Linux

If you use Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2), you may have noticed a large file on your system drive: C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local\Packages\<YourDistroFolder>\LocalState\ext4.vhdx This is a virtual hard disk that stores the entire Linux filesystem. It expands automatically as you install packages and create files, but it does not shrink automatically when files are deleted. Over time, this can leave you with a multi-gigabyte file containing mostly unused space. Here’s how to safely compact it and reclaim that space. ...

Note: This guide was written in 2015 for OpenVPN Access Server 2.0.24 on Ubuntu 14. The general process remains similar on newer versions, but package names, download URLs, and some commands will differ — check the OpenVPN Access Server docs for current instructions. In this guide we’ll install OpenVPN Access Server onto a VPS and connect to it using the built-in client web portal. Step 1: Get a VPS You’ll need a VPS with full root access. For this guide we’re using a 512MB VPS running Ubuntu 14 64-bit. If you use a different OS, the installation commands in Step 3 will differ. ...

In this guide we’ll set up a seedbox (a BitTorrent client running on a remote server) on a Linux VPS in four steps. Once it’s running, you can queue downloads from any browser and pull completed files down to your local machine when ready. Step 1: Get a VPS You’ll need a VPS to host the seedbox. For this guide we’re targeting a 1GB VPS with at least 25GB of storage and a gigabit network connection — that’s plenty for even large 1080p/4K downloads, and you can typically find one for around $5/month. ...

If you manage servers that use OpenVZ (Virtuozzo), chances are you’ll spend a lot of time working with vzctl to start, stop, and maintain containers (CTs). While modern virtualization has largely moved on to KVM, Docker, and LXC, plenty of production systems still rely on OpenVZ — especially for legacy applications. This is a quick reference of essential vzctl commands for day-to-day container administration. List All Containers vzlist -a Displays all containers, including stopped ones. ...

So you want an HTPC (Home Theater PC / Media Center) but you’re not Mr. Money Bags? That’s fine — you can still build a great one. The goal of this build was to play HD content streamed over the network to an HDTV. The requirements were: Powerful enough to handle 1080p Blu-ray rips Fairly compact Fairly quiet Inexpensive The Parts Barebone System: Foxconn R10-G3 — $80 This kit comes with an HTPC case, 250W PSU, and an LGA775 motherboard. It’s a great value — the board has a gigabit Ethernet port (essential for streaming HD over a network), 6-channel S/PDIF audio out, and includes 2 SATA cables. Build quality is solid. ...