Just an Aussie tech guy - home automation, ESP gadgets, networking. Also love my camping and 4WDing.
Be a good motherfucker. Peace.
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2 yr. ago
As much as I hate having to do it, shopping around for all my insurances is an annual thing now.
Like clockwork, I get my RACV renewals at the same time each year (house, two cars, caravan - all co-termed) with the usual, unjustified premium hike. I then go get three competing quotes, ring RACV, and tell them I'll leave unless they can do better. Inevitably, they point out that the quotes I've gotten include new customer incentive, at which point I tell them to look really hard for a loyalty incentive.
They usually find something that brings me to within a few hundred buck total of the competing quotes, at which point I accept. Amortized over 4 policies for 12 months, it's usually not worth my time (and the pain) of having to change everything over.
I fucking hate the insurance industry.
Hmmm - interesting. I hadn't bothered to check before now, but I'm seeing something similar on one of the two PBS CTs I run.
Comparing the output of netstat -lantop on both CTs, I can see that the one with more outbound traffic has more waiting connections from localhost on port 82, the port Proxmox Backup Servers provides its API over:
undefined
tcp 0 0 127.0.0.1:51562 127.0.0.1:82 TIME_WAIT - timewait (40.38/0/0) tcp 0 0 127.0.0.1:56342 127.0.0.1:82 TIME_WAIT - timewait (29.92/0/0) tcp 0 0 127.0.0.1:44864 127.0.0.1:82 TIME_WAIT - timewait (58.94/0/0) tcp 0 0 127.0.0.1:45028 127.0.0.1:82 TIME_WAIT - timewait (11.88/0/0) tcp 0 0 127.0.0.1:44026 127.0.0.1:82 TIME_WAIT - timewait (48.66/0/0) tcp 0 0 127.0.0.1:44852 127.0.0.1:82 TIME_WAIT - timewait (58.80/0/0) tcp 0 0 127.0.0.1:59620 127.0.0.1:82 TIME_WAIT - timewait (0.00/0/0) tcp 0 0 127.0.0.1:56374 127.0.0.1:82 TIME_WAIT - timewait (30.98/0/0) tcp 0 0 127.0.0.1:51544 127.0.0.1:82 TIME_WAIT - timewait (39.98/0/0) tcp 0 0 127.0.0.1:59642 127.0.0.1:82 TIME_WAIT - timewait (0.00/0/0) tcp 0 0 127.0.0.1:45008 127.0.0.1:82 TIME_WAIT - timewait (10.92/0/0) tcp 0 0 127.0.0.1:45016 127.0.0.1:82 TIME_WAIT - timewait (11.76/0/0)
I'm wondering if the graph is pulling aggregated network data, including the loopback interface. If so, and it's all just port 82 stuff on 127.0.0.1, then it's probably nothing to worry about.
Edit: found this forum post that seems to indicate it's aggregating all the byte values from /proc/dev/net, so this is probably nothing to worry about if your netstat output, like mine, only shows API conections to/from 127.0.0.1 on port 82.
Seriously - the whole thing is such a befuddling mess to us non-Americans.
How exactly can one win the popular vote but not the actual election? From the outside, the reporting I've seen always talks about the faithless elector problem (not in those words - just in describing the problems). Is it more to do with how many votes (electors) each state gets, based on population size?
Nah - it's at least partly correct.
I believe the states responsible for those silly outcomes have since passed laws to prevent it happening again.
Could be wrong, but I listened to a podcast last week with an American professor who's pretty much written the book, explaining the history of the Electoral College and how it really works. I'm sure he said those states since fixed those loopholes.
Either way, the damage is done today. Another four years of stupidity in charge.
Maybe a small piece of personalised luggage for the holiday. Does she wear makeup? Maybe a nice makeup case with her initials on it.
If that's not her thing, what about something for your home (assuming you live together)? My wife and I tend to buy ourselves the "bigger" things for Christmas, as our gift to each other - some furniture we've been wanting, or similar.
