And I would appreciate your love and support in helping us achieve our goal of 60,000 subscribers on YouTube before 2024 ends. We need 3,600 more people.
PikaPods allows you to quickly deploy your favorite open source software. All future updates are handled automatically by PikaPods while you enjoy using the software. Did I tell you that they also share revenue with the original developers of the software?
Oh! You also get a $5 free credit to try it out and see if you can rely on PikaPods.
You can subscribe and listen to podcasts using Rhythmbox. Just enter a Podcast RSS URL in the text box inside the “Podcasts” category and click on “Search”, then “Subscribe”.
🤣 Meme of the Week
My favorite Linux humor in this season
🗓️ Tech Trivia
In December 1991, IBM and Siemens AG unveiled a prototype 64-megabyte DRAM chip, a significant step in semiconductor development. This innovation followed Moore's Law, which predicts that the number of transistors on a chip doubles roughly every 18 months.
🧑🤝🧑 FOSSverse Corner
FOSSers are debating the topic of power off vs. suspend in Linux systems. Which side do you stand on?
Have you ever wanted to zoom the screen recording area to where your cursor currently is? OBS can do it for you with the help of third-party scripts. You don't need a dedicated video editor in Linux just for zooming into an area.
Before starting this guide, let's make sure you have OBS Studio installed on your system.
Step 1: Download Zoom to Mouse Lua script
Now that you have installed and set OBS Studio, let's see how to set the Zoom to mouse feature. First, you need to download the “Zoom to Mouse” Lua script.
Use the link below to go to the GitHub repository of the project.
In the scripts window, click on the “+” button in the bottom-left, as shown below.
Click “+” to add Script
This will open a file chooser, where you can see the location of the scripts. For me, it is /usr/share/obs/obs-plugins/frontend-tools/scripts.
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This location may vary according to the OBS Studio installation method (deb, snap, flatpak etc_. Replace the location according to your method of installation.
You need to copy the downloaded Lua script file to this location.
For this, open a terminal. Now, assuming you have downloaded the Lua script to the ~/Downloads directory, use the command:
Now, you can see this script appear in the Scripts dialog we have opened earlier. Click on it and select Open.
Select and Open the Lua Script File in OBS Studio
This will open the script settings. Here, you need to select a Zoom Source. This should be the same as the screen capture source.
Zoom to mouse settings
You can go through the rest of the settings for further tweaks.
Step 3: Set a hotkey for Zoom
Now that you have installed the Zoom to Mouse script, you should set a hotkey for this action. Otherwise, it will be difficult to access this feature.
On the main menu of OBS Studio, click on File → Settings.
Click on File → Settings
In the settings window, go to Hotkeys. Here, scroll down a bit to get the Toggle zoom to mouse and Toggle follow mouse during zoom shortcuts.
Toggle zoom to mouse: Toggle between zoom and normal views.
Toggle follow mouse during zoom: Decides whether the zoom follows the cursor, or lock in the current position. If locked, the other part of the video won't be visible if the cursor is out of the zoomed location.
In the field corresponding to these options, press your required shortcuts.
Set a Hotkey
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You should not be adding hotkeys that have other preset values in the system. For example, setting a key like CTRL A will cause issue since this is the shortcut to select all items in the supported windows. Use some obscure shortcut which is not common.
Once set, click on Apply and close the settings windows. Now restart the OBS Studio and enjoy zooming in and out.
If you’ve ever dipped your toes into self-hosting, you know the struggle is real when it comes to exposing your local services to the internet securely.
Let's say you have Nexcloud deployed on Raspberry Pi but it is on your local network, behind NAT. If you want to access it from outside your home network, it needs a lot of additional configuration and effort.
You'll have to battle with port forwarding, dynamic IPs and what not and it can quickly snap the joy out of your homelab project.
But what if I told you that there's a service that can not only solve these issues but also make your life significantly easier?
Enter Cloudflare Tunnels: a game-changer for homelab users who want to share their services without opening their network to the internet.
In this tutorial, we'll dive into Cloudflare Tunnels, walk through how to set up your first tunnel & get it running on a Raspberry Pi. To demonstrate, I'll even set up a self-hosted WordPress site accessible from anywhere without worrying about exposing ports or breaking the bank.
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You'll still need a domain to access your services from outside. If you are just doing it for fun and testing, and a branded domain name doesn't matter, get a cheap .tk or some other obscure TLD for an inexpensive price from Namecheap etc.
What is Cloudflare Tunnels?
Cloudflare Tunnels, formerly known as Argo Tunnels, is a service that allows you to expose services running on your local network to the public internet without the headache of dealing with port forwarding or configuring a firewall.
Essentially, it creates a secure, outbound-only connection from your machine to Cloudflare’s global edge network, and the best part? No inbound traffic is required.
This setup means your self-hosted services, like WordPress, Plex, or Nextcloud, remain protected behind your firewall but can still be accessed securely over the web.
