A curated collection of technical blog posts focused on foundational skills and technologies for career growth in the tech industry.
Published: April 4, 2025
Tags: homelab, linux, beginner
Learn why building a personal homelab is the fastest path to gaining real-world tech experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything from repurposing old hardware to setting up budget-friendly solutions with Raspberry Pi and MiniPCs. Discover how a homelab can accelerate your career growth and provide hands-on experience with essential technologies.
Key Topics:
- What is a homelab and why build one
- Budget-friendly setup options ($0-$300)
- Five core skills to master: Linux, Networking, Containers, Python, Web Servers
- Real-world projects and career benefits
- Building a portfolio of your work
Published: June 2, 2025
Tags: skills, homelab, beginner
Master the five fundamental skills that form the backbone of modern technology: Linux, Networking, Containers, Python, and Web Servers. This detailed guide shows you how to learn each skill systematically, with practical examples and time estimates for building proficiency.
Key Topics:
- Why these 5 skills are universally valuable
- Detailed learning paths for each skill (10-20 hours each)
- Real-world project combining all skills
- Free resources and tools for learning
- Career paths that leverage these skills
- 6-month learning plan
Published: June 27, 2025
Tags: bsd, linux, unix
Explore the key differences between BSD and Linux operating systems, including their development philosophies, licensing models, and ideal use cases. Learn when to choose BSD over Linux and discover real-world applications from companies like Netflix, Apple, and Sony.
Key Topics:
- History and philosophy of BSD vs Linux
- Critical licensing differences (BSD vs GPL)
- When to choose BSD: security, networking, embedded systems
- When Linux might be better: hardware support, software ecosystem
- Getting started with BSD in your homelab
- Real-world usage examples and case studies
For beginners starting their tech journey, we recommend following this sequence:
- Start with Homelab Setup → Read the homelab guide to understand the foundation
- Master Core Skills → Follow the 5 core skills guide for systematic learning
- Explore Alternatives → Learn about BSD vs Linux to understand your options
- Operating Systems: Linux (Ubuntu), BSD (FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD)
- Containerization: Docker, Rancher Desktop
- Programming: Python, Bash scripting
- Networking: TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls, subnetting
- Web Servers: Nginx, Apache
- Virtualization: VirtualBox, Docker Desktop
- Hardware: Raspberry Pi, MiniPCs, repurposed laptops
- Hands-on Learning: All posts emphasize practical, project-based learning
- Budget-Friendly: Solutions that work with existing hardware or minimal investment
- Career-Focused: Skills and projects that directly translate to job opportunities
- Foundation First: Building solid fundamentals before moving to advanced topics
- Documentation: Encouraging learners to document and share their work
These posts are designed for:
- Beginners entering the tech field
- Career changers looking to build technical skills
- Students wanting hands-on experience beyond coursework
- Professionals seeking to expand their skill set
- Homelab enthusiasts exploring new technologies
The skills and knowledge in these posts prepare you for roles in:
- DevOps Engineering
- Cloud Architecture
- Site Reliability Engineering (SRE)
- Cybersecurity Analysis
- Data Engineering
- Full-Stack Development
- Network Administration
- System Administration
All posts focus on practical, actionable advice that you can implement immediately in your own homelab environment.