If that doesn't sounds like you guys, there's the tried and true jewelry option. Or maybe just cruise Etsy for the sorts of things she likes (does she like knick knacks, or ornamental stuff?) that might be customisable.
Failing that, have a think about what makes you special as a couple. Is there a shared interest or experience that got you together or you always talk about? Is there something in that?
Finally, I've been holding on to some ideas for future inspiration should I need them:
- Waveform art: record yourself saying you love her, have the waveform turned into a print, or a piece of jewelry, or similar
- Anamorphic art: a skewed picture that reveals itself when a specifically shaped mirror is put behind it
- A glass lamp base filled with something meaningful: I always thought of filling one with origami love hearts
- Ambigrams: maybe you can figure out an ambigram with both your names, and have it made into something - a print or a wood carving (this will probably take a lot longer than the time you have before Christmas)
- Birth stones, star signs, birth flowers, birth fruit: admittedly these are probably better suited to birthdays
Jesus - they don't even name the report so interested people can search for it. Lame.
Also, least-intrusive doesn't mean most-trustworthy. Just don't use any of them or, if you do, be sure to take all steps at your disposal to not give any personal information to them.
Lol @ "some 20 years ago ... ADSL from 2002". Thanks for making me feel old!
Great suggestion! Thank you. Have you had any luck accessing it on iOS yourself?
No dramas if not - just that I tried using Orbot and the Tor Browser (the one developed by Mike Tigas, in the App Store), but no joy. I'm reasonably new back on iOS, so I'm not (yet) across the best way to use Tor sites on the platform.
Honestly, I'm using an old gag FB account I created back in 2011. I guess that was well before they started asking people to verify with selfies and phone numbers.
Hmmm - DDG's browser might be a good alternative, if I only use it for this one purpose. Thanks for the suggestion.
Someone else mentioned PWA. I think I'll investigate that angle next. If a PWA doesn't share any data from my device, it means I can use my Mullvad VPN whenever I choose to access it, and get pretty darn close to what I'm trying to achieve.
You are the product and they have a long history of being extremely eager to sell the product.
Yeah, exactly what I said in my OP. I'm aware of the reality of what it is I'm asking for. I only recently moved back to iOS after over a decade using Android, so asking around in the vain hope someone has figured this out.
Hmmm - I guess that ticks the box for at least getting messages from interested buyers. I was kinda hoping to use FB to browse Marketplace as well, but I'm probably asking for a unicorn here - being able to use FB without FB being able to use me.
I hadn't come across this one yet - thanks! Something for me to try.
Hmmm - that's an interesting thought. If that works, and I then use my Mullvad VPN whenever I want to check my FB, I might get pretty close to what I'm trying to achieve here. Thanks for the suggestion!
“How can I use Facebook and preserve my privacy?”
... you can’t.
Yeah, I'm aware of how impossible a task this is. I feel that what I'm doing on my personal computer (dedicated, clean browser, anonymous account, VPN) is the closest I'll get. Just hoping to achieve the same thing with iOS while on the go.
Mate, I appreciate the effort you took to write your response, but I get the distinct impression you didn't go past the title of my post before responding.
As I said, I'm only seeking to use FB marketplace to buy and sell - nothing more. Nothing social. No friends or followers.
I thought I'd made clear the lengths I've already gone to, to maintain my privacy when using FB on my personal computer, so I'm just looking to understand if the same is possible with iOS when on the move. That's all.
This sub obviously has a strong reaction against FB
Yeah - I feel like my efforts kinda got missed, where I make it obvious how much I hate having to do this, but really have no choice for my stated purpose.
But if you need to use it then put up what defended you can and go for it
Yep - that's the idea. I'm realistic about what can and can't be achieved, but I've only been back on iOS for a few months, so was hoping someone here was aware of a way I could get close to achieving what I want, without having carry a second phone with an alternative OS (which would be just ridiculous for this one purpose).
