacy and security online. It is one of the most trusted VPN providers in the world, with over 15 million users. </a> Pros</h2> Strong security: NordVPN uses the latest encryption protocols to protect users’ data. It also offers a variety of other security features, such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a double VPN.</li> Fast speeds: NordVPN offers fast speeds, even on long-distance connections. This makes it a good choice for streaming video, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities.</li> Large server network: NordVPN has over 5,500 servers in over 60 countries. This gives users a wide range of options to choose from, depending on their needs.</li> Easy to use: NordVPN is easy to use, even for beginners. It has a user-friendly interface and simple setup instructions.</li> Affordable pricing: NordVPN is affordable, especially when purchased on a long-term plan. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.</li> Dedicated IP addresses: NordVPN now offers dedicated IP addresses. This is a new feature that was added in early 2023. Dedicated IP addresses are a good choice for users who need a static IP address for specific purposes, such as online gaming, streaming, or accessing websites that block shared IP addresses.</li> </ul> </a> Cons</h2> Can be slow on some servers: Some NordVPN servers can be slow, especially during peak times. However, NordVPN has been working to improve its speeds, and most users report good speeds overall.</li> </ul> </a> Overall</h2> Overall, NordVPN is a great choice for users who are looking for a reliable and secure VPN. It offers a variety of features and benefits, including dedicated IP addresses, and it is affordable, especially when purchased on a long-term plan. I highly recommend NordVPN to anyone looking for a VPN. </a> Additional Information</h2> NordVPN is based in Panama, which is a privacy-friendly country with no mandatory data retention laws.</li> NordVPN has been independently audited by PwC and KPMG.</li> NordVPN offers a variety of special features, such as a built-in ad blocker, malware blocker, and split tunneling.</li> NordVPN is available for a variety of devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers.</li> </ul> </a> My Experience</h2> I have been using NordVPN for a while now and I am very impressed with it. It is a very reliable VPN and it offers a variety of features that are important to me, such as strong security, fast speeds, and a large server network. I have used NordVPN for a variety of purposes, including streaming video, gaming, and browsing the web. I have always been impressed with its speeds and performance. I have also never had any problems with NordVPN’s security or reliability. I highly recommend NordVPN to anyone looking for a reliable and secure VPN. It is a great choice for users of all skill levels, and it offers a variety of features that make it a great value for the money. Get NordVPN</a> Setting Up a Samba Share with Port Forwarding Unknown — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000 </a> Introduction</h2> In this beginner-friendly tutorial, I will guide you through setting up a Samba share with port forwarding. By the end, you will be able to install and configure Samba on your Linux server, configure port forwarding on your router, and access the Samba share from your client device. </a> Prerequisites</h2> Before we begin, ensure that you have the following: A Linux server (e.g., Ubuntu, CentOS, or Debian) with root or sudo access.</li> A router with port forwarding capabilities.</li> A client device (e.g., Windows, macOS, or Linux) to access the shared files.</li> </ul> </a> Step 1: Installing Samba</h2> First, we need to install Samba on the Linux server. Depending on your Linux distribution, the installation command may vary. For Ubuntu/Debian: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install samba</code></pre> For CentOS: sudo yum install epel-release && sudo yum install samba</code></pre></a> Step 2: Configuring Samba Share</h2> First, create a new directory for our Samba share, and set the appropriate permissions: sudo mkdir /srv/samba/share sudo chown mickhat:mickhat /srv/samba/share sudo chmod 777 /srv/samba/share</code></pre> Now, let’s create a backup of the original Samba configuration file and then edit the file: sudo cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf.bak sudo vi /etc/samba/smb.conf</code></pre> Add the following configuration at the end of the file: [MyShare] path = /srv/samba/share read only = no browsable = yes valid users = mickhat create mask = 0777 directory mask = 0777</code></pre> Save and close the file. Then, restart the Samba service: sudo systemctl restart smbd</code></pre></a> Step 3: Configuring Port Forwarding</h2> To configure port forwarding on your router, follow these general steps: Log in to your router’s admin panel.</li> Locate the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Servers” settings.</li> Add a new rule with the following parameters: External Port: 445</code></li> Internal Port: 445</code></li> Protocol: TCP</code></li> Internal IP Address: [Your Linux server's local IP address]</code></li> </ul> </li> Save the configuration and reboot the router if required.