Cloudflare Tunnels also integrate tightly with Cloudflare's vast suite of security tools, including DDoS protection, SSL, and firewall rules, giving you peace of mind while sharing your services online.
DDoS Protection: Ensures your services are safeguarded from attacks.
Automatic SSL: Your connections are secured end-to-end with HTTPS.
DNS Management: Seamless integration with Cloudflare DNS.
Traffic Monitoring: Get insights into requests and bandwidth usage through the dashboard.
Firewall Rules: Apply precise security policies to your tunnels.
Pricing
One of the appealing things about Cloudflare Tunnels is its affordability. For homelab users, Cloudflare offers a free tier that is remarkably robust:
Free Plan: Perfect for individual users, allowing you to run tunnels without any charge. This includes up to 50 tunnels with unlimited bandwidth, making it great for small projects or personal services.
Pro Plan: Starting at $20/month, this plan offers more features like enhanced analytics, faster support, and increased security options, ideal for small businesses or more critical self-hosted environments.
Getting Started with Cloudflare Tunnel
Setting up Cloudflare Tunnels is simple and straightforward. Here’s how you can get started:
Create a Cloudflare Account: If you don’t already have one, head to Cloudflare's website and sign up. It’s free and only takes a few minutes.
Add Your Domain: Once signed up, you’ll be prompted to add a domain. You can either transfer an existing domain to Cloudflare or register a new one through their service.
Set Up Cloudflare DNS: To use Cloudflare Tunnels, you’ll need to set your domain’s DNS to point to Cloudflare’s nameservers. It typically takes only a few minutes for the changes to propagate.
Accessing the Cloudflare dashboard
Once your account is set up, you’ll be greeted by Cloudflare’s intuitive dashboard. Here you can manage your domains, access security settings, and, most importantly, create and manage tunnels.
The left-hand panel gives you access to your domains, DNS settings, analytics, and security tools. Under the “Zero Trust” section, you’ll find “Tunnels,” which is where the magic happens.
I already have one tunnel running on my Pi 4
Setting up your first Tunnel
Let’s get practical. Say you want to expose a self-hosted WordPress instance running on a Raspberry Pi. Here’s how to set up your Cloudflare Tunnel.
Install Cloudflared on the server where the service is running, which is Raspberry Pi in my case.
Depending on your service, you can choose different protocols like http, https, tcp, ssh, or even rdp if needed.
For example, a Minecraft server would use tcp://localhost:25655, while a web server might use http://localhost:8080.
After editing the file, save your changes by pressing CTRL + X, then Y, and finally hit ENTER
Now that your configuration file is set up, install it as a system service by running:
sudo cloudflared --config ~/.cloudflared/config.yml service install
To ensure your tunnel starts on boot, use this command to enable the Cloudflare service:
sudo systemctl enable cloudflared
Finally, you can manually start the tunnel to check if everything is working by running:
sudo systemctl start cloudflared
NNow,your Cloudflare Tunnel will automatically start whenever your Raspberry Pi boots up, ensuring continuous access to your services without any manual intervention.
Why use Cloudflare Tunnels?
For homelab users, Cloudflare Tunnels offers incredible flexibility:
No Port Forwarding: You don’t need to tinker with your router’s settings to expose services.
Security: Your local services remain behind your firewall, significantly reducing the risk of cyber threats.
Cost-Effective: With the free tier offering unlimited bandwidth for personal use, it’s hard to beat Cloudflare Tunnels’ value.
Tips for Homelab Users
Start Small: Don’t open all your services at once. Start by exposing one service and test its stability and security before expanding.
Use Subdomains: If you’re running multiple services (like Nextcloud, Plex, and WordPress), use subdomains (e.g., nextcloud.yourdomain.com) to keep things organized.
Monitor Traffic: Keep an eye on your Cloudflare dashboard for any unusual traffic spikes, which could indicate a security issue.
Keep system and services updated: Needless to say that you should keep the server updated and also update the services you are running, specially if there are security updates.
Final Thoughts
From my own experience, Cloudflare Tunnels has been a game-changer for hosting my personal projects and websites all for free.
It’s become my go-to tool for exposing services from my Raspberry Pi without ever having to deal with the hassle of port forwarding or worrying about security risks.
One of the things I truly appreciate is the added layer of security that comes built into the service, which lets me confidently put my projects online while keeping them protected.
Cloudflare, as the largest player in the web performance and security space, has built an incredibly robust network infrastructure.
They power a significant portion of the internet, and knowing that my personal projects benefit from the same level of protection as massive enterprises is a huge relief.
The best part? It’s all not that complicated to set up.
And, I used to log in to Windows more often, but I barely log in to Windows anymore 😄
Sure, it totally depends on your use-case. For instance, I rarely get time to play games on my PC. But, in my usage of a dual-boot system, I am confident saying that I do not see a reason to switch to Windows if you are already comfortable with Linux.