I'm fully aware of the contradictory nature of what I'm trying to achieve but, in the real world, not everyone can go and run alternative Android builds. At least, not practically speaking.
Is there any privacy-friendly way to use Facebook on iOS?
First and foremost, I'll get this out of the way: I abhor all commercial social media. I don't trust them, I know users are the product, and - ultimately, I feel they're nothing but a cancer on society.
But, I also have to acknowledge that, for one or two use cases at least, they seem pretty unavoidable.
For me, that one use case is Facebook Marketplace. Here in Australia, there's simply no better alternative if you want to reach a large number of potentially interested buyers (or even buy some stuff yourself). The supermarket noticeboard is no more; the Trading Post was bought long ago and died on the vine; and Gumtree has devolved into a cesspool of nothing but scammers and fuckwits.
So, I use FB Marketplace. My FB account isn't in my name, uses a throwaway email address, and has no followers or friends. It's only a member of the local buy/sell groups that I'm interested in, and it performs no "social" activities (posts, likes, etc) at all.
Until now, I generally only use FB mark
Entity control from iOS widget
Does anyone know if the 2024.5 Companion App update for iOS removed the ability to control entities from the widget? I've read the release notes but there's no mention of any features being removed.
I could absolutely swear that I had a working widget with most of my lights on it, a solitary button for each light, that I could single tap to toggle said light.
Then, a few months or so back, I noticed the widget didn't seem to be working. The entity icons had change to black, round shadows, and tapping them did nothing.
I deleted the widget, thinking it got corrupted somehow and have never been able to get it back exactly as described above.
Now, it seems that only thing I can do with widgets is use Actions. Some Actions have been auto-created by the Companion App for each scene on my server, and I can obviously create my own Actions, to trigger automations.
But, I don't want to have to frig aroun
Smart locks and remote Z-wave
UPDATE: well, I've belatedly realised I've left out a key piece of information. I need to buy a pair of locks - one for a regular wooden entrance door, and one for a security screen door in front of it.
Turns out hardly anyone (reputable) makes a decent smart lock for screen doors, except the Yale Unity range, but those aren't Z-Wave compatible.
Guess we're sticking with keys for a while longer...
Hey folks - the time's come for me to consider diving into smart locks.
I've been running HA for many years now, and have resisted the urge so far, but a few recent incidents have me thinking smart locks are the next upgrade I need to think of.
My requirements, equal in priority, are:
- Must be usable via HA (automating my locks is the primary reason I'm considering this move)
- Key lock backup (I'm petrified of flat batteries stopping me from entering)
- Ability for HA to report on battery level (see above)
- Local network only (prefer IP, but will consider Z-Wave - anything t
Like someone else, was led here from an AskLemmy post - here's my EDC
Right wrist (I'm a leftie): Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar Tactical (with generic glass screen protector and silicone case)
Front left pocket:
- A leather pocket organizer, holding:
Front right pocket: my iPhone 15 Pro Max in a black Spigen Tough Armor case
Back right pocket: a large handkerchief (I get bloody noses and my engine ru
(RANT) Container deposit scheme: an absolute joke!
IMO, this is yet another government initiative that's turning out to be an absolute joke.
My 9yo daughter has been hounding our household to not throw our 10c deposit containers into the council bin. Instead, she wants to collect them and cash them in using the CDS Vic scheme. As she puts it, we get money AND the containers get recycled properly, rather than what happens with our commingled recycling bin.
The problem is, every time I go to one of the reverse vending machines in my area, they're out of order, or there's only one receiver working, with about six people in line, all with several bags or boxes each.
Then the CDS Vic app itself says the same operator is running an over the counter collection at our local netball club, but someone was dreaming when they put that into the app. I've never seen anyone collecting recycling there, and I drive past it at least twice daily.
The operator in our area (Return-It) should lose their contract for being fucking useless.
This ha
So glad I'm ditching these fucking idiots
Can't even take a short break from 3D designing stuff. Glad I'm switching over to FreeCAD. All I wanted was to grab some dimensions from an old model.
