

2.5 Admins
The Late Night Linux Family
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

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.