Technical notes for Linux, automation, cloud, and creator workflows.
Browse the full archive of KeepItTechie posts, from practical Linux fixes to homelab build notes and AI workflow experiments.
Beelink ME Pro Review: A Mini PC Built to Be a NAS
I unbox the Beelink ME Pro, swap out Windows for FygoOS, and test how well this storage-focused mini PC behaves as the foundation for a staged NAS build.
Shelly Goes Way Beyond a GUI Package Manager
Shelly looks like a modern graphical package manager for Arch, but Shelly 3.1 adds a lot beneath the surface - CLI tools, AUR workflow, a native Arch package builder, and Flatpak and AppImage integration.
Can Shelly Make Arch Package Management Easier?
I tested Shelly 3.1.2 on EndeavourOS to see how a graphical package manager that talks directly to libalpm handles native Arch packages, the AUR, Flatpaks, and AppImages.
Everybody Wants a Home Server Now. Start Here.
Stop trying to build a perfect homelab and instead start with one real use case. This guide focuses on data you care about, backups that actually work, and why local-first self-hosting is easier to maintain.
FygoOS Review: Is This the Easiest Way to Build Your Own NAS?
FygoOS is a newer Linux-based NAS and private cloud OS that aims to turn your hardware into a storage server, photo backup system, media server, and self-hosting platform. I installed FygoOS, walked its browser UI,...
Your Internet Can Go Down. Your Home Network Should Still Work
Your internet and your home network are not the same thing. This guide walks through what to check, which local services keep working offline,...
Build a Digital Bug-Out Bag Before You Need It
A compact, encrypted recovery kit keeps you in control when a laptop, phone, or cloud account fails. This guide walks through what to include, tools to use, and the mistakes to avoid when building a digital bug-out bag.
How to Leave Windows One Step at a Time Without Losing Everything
A step-by-step, low-risk approach to moving from Windows to Linux by replacing one app, one workflow, and one habit at a time while keeping backups and your sanity.
This 360mm AIO Is Going Into My Next Linux Workstation Build
I unbox the ASRock Challenger 360 Digital AIO and walk through what is in the box, the build quality, mounting hardware, and that 3-inch digital display....
The Open Source Apps I Actually Use Every Week
A practical walkthrough of the open source apps I use regularly for browsing, documents, notes, media, passwords, backups, and homelab services, plus a realistic plan for adopting them without breaking your workflow.
