
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

5 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 29min
2.5 Admins 231: USB 3.2.2-ubuntu2
Microsoft faces challenges after a domain oversight, impacting Azure users. The dangers of using free VPN apps for gaming raise ethical and legal concerns. Confusing USB labeling leaves consumers baffled about speed and compatibility. Understanding USB-C standards can prevent issues with data transfer and security. Finally, swapping a motherboard in a TrueNAS system is simpler than expected, ensuring most configurations remain intact.

Jan 16, 2025 • 28min
2.5 Admins 230: Pool of Theseus
Discover the exciting new features in the latest version of ZFS, including RAID Z expansion and DirectIO for improved performance. Dive into data recovery tips after accidentally overwriting an ISO on a USB drive. Learn about the importance of maintaining a ZFS pool's birth date while replacing drives. The discussion also emphasizes the value of multiple backups and strategies for dealing with network abuse, offering a blend of technical insights and entertaining commentary.

8 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 29min
2.5 Admins 229: LiFePo4Life
Discover the cutting-edge advantages of lithium iron phosphate batteries in modern power solutions. The hosts compare Anker's latest offerings and discuss the operational specifics of portable power stations. Delve into the intriguing debate about whether any file can truly be deleted from the digital realm. They share personal anecdotes on digital rights and the complexities of managing information in a tech-savvy world. Tune in for insights on maximizing data storage and optimizing virtual machine performance.

Jan 2, 2025 • 30min
2.5 Admins 228: Century-Scale Storage
Discover the intriguing challenge of storing data reliably for a century, exploring institutional funding and decade-proof redundancy. Uncover the complexities of preserving data amidst evolving technology and the importance of open standards. Learn about strategies for configuring backups in TrueNAS and the vital role of synchronization in cloud storage. The conversation also touches on innovative approaches to backing up ZFS without manual snapshots. Join the dialogue on ensuring that our digital heritage lasts through generations!

7 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 29min
2.5 Admins 227: Six Day Certs
Discover how Windows SSH is unexpectedly sending more telemetry than you might think. Learn about Let’s Encrypt's new six-day SSL certificates and the implications for your infrastructure. The importance of setting up SPF and DMARC records for domains that don't send emails is highlighted, protecting your domain's reputation. Plus, get insights into troubleshooting sluggish performance issues on a Synology NAS and optimize file transfers. Tune in for a blend of tech tips and security advice!

9 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 35min
2.5 Admins 226: Quantum Toddle
Chinese researchers are inching closer to quantum computing breakthroughs, but modern encryption remains safe for now. A clever Russian group exploited nearby Wi-Fi for covert attacks, showcasing their tactics. A controversial startup is bricking its $800 emotional support robot, raising eyebrows about corporate ethics. Meanwhile, concerns about our emotional attachment to AI companions unfold, as companies might exploit these relationships. Additionally, security practices for Linux systems and the role of tools like AppArmor are discussed.

Dec 12, 2024 • 30min
2.5 Admins 225: Kinetic Response
The urgent need for secure messaging apps is underscored as traditional SMS vulnerabilities rise. Cybersecurity threats in the healthcare sector reveal alarming risks, potentially fueling military responses. A controversial QNAP firmware update leaves many NAS users locked out, prompting a look at best practices in software development. Additionally, the intricacies of securing self-hosted applications are compared, highlighting mutual TLS and alternative solutions like WireGuard.

8 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 30min
2.5 Admins 224: ZipLocked
Intel's leadership shakeup raises questions about the company's ability to adapt in a competitive landscape. A Zipcar outage leaves customers stranded, highlighting severe customer service failures. The importance of fail-safes in technology gets emphasized, especially for critical services. Insights on migrating to a new email provider stress the significance of DMARC for deliverability. Lastly, discussions on email hosting options reveal tools like ProtonMail and options for simplifying NAS setups.

11 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 31min
2.5 Admins 223: Google Juice Abuse
Equinix is shutting down its bare metal service, prompting discussions on migration challenges. D-Link warns about the dangers of outdated routers, emphasizing consumer awareness. Google is cracking down on low-quality content masquerading as reviews, affecting digital trust. The impact of data caps on consumers raises concerns over transparency and actual costs. Technical discussions cover ZFS disk management and innovative clustering solutions with Nomad, shedding light on effective storage practices.

Nov 21, 2024 • 30min
2.5 Admins 222: Surprise Upgrade
Unexpected Windows Server upgrades are causing quite a stir among system admins, revealing issues with mislabeling and lack of rollback options. The discussion also dives into Microsoft's new Cloud PC device and the thin client concept. Navigating friend-based data backups presents its own set of challenges, focusing on trust and maintenance. Advice on using ZFS permission delegation enhances security during data management. Plus, insights on the disconnect between management expectations and the technical struggles faced by admins make for an engaging listen.