Fossify Music Player 1.0.0 released
cross-posted from: https://reddrefuge.com/post/189022
Obligatory note for those that haven't read/retained the news: Simple Mobile Tools was sold to ZipoApps - an Israeli company that specialises in buying and monetising popular apps.
Fossify is the fork of the Simple Mobile Tools repos, and they're gradually getting through each app and re-releasing them under the new name.
Fossify Music Player 1.0.0 released
cross-posted from: https://reddrefuge.com/post/189022
Obligatory note for those that haven't read/retained the news: Simple Mobile Tools was sold to ZipoApps - an Israeli company that specialises in buying and monetising popular apps.
Fossify is the fork of the Simple Mobile Tools repos, and they're gradually getting through each app and re-releasing them under the new name.
Fossify Music Player 1.0.0 released
Obligatory note for those that haven't read/retained the news: Simple Mobile Tools was sold to ZipoApps - an Israeli company that specialises in buying and monetising popular apps.
Fossify is the fork of the Simple Mobile Tools repos, and they're gradually getting through each app and re-releasing them under the new name.
Tips for a new Ender owner?
So, after nearly 10 years of faithful service, my shitty ol' Wanhao i3 Plus is finally ready for retirement. Steppers are buzzing, occasional collisions with the bed, and the heat block just doesn't... heat as quickly as it used to.
Talking to a mate who does a lot more printing than I, it seems I can't pass up the Ender 3 V2. The right price for what I typically do, and is backed by a mature community.
I've ordered the auto-level kit with it, but nothing else. My i3 already sits in a Lack Rack I made, and it should comfortably take the new printer.
I have a couple of functional print projects on the backburner that were waiting for me to make a move, but wanted to get some advice on mods and upgrades first, that might make the first experience with the Ender even better.
So, asking the more experienced Ender owners out there: are there any essential upgrades, preferably 3D printed, you think I should look at first?
Cheers in advance!
What are your homelab stats?
I just spent a good chunk of today migrating some services onto new docker containers in Proxmox LXCs.
As I was updating my network diagram, I was struck by just how many services, hosts, and LXCs I'm running, so counted everything up.
- 116 docker containers
- Running on 25 docker hosts
- 50 are the same on each docker host - Watchtower and Portainer agent
- 38 Proxmox LXCs (19 are docker hosts)
- 8 physical servers
- 7 VLANs
- 5 SSIDs
- 2 NASes
So, it got me wondering about the size of other people's homelabs. What are your stats?
www.abc.net.au Jimmy Barnes to undergo open heart surgery after bacterial infection spreads
Musician Jimmy Barnes reveals a bacterial infection he's been battling has spread to his heart.
We have tickets for a festival he's headlining next month. I'm sure the promoters will line up someone else who'll put on a good show but, having seen Jimmy at this festival before, I know he'll be missed.
Wishing Jimmy a full, and speedy, recovery. The man's a national treasure!
www.abc.net.au Australia developing 'top secret' intelligence cloud computing system
The program is expected to work with US and UK spy networks to help national security agencies better detect threats.
I assume this is the genesis of a Five Eyes cloud platform.
Questions for me are which commercial partners are in the mix, and how will they ensure TS-level security?
I guess we'll never truly know, but it's hard not to worry about the implications of this.
Bluff Track, Alpine National Park, Victoria
Took this coming down the mountain from Lovick's Hut, roughly halfway to Bluff Hut, looking west.
The peak at the centre (with cloud hovering over it) is Mt Buller and the one to the right of that (1/4 in from right edge, slightly more cloud) is Mt Stirling.
Love me some Victorian high country.
Looking for/to create a sectional garage door position sensor
Hi all - I have a sectional garage door, that I'm currently automating with a relay to trigger button press on the garage door motor, and a simple reed switch for open/closed state, using esphome on a Wemos D1 mini.
Lately, I've been thinking about finding/building a door position sensor, instead of the reed switch.