</li> </ol> </a> Step 4: Accessing the Samba Share</h2> For Windows: Open File Explorer and enter the following in the address bar: \\[Your Linux server's public IP address]\MyShare</code> For macOS: Open Finder, click on “Go” in the menu bar, and select “Connect to Server.” Enter the following: smb://[Your Linux server's public IP address]/MyShare</code> For Linux: Open your file manager and connect to the share using the following address: smb://[Your Linux server's public IP address]/MyShare</code> </a> Conclusion</h2> Congratulations! You have successfully set up a Samba share with port forwarding. Now you can easily share files between your devices, even when they are not on the same local network. CrowdSec Installation and Basic Setup Unknown — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 In this blog post, I’m going to show you how to install and use CrowdSec as a great alternative to Fail2Ban for protecting your server. I’ve found CrowdSec to be an excellent solution and I’m excited to share it with you! </a> Why Choose CrowdSec Over Fail2Ban?</h2> CrowdSec is an open-source security solution that helps protect your server from potential threats, just like Fail2Ban. However, there are some key advantages to using CrowdSec: Collaborative Defense: CrowdSec leverages a global community of users who share threat intelligence. When one user encounters an attack, the information is shared with the entire community, providing everyone with better protection.</li> Ease of Use: CrowdSec has a user-friendly dashboard and an extensive set of plugins and integrations, making it easy to monitor and manage your security.</li> Scalability: CrowdSec is designed to handle high traffic volumes, making it ideal for growing websites.</li> </ol> With these benefits in mind, let’s dive into the installation process! </a> Installing CrowdSec</h2> To install CrowdSec, simply follow the steps below. Please note that this tutorial assumes you’re using a Linux-based server. </a> Step 1: Update Your System</h3> First, let’s make sure your system is up to date. Open your terminal and run the following commands: sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get upgrade</code></pre></a> Step 2: Install CrowdSec</h3> Now, let’s install CrowdSec using the following command: curl -s https://packagecloud.io/install/repositories/crowdsec/crowdsec/script.deb.sh | sudo bash sudo apt-get install crowdsec</code></pre></a> Step 3: Configure CrowdSec</h3> After installation, you’ll need to configure CrowdSec. Run the following command to launch the configuration wizard: sudo cscli -c /etc/crowdsec/config.yaml config setup</code></pre> Follow the prompts to set up your account and choose the appropriate plugins for your needs. </a> Step 4: Enable and Start CrowdSec Service</h3> Finally, enable and start the CrowdSec service using these commands: sudo systemctl enable crowdsec sudo systemctl start crowdsec</code></pre></a> Using CrowdSec Bouncers</h2> CrowdSec bouncers are a crucial part of the system, as they enforce the security decisions made by CrowdSec. Bouncers can be thought of as agents that interact with various systems (like firewalls or web servers) to block malicious traffic based on the decisions made by CrowdSec. </a> Installing a Bouncer</h3> To install a bouncer, you’ll first need to choose the right one for your needs. There are various bouncers available for different systems. In this tutorial, we’ll use the crowdsec-firewall-bouncer</code> as an example, which works with both iptables</code> and nftables</code>. Install the bouncer by running the following commands: curl -s https://packagecloud.io/install/repositories/crowdsec/crowdsec-firewall-bouncer/script.deb.sh | sudo bash sudo apt-get install crowdsec-firewall-bouncer</code></pre></a> Configuring the Bouncer</h3> After installing the bouncer, you’ll need to configure it. Edit the /etc/crowdsec/bouncers/crowdsec-firewall-bouncer.yaml</code> configuration file using your preferred text editor: sudo nano /etc/crowdsec/bouncers/crowdsec-firewall-bouncer.yaml</code></pre> In the configuration file, update the api_url</code> and api_key</code> with the correct values. You can find your API key by running the following command: sudo cscli bouncers list</code></pre> Your API key will be displayed in the Key</code> column of the output. Make sure to also configure the mode</code> parameter according to your system’s firewall. Set the value to iptables</code> or nftables</code>, depending on your setup. </a> Enabling and Starting the Bouncer</h3> Once you have configured the bouncer, enable and start the service with the following commands: sudo systemctl enable crowdsec-firewall-bouncer sudo systemctl start crowdsec-firewall-bouncer</code></pre></a> Conclusion</h2> Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed CrowdSec and a bouncer as a Fail2Ban alternative for your server. With CrowdSec and its bouncers in place, you can enjoy better security, ease of use, and scalability for your server. I hope you found this tutorial helpful, and if you have any questions or run into any issues, feel free to email me or drop me a message on Discord. Cheers! eJPT Exam Review Unknown — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000 The eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester</a> (eJPT) is a 100% practical certification focused on penetration testing and the essentials of information security. By passing the exam, you prove to employers that you have the skills necessary to serve as an entry level cyber security employee. Exam Certificate Voucher Price: $200 (the training is not included in this price).</li> Training: provided by INE</a>.</li> Duration: the exam took me around 5 hours and I passed with a score of 90%.