
2.5 Admins
2.5 Admins is a podcast featuring two sysadmins called Allan Jude and Jim Salter, and a producer/editor who can just about configure a Samba share called Joe Ressington. Every week we get together, talk about recent tech news, and answer some of your admin-related questions.
Latest episodes

Apr 3, 2025 • 31min
2.5 Admins 241: Anecdatum
Discover the challenges of tech debt and its connection to legacy systems in organizations. Unpack the complexities of data management in NAS and SaaS, with a focus on ZFS dataset organization. Learn strategies for effective data storage, including the merits of block refcount tracking. Gain insights into managing Linux updates, particularly in a Managed Security Service Provider context. The discussion also covers the nuances of package repositories and the importance of client communication regarding updates.

Mar 27, 2025 • 29min
2.5 Admins 240: 30 DVI Cables
Discover the critical distinctions between throughput and latency, and when each impacts performance. Dive into the Wi-Fi 6 versus Wi-Fi 5 debate, exploring the paradox between theoretical speeds and real user experience. Enjoy a light-hearted look at the emotional ties to tech gear in home labs, alongside the joys and challenges of cable hoarding. Finally, engage in a playful reflection on career choices, all while emphasizing the importance of data integrity and effective backup strategies.

Mar 20, 2025 • 29min
2.5 Admins 239: Collective Power
The rise of RISC-V in China is shaking up the CPU landscape, as Alibaba launches a new server-grade design. Meanwhile, the controversial use of AI-driven surveillance tech in workplaces raises ethical concerns about employee monitoring and dehumanization. The hosts advocate for collective power and the necessity of unions to combat these invasive practices. Additionally, they dive into encryption strategies for ZFS, including innovative solutions for managing decryption keys using self-encrypting drives. Tune in for a tech-filled discussion!

Mar 13, 2025 • 28min
2.5 Admins 238: Hyperbranded Nonsense
Ten-year-old Chromecasts stop working, movie DVDs start rotting, Skype is finally dying, using ZFS on VM guests and hosts.
Plugs
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ZFS Space Accounting Explained
News
Google apologizes for Chromecast outage in email to users
“They curdle like milk”: WB DVDs from 2006–2008 are rotting away in their cases
Microsoft is shutting down Skype in favor of Teams
Free consulting
We were asked about using ZFS on VM guests and hosts.
See our contact page for ways to get in touch.

10 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 32min
2.5 Admins 237: Kafkaesque
Discover the absurdities of tech customer support as the hosts tackle HP's lengthy wait times and the pitfalls of insecure websites. Learn why FreeBSD shines for embedded devices while getting tips on managing ZFS data sets and secure backups. The discussion on mixing SATA and NVMe dives into optimizing storage solutions and avoiding unnecessary complexities. With a sprinkle of humor, they emphasize the critical need for robust data security practices in today’s digital landscape.

Feb 27, 2025 • 34min
2.5 Admins 236: Hybrid Admins Show
The hosts dive into Arm's bold move to create its own server chips, potentially reshaping the semiconductor landscape. They discuss WordPress’s intriguing 100-year domain registrations and their implications. Geo-redundancy for VPSs is also explored, highlighting effective load balancing in hybrid cloud environments. Lastly, there's a focus on the importance of backing up data to Backblaze B2, with insights into selecting the right backup solutions and the critical need for restore testing. A tech-savvy feast awaits!

7 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 31min
2.5 Admins 235: XKCD221
Discover how Google found a way to run unofficial microcode on AMD CPUs and what that means for security. Dive into the debate around whether end-of-life software should get CVEs. Uncover shocking findings about AI's persuasive powers, surpassing 82% of Reddit users, and its alarming ability to self-replicate. Plus, learn effective strategies for managing SSH keys at scale to bolster cybersecurity. This episode is packed with insights that highlight the intersection of technology and ethics.

Feb 13, 2025 • 32min
2.5 Admins 234: ChiaFraud
Dive into the world of tech fraud as used Seagate drives are passed off as new, raising serious market trust issues. Explore the pitfalls of installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices while discovering alternative options. Learn about ZFS backup solutions for block storage and the importance of data integrity in a cloud environment. Plus, uncover critical tips for selecting the right hardware to optimize virtual machines, balancing performance needs with innovative container management techniques.

7 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 31min
2.5 Admins 233: 2.005 Admins
The elegance of subnetting is celebrated alongside the need for custom benchmarking in networking. Exciting news surfaces as Xbox tests expansive external storage capabilities. BcacheFS faces challenges, prompting developers to seek alternatives like ZFS. The security of remote desktop tools is examined, leading to reassurances for users. Finally, the practicality of FortiGate firewalls is scrutinized for small offices, suggesting simpler options may be more effective.

15 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 30min
2.5 Admins 232: S:
A typo led to a lengthy DNS error for MasterCard, highlighting cybersecurity flaws. The discussion shifts to offsite backups and the risks of SMS-based two-factor authentication, promoting safer alternatives. They delve into incremental backups using ZFS and troubleshooting networking issues with tools like WireGuard and TailScale. Lastly, the hosts explore cloud storage solutions for syncing files on macOS, emphasizing the importance of data integrity and reliable backup practices.