New Projects

Alright, I can pretty safely say that my ftp/fileserver (\\MILF) seems to be working pretty well. My "general/dev" server (\\JAILBAIT) is working mostly as a Minecraft server but it seems a bit underpowered and restrictive (old hardware, showing signs of possible faults, bitch to reformat). It doesn't help that \\JAILBAIT also seems to drain a heap of power unnecessarily. To combat this I'm thinking of building a new low-power special-purpose & development server.

Mainly I would want it to act as a router, which would be possible if I could get extra usable public IP addresses from my workplace. I could use the upstairs router to assign it to the server with all traffic flowing into the first ethernet port. The router could then act as a layer three device (including providing DHCP and NAT services) over a second ethernet port (connecting through an 8port gigabit switch to "my" section of the network). This gives me that whole bunch of fun chances to explore things such as network monitoring, proxy implementation and the like.

My main problem at the moment is I need to work out what hardware would be best for a 24/7 low-power router/server? Intel Atom or cheap AMD Athlon?

Regards,
Adam O'Grady

Tips for *nix FTP servers

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Update

Like my health and sanity, I've left this blog neglected for a while.

I apologise for the both brief and depressing entry.

Work is pretty stressful.
Uni is an uphill battle against a glacier.
I'm really cracking at the seams right now.

Cadets

I've never joined the Army, neither ARA or ARES. On a number of occasions I've been sorely tempted to do as well, for periods of months at a time. One of the main things that has held me back in recent times however has been my girlfriend, Jaynnie. I won't deny that the Army probably played some part in my parents break-up, to my Dad, the Army came first and my Mum didn't like/understand that. Seeing as one of my original desires was to go full-tilt ARA with a lean towards preferably being deployed, that probably would have put any romantic relationship to hell. Even if we did try and keep together something long distance, it wasn't worth it given the chance of it breaking up or even worse; my renowned paranoia overtaking my mind again. So instead I've decided to go into a university career for now and try and make my way in the world.

At the age of 20, I'm not working in the corporate section of my company, renting a beautiful apartment in Northbridge with a good mate, furthering my knowledge and studying Computer Science and all the while, I have my amazing girlfriend by my side. I often do wonder how things would be different had I joined the army, but I don't regret that decision at all. In fact, I'll add that to the list (and point of this blog entry) of major things that cadets (and the Army through my father's teachings) has taught me:

• Discipline
• Indomitable will
• Great personal hygiene
• Fitness/keeping in shape (y'know, in case war does ever break out)
• Walking (probably one of my favourite activities)
• Always keep your necessities on you, no excuses (never away from keys, wallet and phone)
• Clean dress sense
• Survival training
• Medical skills
  
• Ability to eat food quickly
• Tuck your shirt into your pants when wearing a jumper in winter (added warmth)
• Don't ever regret your decisions or experiences, they all add together to make you who you are

I guess I'm happier than expected at the moment, I've submitted all the homework I needed too, I've written up a heap of extra stuff for work already and I'm getting into my major assignments for uni as well. For now at least, there is some respite.

Regards,
Adam O'Grady

Slip

I think I should probably warn those friends of mine who do read this. If I seem a lot more distant or unwilling to go out in recent times or coming times, it's not because I don't care. I think I'm slipping a bit at the moment and naturally try to isolate myself a bit more.

Honestly though, seeing you all still brings a smile to my face. There is that core group of people out there that do make me smile like a dopey bastard when I think about how lucky I am to know them.

But never to be one for too much negativity, I'd like to point out that at least I'm catching up on my uniwork/housework/workwork/video games.

Regards,
Adam O'Grady

Today

Ten things I have learnt today in just as many minutes:

1. NIC ports have two separate lights, but do not expect the light patterns to be the same accross different network cards
2. Don't mix 100BaseTX cables with 1000BaseTX cables
3. Don't assume network congestion is "probably just a coincidence that will resolve itself"
4. Create a syslog server so you can review the logs when your storage server goes down
5. Don't screw around with a storage server mid 100GB inter-OS transfer
6. Samba (while amazing) doesn't like NTFS
7. NTFS doesn't like Samba
8. Ethernet cable is generally blue or grey
9. Further to point 8, label all cables and switch port
10. Prior Preparation & Planning Prevent Piss Poor Performance (7 P's)
    

Regards,
Adam O'Grady

HXC

I'm such a drunkard, I blog from pubs.

I'm down at the Elephant and Wheelbarrow, online using my flatmates Westnet Mobile Broadband connection. Decent speeds, secure connection, easy UI, I like it. Nice beer, nice wedges as well.

The biggest question is probably regarding why I'm at a pub on my laptop. Simple answer? I bloody well wanted to. I have some uni work to do and wanted to do it in the pub atmosphere (reminiscent of UWA Tav) with some food and one or two pints. I'm not getting 'trashed', I don't like to. But this is quite comfortable and free from more distraction than home since I'm here alone.

Regards,
Adam O'Grady