

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

Oct 31, 2024 • 33min
2.5 Admins 219: Spooky Stories
Get ready for some spine-chilling IT tales this Halloween! Hear about chaotic data center migrations and mismanaged networks that turned into tech nightmares. Relive the eerie stories from the early 2000s, where security lapses gave sysadmins sleepless nights. Discover a quirky NAS setup saga peppered with references to Poe. Plus, learn how to choose the perfect UPS for your home lab, complete with pros, cons, and tips to keep your systems running smoothly during power outages.

Oct 24, 2024 • 31min
2.5 Admins 218: TLS TTL
SSL and TLS certificates are getting shorter lifespans, sparking debate among sysadmins. The latest Windows 11 update is causing massive data retention issues and compatibility problems with certain SSDs. There’s a dive into modern DHCP server options for home routers and tips for using ZFS to securely backup data on a friend's NAS. Exploring the intricacies of encrypted snapshots, replication processes, and VPN enhancements adds a layer of tech-savvy excitement.

Oct 17, 2024 • 32min
2.5 Admins 217: Drive Scavenging
Explore the critical distinction between monitoring tools and metrics analysis for optimal system performance. Dive into the security pros and cons of cloud versus on-prem solutions. Witness the drawbacks of Unraid compared to ZFS in data redundancy. Delve into IT security as a digital landscape, discussing risk management and email solutions for small businesses. Finally, tackle the challenges of connectivity in remote and office settings, emphasizing strategies to streamline email management.

Oct 10, 2024 • 30min
2.5 Admins 216: Pa55w0rd%
NIST is changing the game with new, sensible password standards, abolishing absurd complexity rules. The podcast dives into why multi-core server CPUs can enhance performance and reliability in deployments. They also discuss the uncertain future of the '.io' domain amidst political shifts and offer insights on setting up Linux-based routers, focusing on tools like OpenWrt and mini PCs. Plus, they highlight reliable alternatives for budget-friendly access points. A blend of tech talk and practical advice awaits!

Oct 3, 2024 • 30min
2.5 Admins 215: Still no VLANs
The discussion kicks off with the challenges of data storage in the music industry, highlighting the risks of aging hard drives. Next, the podcast dives into the aging FAA air traffic control system and its urgent need for modernization. Listeners also learn about innovative solutions for isolating devices from disruptive roommates. The conversation touches on the complexities of data preservation and the vital role of checksums, stressing the importance of proactive management in tech upgrades and network security.

Sep 26, 2024 • 30min
2.5 Admins 214: No VLANs
The discussion kicks off with Google's controversial call to rethink WHOIS for TLS verification, prompting debates about security alternatives. They dive into strategies for isolating IoT devices using Ubiquiti gear, alongside tips for setting up WiFi in new homes. Insights on enhancing remote access with WireGuard lead to hardware recommendations. They also tackle the intricacies of network devices, emphasizing the balance between usability and security, and share thoughts on optimizing connectivity and site-to-site VPN setups.

Sep 19, 2024 • 30min
2.5 Admins 213: Photo Philosophy
The Malaysian government’s misguided plan to control its citizens’ DNS, the wrong way to deploy underwater servers, a philosophical question about how long a person’s photos will exist, and how we manage our SSH keys.
Plug
Support us on patreon and get an ad-free RSS feed with early episodes sometimes
News/discussion
Malaysia’s plan to block overseas DNS dies after a day
Proposed underwater data center surprises regulators who hadn’t heard about it
Free consulting
We were asked about how we manage our SSH keys.
1Password
Extended Access Management: Secure every sign-in for every app on every device. Support the show and check it out at 1password.com/25a
Automox
Check out the brand new Autonomous IT podcast. Listen in as a variety of experts in the IT Operations space discuss the latest Patch Tuesday releases, mitigation tips, and custom automations to help with CVE remediations. Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
See our contact page for ways to get in touch.

Sep 12, 2024 • 29min
2.5 Admins 212: WHODIS
Discover the alarming exploitation of the WHOIS system by a rogue server, revealing critical internet security flaws. Microsoft is shaking things up by mandating updates for older Windows 11 versions—get ready to adapt! Plus, learn simple ways to set up TP-Link Omada gear and tackle common networking concerns. The hosts dive into Apple’s connectivity issues and offer practical Wi-Fi troubleshooting tips. Tune in for tech insights that blend humor with essential advice for staying secure and connected!

Sep 5, 2024 • 30min
2.5 Admins 211: Open Sourceless
Another example of the downsides of abstraction, whether AI can ever be truly “open source”, and the security benefits and drawbacks of different types of VPN.
Plug
Support us on patreon and get an ad-free RSS feed with early episodes sometimes
News/discussion
Hackers infect ISPs with malware that steals customers’ credentials
Debate over “open source AI” term brings new push to formalize definition
Free consulting
We were asked about whether VPNs are a security measure.
See our contact page for ways to get in touch.

Aug 29, 2024 • 31min
2.5 Admins 210: Ryzen Up
The discussion dives into AMD's controversial patch for Ryzen 3000 CPUs and scrutinizes the benchmarking of Ryzen 9000 processors. The hosts touch on the difficulties of balancing innovation and stability in kernel development and the challenges of integrating Bcachefs. Cybersecurity compliance issues at Georgia Tech reveal stark consequences for institutions failing to meet security standards. Plus, practical advice is offered on monitoring home networks, especially with the surge of IoT devices.