If I had position data being sent reliably, I could very easily determine if the door is opening, as well as open/close state. I have a number of automations in mind that would benefit from such data.
So far, my searches for "garage door position sensor", and variations thereof, aren't bearing much fruit. I've been pondering of couple of home-brewed approaches:
- A series of reed switches on a track that a magnet on the door will trip as it moves along. I guess it's theoretically doable, but they'd have to be sensitive enough to be tripped by a moving magnet, but not so sensitive that too many of them are tripped at the same time, which might confuse my "moving
How are you keeping on top of fleet updates?
Just wondering what tools and techniques people are using to keep on top of updates, particularly security-related updates, for their self-hosting fleet.
I'm not talking about docker containers - that's relatively easy. I have Watchtower pull (not update) latest images once per week. My Saturday mornings are usually spent combing through Portainer and hitting the recreate button for those containers with updated images. After checking the service is good, I manually delete the old images.
But, I don't have a centralised, automated solution for all my Linux hosts. I have a few RasPis and a bunch of LXCs on a pair of Proxmox nodes, all running their respective variation of Debian.
Not a lot of this stuff is exposed direct to the internet - less than a handful of services, with the rest only accessible over Wireguard. I'm also running OPNsense with IPS enabled, so this problem isn't exactly keeping me up at night right now. But, as we all know, security is about layers.
Some time ago,
NAS for Proxmox HA
So I recently (a couple months ago) moved my fragmented docker-on-raspberry-pi architecture over to a Proxmox cluster. I'm running it on a pair of HP DL360 G6s, and I couldn't be happier.
Except, well, I could be happier with just one more thing: high availability.
In particular, I want HA for my OPNsense firewall/router, but eventually for more of the workloads my family are depending on for life in general - Home Assistant, Plex, Overseerr, Immich, etc etc.
My current storage setup is a couple ratty old ARM-based NASes - an ancient Netgear ReadyNAS and an even more ancient Qnap TS-410. They're both populated with 4 x 4TB (max raw size they can take) using RAID5, so I get about 22TB usable across the pair of them. They mostly store media for my Plex setup, but also support my 2N+C backup strategy for stuff like Immich, Paperless, and other important data.
My high-level plan is to grab another DL360, so I can have a quorum, then introduce a new storage system that:
- provides
OPNsense on Proxmox WAN speeds
This weekend, I cutover my home network to OPNsense on Proxmox.
So far, it's been... OK. I'm having some issues with state tracking on a couple of VLANs, so need to dig into some pcaps from my switch and see what's going on there.
But one question I have is how to get the best out of my hardware, as it seems my WAN speed is a lot less than it should be.
I'm running Proxmox on a HP DL360 G6, with the pair of built-in 1Gbps NICs. One NIC is dedicated to my WAN connection, using a bridge in Proxmox, and it's plugged in directly to my 1Gbps fibre internet.
The OPNsense VM has 4 cores, 8GB of RAM, and a 40GB volume.
Using my previous hardware router/firewall (Draytek VIgor 2865), I was easily getting some decent speeds - 500Mbps to 700Mbps+. But, I'm lucky if I can get speeds any higher than about 120Mbps right now through OPNsense.
I've disabled hardware checksum offload and hardware TCP segmentation in the OPNsense firewall. Then I found [this post](https://forum.opnsense.org/index.
Aside from blocking instances, what other controls do admins have to keep unwanted content off their instances?
I've fired up my own Lemmy instance, but am keeping it closed right now. It's mainly so I don't contribute to the user load on the more popular instances, but I may open it up to a circle of friends and family at some point in the future.
But, one of the things that has me worried right now is how I could prevent illegal/unwanted content from being cached on my instance.
Aside from blocking entire instances, how can I stop a user from subscribing to a remote community that includes illegal/unwanted content?
What if they sub to an acceptable community (this one, for example) and someone posts something that escapes the mods' attention temporarily, but that content ends up on my instance?