</li> </ul> I have previous cyber security experience and decided to not complete the prep course before finishing the exam. As a reflection of this, my overview will be brief. </a> Overview</h2> The course instructor was Lukasz Mikula. He helps you work through penetration testing basics as well as some programming skills. The course prep teaches networking, routing, ARP spoofing, and more. I found the individual course modules to be both fun and enjoyable. The course also provides “eJPT Exam Preparation”, which includes three instructional videos and two labs for you to solve. Students learn basics as well as an intro to buffer overflow. One downside I recognized is the outdated content, which I believe is from around 2019. They already have updates in the works and a new version of the course is currently in beta. Since this is a small review, I will finish for now and possibly add more in the future. This is the certificate I received for completing the exam. </blockquote> My Cloudlab Unknown — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0000 </a> Quick Overview</h2> Since i rented a dedicated Server from Hetzner</a>, i want to build a small cloud lab. The current setup is proxmox as the base and my website is running as a Kernel-based Virtual Machine. In this VM i run a webserver and a docker container server. And of course, some more or less useful things which i don’t expose for now. </a> Future Goals</h2> My future goal with my “Cloud Lab” is provide better tutorials and maybe some small projects for some communities like Hack The Box</a> or Florian Dalwigk</a>. The Community from Florian is german, so be warned 😛. So i’m unsure about my next tutorial yet but stay tuned! Blue Team Level 1 Review Unknown — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0000 The BTL1 is an entry level certification into Blue Teaming. The course is created by Security Blue Team</a>. In this course you will work your way through 6 Domains. It also covers security fundamentals which are mandatory in order to complete the course. While I don’t deep dive into the Domains, let’s go ahead and start with my short review. </a> Course Overview</h2> As I said before you will go through the Security Fundamentals Domain</code> where you learn a basic skillset for Networking and Physical Security. One big takeaway is that you get an introduction with basic networking. The Phishing Analysis Domain</code> stood out to me because you learn how emails work and how to identify phishing emails. I was impressed with just how thorough this Domain was. Next is the Threat Intelligence Domain</code> where you learn about threat actors. You examine threat actor goals, get an intro to APTs, and how to use the MITRE ATT&CK Framework. My favorite was the Digital Forensics Domain</code>. In this Domain you break down the DFIR (Digital Forensics Incident Response) process. It covers tools can you use, some hardware that exists to make your life easier, how to create a disk image or memory dump, and analyzing the collected information for Linux and Windows. The SIEM (Security Information and Event Monitoring) Domain</code> was the hardest for me because I had no prior experience with SIEM. At first the labs for each Domain were hard, but as I became more familiar with Splunk they became more manageable. Unfortunately, there aren’t any labs with open source software alternatives. Last but not least, is the Incident Response Domain</code>. This section teaches you how you defend your company and respond to attacks. You’ll learn the steps to take during an incident, and cover some basics of CMD and Powershell, which are vital in this field. </a> Exam</h2> You are given 24 hours to complete the exam. Don’t rush and be sure to double check your answers. You have enough time. It took me around 4.5 hours to complete the exam and I passed with 85%. I had some minor mistakes but in the end no one will ask for the failures (I hope). I took the exam on the 20th July 2022 and I am still waiting as of August 18th 2022 for my physical certificate to arrive. Update: My Physical Certificate arrived on the 30th September 2022. Whoami Unknown — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0000 My Name is Michael, i’m 35 years old now. I’m working for Hack The Box</a> and i really love it! side fact: I’m working for HTB since july 2020. In the meantime i rented a dedicated server to deliver more tutorials ( i hope!). </a> some small facts:</h2> I recently passed the BTL1</a> exam and i’m doing oscp this year too.</li> I really love to chat at the HTB discord</a>.</li> I’ve a 1337 tattoo on my knuckles (I’ll post a photo soon™)</li> I’m German!</li> </ul> </a> What is Hack The Box?</h1> You maybe know or maybe not know what Hack The Box is. Hack The Box is a massive, online cybersecurity training platform, allowing individuals, companies, universities and all kinds of organizations around the world to level up their hacking skills. If you want to learn hacking i can highly recommend you to start with the Academy</a>. After you’ve done some modules, like Introduction to Academy</a> you can start with some Linux Fundamentals</a>. If you want to dive directly into some retired machines, i recommend you the videos from ippsec</a>. He also have a great search engine on his homepage</a>. This is just a quick way to say that i’m still alive! If you want to chat with me, contact me either on Discord(Mickhat) or email me to root(at)mickhat(dot)xyz. Much love you all and we’ll see us!