And, here's why I tell you that.
1. Web-based tools get the work done
Earlier, users on Linux were not happy about the lack of tools or software when compared to Windows.
Yes, there are several software still not available for Linux. And, it could be a bummer for some. But, the overall situation has changed drastically.
Most of the tools, and services we use these days, have become web-based, Software as a service (SaaS). All you require is a web browser to access those tools and services.
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The choice of operating system is not relevant for these web-based tools. You will get the same experience through any browser of your choice.
In the clip above, I am using Firefox as my web browser to download our feature image designs using Canva, on an Archcraft-powered system.
And, if I continue, it will be a separate article in itself. So, the point is, you no longer have to be locked in to a particular platform anymore.
You can take your pick, and change your pick anytime you want. If your operating system has a web browser, you are good to go.
2. Plenty of distributions to suit your preference
With Linux, you have plenty of options to try if you are not satisfied with something. The possibilities of combining your favorite desktop environment and a specific tech stack is endless.
Do you want a uniquedesktop environment? Do you want atiling window manager? Want a workflow with only keyboard shortcuts or a simple experience? Want the latest Linux kernel? Maybe, you want to be a penetration tester?
Cinnamon desktop with EndeavourOS
For all such questions, you have an answer:
Try Ubuntu for a unique/stable experience
Install Pop!_OS for an easy tiling window manager experience or go for Arch Linux + i3 for advanced tiling
Opt for Fedora for the latest tech stack and open source utilities
Choose any Arch-based distro or pure Arch for the latest Linux kernel
Install Parrot OS or Kali Linux for hacking/cybersecurity use-cases
Furthermore, you might already own a handheld like the Steam Deck, or full-fledged console like PS5. So, do you really need Windows that bad? Gamers have a lot of choices now, and if Windows is eliminated as your platform choice, it will not create an issue for many.
Of course, regardless of what I say, it is up to your preference. But, Windows is no longer the only choice you have anymore.
4. Proprietary choices on Linux (Better late than never)
DaVinci Resolve on Linux
Many software packages are slowly adding support for Linux. And, they highlight it promptly because they know that it counts to have Linux support nowadays.
There are many popular proprietary choices available for Linux. So, you will not miss much. Except the usual Adobe and Microsoft suites, although they too have some sort of web versions available in some cases.
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Did I just mention the word 'proprietary'? Here's why. Linux is also for people who want a functional computer for their work. Some of them need proprietary software. Switching to complete open source software is not always viable for everyone.
5. Technologies like Electron make it easier for app availability
Yes, I am aware that numerous people hate Electron-based apps. That's because these apps run on the Chromium browser underneath.
However, it is a game changer and time-saver for plenty of organizations to offer native applications for Linux.
Obsidian is a popular app that provides an Electron-based app for Linux users
Whether it is the team communication (and management) application like ClickUp, or the popular note-taking app Obsidian, they utilize Electron to offer applications for Linux that you can download.
You can expect such apps to be available as an AppImage/Snap/Deb/Flatpak files.
In most cases, you can install it on any Linux distribution you use.
6. No ads in your operating system
If you have ever used Windows 11, you'll understand what I am saying.
There are promoted articles, apps etc right there in the search option beside Start button. You would think that you are searching the system settings but that's not necessarily the case.
I get travel recommendations when I just looking for Device Manager
And then there are ads in weather widget that shows everything under the sun.
Clicking on the weather icon in the bottom left shows this
In addition to that, Microsoft and partners will send you pop up notifications to subscribe to a range of services. Microsoft Office, antivirus system, system management tools and what not. You may get these notifications even in the file explorer. For some people, even the Documents, Pictures and Music folders are automatically configured to sync with Microsoft One Drive and then the user keeps getting notifications to buy more storage.
This is not it. Every search you perform in the browser or in the system, it all gets collected to keep an ad profile on you and show you more targeted ads.
This would all still have been acceptable if Windows was free. Here, you are paying ~$100 directly or indirectly for an operating system to see ads everywhere.
Yes, you can disable the ads in Windows 11 but read this article and see how many different kinds of settings you need to change to completely get rid of the ads in Windows.
7. Docker, Homelab setup, and Self-hosting: There's nothing like Linux
If you are keen to work with containers or build a home lab for any use-case, Linux as the platform choice is superior.
For starters, you have numerous tools built-in to your Linux system, and if not, you can easily install them.
Not just the tooling, even if you want to self-host a certain service for a project or a personal endeavor, Linux gives you the best compatibility, security, and reliability.
You can find plenty of documentations to self-host stuff on Linux because that's the preferred platform. While you can use Docker or build a home lab on top of your Windows system, it will not match the level of control and flexibility you have on a Linux system.
Sourav Rudra
Ankush Das
Sreenath
Abhishek Kumar
Sourav Rudra
Sourav Rudra
Ankush Das
callpaul.eu (Paul)
