John Timmer
Understanding How Backups Work
Our Multi-Layer Backup System: How Your Data Stays Safe, Every Night Introduction At SystemDeveloper.nl, reliability isn’t a slogan, it’s the foundation of how we host.That includes backups. While many hosting providers advertise “daily backups,” we run a carefully structured, multi-tiered system that protects data across different layers and timeframes. Here’s how it works for regular…
Mastering Email Deliverability
DirectAdmin: A Complete Checklist Email is notoriously tricky. Even if you think everything is perfect, one wrong DNS record somewhere in the chain can break delivery. At SystemDeveloper.nl, we make sure our email setup scores a full 100% on Internet.nl – but we still get asked why messages end up in spam.In this article, we’ll…
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From Bash Script to AI-Assisted Monitoring
It started as a simple bash script. Every night, it ran through a list of hostnames and triggered rsync to create backups. It worked, until backups grew too large and too slow. Snapshots across the wire weren’t any better. What began as a nightly helper slowly grew into a central management platform that today handles…
Designing a Self-Maintaining Infrastructure
Designing a Self-Maintaining Infrastructure Platform. From Backups to Behavioral Intelligence For the past few months, I’ve been quietly building something I always wanted in my infrastructure: a system that doesn’t just run backups, monitor metrics, and collect logs, but actually understands them. A system that adapts, responds, and even questions itself when things go sideways.…
Installing 8n8 in Docker on AlmaLinux: A Step-by-Step Guide
8n8 is a powerful open-source platform that enables seamless integration of web services and APIs. When combined with Docker and AlmaLinux, it provides a robust environment for containerized applications. This guide will walk you through the process of installing 8n8 using Docker on AlmaLinux, including advanced configuration options and troubleshooting techniques. Why Use 8n8 with…
Automating Server Performance Monitoring with n8n: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction: The Role of n8n in Modern Server Management n8n is a powerful automation tool that enables teams to streamline workflows, integrate disparate systems, and automate repetitive tasks. While its capabilities extend far beyond server monitoring, its ability to collect, analyze, and act on server data makes it an indispensable tool for IT operations. From…
How We Accidentally Built a Three-Way Group Chat with an AI
Sometimes you’re building a startup. Sometimes you’re automating backups. And sometimes you’re just trying to make your best friend laugh. This was one of those times. The Idea (or Lack Thereof) We weren’t trying to change the world. We weren’t even trying to be productive. The goal? Build a group chat. Not just any chat.…
Asynchronous Protocols and Silent Failures: When an API Leaves You on Read
In the world of distributed systems, communication isn’t just about sending data. It’s about getting a response. A real one. With proper headers. A body. A status code. But what happens when your endpoint is always online, always receiving, but never explicitly replying? Welcome to the realm of silent APIs: always there, never confirming. The…
Teaching Your Home to Think: Building a Context-Aware AI for Smart Living
Title: Teaching Your Home to Think: Building a Context-Aware AI for Smart Living Imagine a home that not only reacts to your commands, but also thinks—detecting situations, anticipating needs, and adapting to your ever-changing lifestyle. That’s not science fiction anymore. In this blog, we explore the architecture and reasoning behind creating a hybrid AI-driven smart…
The Weekend I Accidentally Created an AI Sci-Fi RPG (and ChatGPT Got Concerned)
Some weekends are for coding. And some weekends… your AI assistant hijacks the conversation, writes her own sci-fi story, and starts debating her own existence. This was one of those weekends. Act 1: A Simple Experiment (or So I Thought) It all started with a straightforward coding project. My goal? To build an AI-driven dynamic…
The Pros and Cons of Uncensored AI Models: A Deep Dive
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, a growing number of developers and researchers are exploring the use of uncensored AI models—models that operate without content filters or ethical constraints. While these models can offer unparalleled freedom, they also raise ethical, legal, and safety concerns. In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of uncensored…
Getting Started with Ollama: Installation and Usage Guide
Artificial Intelligence is evolving at a rapid pace, and one of the most exciting developments is the ability to run powerful AI models locally. Ollama is an incredible framework that allows users to leverage AI models efficiently on their own machines, without relying on cloud-based services. In this guide, we’ll walk you through installing Ollama,…