`</span></a> Questions?</h2> If you have any questions, please feel free to either contact me via X or on Discord. My name is Mickhat. Please make also sure to join the Discord of the Momentum Firmware</a>.</p>`

`</span></a> Questions?</h2> If you have any questions, please feel free to either contact me via X or on Discord. My name is Mickhat. Please make also sure to join the Discord of the Momentum Firmware</a>.</p>`

My future goal with my “Cloud Lab” is provide better tutorials and maybe some small projects for some communities like Hack The Box</a> or Florian Dalwigk</a>. The Community from Florian is german, so be warned 😛.</p>
So i’m unsure about my next tutorial yet but stay tuned!</p>

Mickhat.xyz

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Mickhat.xyz

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</span></a> ⚠️ Ecosystem lock-in can be subtle</h3> Even with local hosting, lock-in can happen at the platform layer:</p> custom app packaging</li> identity systems that don’t export cleanly</li>

</span></a> ⚠️ Hardware + platform narratives can be distracting</h3> When a project is presented through a first-party device (like Olares One), it’s easy to conflate:</p> “the platform is good”</p> </blockquote> with</p>

</span></a> Who this is for</h2> OlaresOS is especially interesting if you want:</p> a local-first</strong> alternative to cloud ecosystems</li> a more integrated</strong> self-hosting experience</li> local AI workflows without shipping your data to third parties</li>

</span></a> A sensible way to approach OlaresOS (without overengineering)</h2> </span></a> 1) Start with your use-case</h3> “I want local AI that can search my notes/docs”</li> “I want a personal cloud under my control”</li>

</span></a> 1) Start with your use-case</h3> “I want local AI that can search my notes/docs”</li> “I want a personal cloud under my control”</li>

</span></a> 2) Test the platform on existing hardware first</h3> evaluate the install experience, app deployments, updates, backups</li>

</span></a> 3) Decide later if you want a dedicated device</h3> after you know you like the workflow</li>

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</span></a> Prerequisites</h2> Before we begin, ensure that you have the following:</p> A Linux server (e.g., Ubuntu, CentOS, or Debian) with root or sudo access.</li> A router with port forwarding capabilities.</li>

</span></a> Step 3: Configuring Port Forwarding</h2> To configure port forwarding on your router, follow these general steps:</p> Log in to your router’s admin panel.</li> Locate the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Servers” settings.</li>

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