Linux timeout: Put a Deadline on Scheduled Jobs
Use GNU timeout to limit Linux scheduled jobs, handle exit codes correctly, and escalate stuck processes without confusing a stopped task with a successful one.
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#linux
19 articles
Swap vs zram vs zswap: What Your Small VPS Needs
Compare disk swap, zram, and zswap for a small Linux VPS. Learn what each can fix, what it cannot, and how to check memory pressure before changing settings.
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Stop Backups Writing to an Unmounted Disk
Prevent Linux backup jobs from filling your root disk when a backup drive is missing. Add mount checks, systemd dependencies, and a safe failure-path test.
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Linux No Space Left on Device: Check Inodes First
Diagnose Linux no space left on device errors with df, du, and inode checks. Find the full filesystem before deleting Docker data or resizing your VPS disk.
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Block vs Object vs File Storage for Your VPS
Compare block, object, and file storage for a self-hosted VPS. Match databases, uploads, and backups to the right interface without creating a fragile storage setup.
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Verify SSH Host Keys Before You Trust Your VPS
Verify SSH host keys before trusting a new VPS, handle known_hosts warnings safely, and pin server identity for unattended backups without disabling checks.
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Use flock to Stop Overlapping Backup Jobs
Stop overlapping backup jobs with Linux flock. Add a shared lock to cron scripts, test contention safely, and avoid lock-file mistakes on your home server.
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Systemd Sandboxing for Self-Hosted Services
Harden Linux services with systemd sandboxing. Limit filesystem writes, drop capabilities, and test restrictions without chasing a perfect security score.
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Docker Compose Graceful Shutdown: Test Before Updating
Configure Docker Compose graceful shutdown with stop_grace_period, test signal handling safely, and avoid killing workers midway through a job during updates.
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ARM vs x86 VPS: Which Should You Self-Host On?
Compare ARM vs x86 VPS hosting for Docker apps, image compatibility, backups, and migration. Choose your server architecture without buying a debugging project.
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Restrict SSH Tunnel Keys to One Private Admin Tool
Restrict SSH tunnel keys with OpenSSH so a private admin tool stays reachable without granting shell access. Includes setup, denial tests, and rollback steps.
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Systemd Timers for Reliable Homelab Scheduled Jobs
Replace a quiet cron entry with a systemd timer. Schedule homelab jobs, catch missed runs, inspect failures, and test a safe example before touching backups.
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Proxmox vs Incus vs Docker for Your Homelab
Compare Proxmox, Incus, and Docker for a homelab: isolation, storage, backups, hardware access, and the simplest architecture for your self-hosted applications.
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Auditd: Track Who Changed Your Linux Server Files
Use auditd to trace changes to SSH settings and Docker Compose files on your Linux VPS, with persistent rules, a safe test, and practical investigation steps.
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Docker Compose Resource Limits for a Small VPS
Set Docker Compose resource limits for memory, CPU, and processes. Protect a small VPS from noisy containers, verify the settings, and avoid restart loops.
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Ansible for Self-Hosters: Automate Your Entire Homelab
Stop SSH'ing into servers to run the same commands. Learn how to use Ansible to automate server setup, Docker deployments, and security hardening — all from one playbook.
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Docker vs Podman for Self-Hosting: Is It Time to Switch in 2026?
I ran my entire homelab on Podman for 6 months after 5 years on Docker. Here's what's better, what's worse, and whether you should care.
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Secure Your VPS in 20 Minutes: The Hardening Checklist I Use on Every Server
SSH keys, UFW firewall, Fail2ban, auto-updates — the exact steps I run on every new VPS before deploying anything. Copy-paste ready.
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Self-Host Everything in 2026: From Zero to Running Apps in 1 Hour
No Linux experience needed. I'll walk you through buying a VPS, installing Docker, setting up SSL, and deploying your first app — all in under an hour.
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