IT, tools, and opinions by Michal Ferber.https://techguywithabeard.com/en-ushttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/dispensationalism-makes-sense-to-an-engineer/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/dispensationalism-makes-sense-to-an-engineer/Why a framework-minded IT veteran finds dispensational theology to be the most logical way to read the Bible — and why the early church fathers saw it long before Darby and Scofield.Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/from-church-walls-to-spiritual-freedom/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/from-church-walls-to-spiritual-freedom/My journey through decades of organized religion — Baptist, Pentecostal, Assemblies of God — through broken marriages, a mental health crisis, and ultimately finding God outside the institution.Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/pet-peeves-the-parking-lot/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/pet-peeves-the-parking-lot/Parking lots are purgatory. The spaces are too small, the arrows are suggestions, and there's always a shopping cart in the only open spot.Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/pet-peeves-the-speakerphone-plague/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/pet-peeves-the-speakerphone-plague/A deeply personal grievance about the people who hold their phone like a digital taco and broadcast their entire lives in public spaces.Sun, 29 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/buying-precious-metals-minerals/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/buying-precious-metals-minerals/A practical breakdown of buying precious metals and strategic minerals — from physical bullion to rare earth ETFs — with dealer recommendations, storage tips, and common mistakes to avoid.Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/docker-compose-update-automation/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/docker-compose-update-automation/Managing multiple Docker Compose services can be tedious. Here's how I automated the update process with a single shell script that handles all my containers intelligently.Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/proxmox-ubuntu-vm-setup/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/proxmox-ubuntu-vm-setup/A complete guide to creating Ubuntu Server virtual machines in Proxmox VE with full QEMU Guest Agent integration for seamless management and monitoring.Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/pihole-setup-guide/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/pihole-setup-guide/A comprehensive guide to setting up Pi-hole for network-wide ad blocking, including installation on Raspberry Pi and Proxmox LXC, plus a comparison with AdGuard Home and why Pi-hole is my preferred choice for homelab environments.Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/nginx-proxy-manager/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/nginx-proxy-manager/How Nginx Proxy Manager replaced manual NGINX config management in my homelab — with built-in Let's Encrypt, a clean web UI, and a battle-tested ops guide.Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/wasabi-s3-storage/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/wasabi-s3-storage/Why I switched from AWS S3 to Wasabi for homelab backups — with a pricing breakdown, migration guide, and comparison with Backblaze B2.Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/adsb-flight-tracking-feeder/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/adsb-flight-tracking-feeder/How I turned a Raspberry Pi and a cheap SDR dongle into a flight tracking station — feeding three networks, getting free premium subscriptions, and spotting military aircraft near my home.Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/secret-service-code-names/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/secret-service-code-names/A fun look at the tradition of Secret Service code names — how they started, how they're chosen, and the full list for the current 47th administration.Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/self-hosted-donetick-task-manager/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/self-hosted-donetick-task-manager/How I set up Donetick — a self-hosted chore and task manager — on Docker with SQLite, SSE realtime updates, and API automation.Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/learning-rust-my-approach/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/learning-rust-my-approach/Ubuntu is quietly rewriting the core of the OS in Rust. I don't need to become a Rust developer — I need to read it, tweak it, and build a couple of CLI tools. Here's the plan.Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/raspberry-pi-for-kids-homeschool/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/raspberry-pi-for-kids-homeschool/A 30-week zero-to-hero Pi 400 curriculum for an 8-year-old homeschooler. From mouse practice to GPIO to Python — progressing at the speed of the kid, not a classroom.Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/my-python-learning-plan/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/my-python-learning-plan/A 5-week plan to go from reading Python to writing small, useful programs — structured for someone who already knows other languages and doesn't need hand-holding.Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/booklore-opds/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/booklore-opds/How I set up a self-hosted ebook server with Booklore, Wasabi storage, and OPDS synchronization across macOS and Android devicesThu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/completing-your-truenas-setup/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/completing-your-truenas-setup/Complete your TrueNAS setup with automated backups, HTTPS, and security hardening for Windows, macOS, and Linux.Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/a-practical-operations-guide/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/a-practical-operations-guide/A comprehensive guide to managing Docker containers, systemd services, and rclone cloud mounts on a Raspberry Pi 4 home serverFri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/michals-rsync-cheat-sheet/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/michals-rsync-cheat-sheet/My go-to tool for implementing the 3-2-1 backup strategyWed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/michals-podman-cheat-sheet/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/michals-podman-cheat-sheet/Complete Podman cheat sheet and tutorial for 2026. Learn Podman commands, Docker alternatives, and container management for homelab and Linux servers. Includes rootless containers, pod management, and Docker Compose compatibility.Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/building-a-redundant-unbound-dns-setup-in-my-home-lab/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/building-a-redundant-unbound-dns-setup-in-my-home-lab/Build a redundant Unbound DNS setup on Raspberry Pi with automated config sync, security hardening, and health monitoring.Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/responsive-web-design-best-practices-2025/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/responsive-web-design-best-practices-2025/Responsive design in 2025: content-based breakpoints, fluid layouts, optimized images (AVIF/WebP), SVG, and when to use a CDN versus self-hosting.Wed, 13 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/visionpay_ai_powered_payments/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/visionpay_ai_powered_payments/Concept design for an AI-powered payment system using Raspberry Pi 5, Hailo AI module, camera, and blockchain integration.Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/the-dawn-of-a-digital-age-aol-dial-up/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/the-dawn-of-a-digital-age-aol-dial-up/A look back at AOL’s dial-up legacy, its rivals, and why 56k internet survived decades past broadband—until its final goodbye in 2025.Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/vibrational-medicine-healing-with-frequencies/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/vibrational-medicine-healing-with-frequencies/Explore how specific sound frequencies may aid in wellness, paired with a DIY Raspberry Pi tone generator and free downloadable tools.Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/diy-raspberry-pi-frequency-tone-generator/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/diy-raspberry-pi-frequency-tone-generator/Build a low-cost, standalone frequency generator using a Raspberry Pi for exploring vibrational medicine, bioresonance, or sound therapy.Sat, 09 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/psalm-82-6-you-are-gods/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/psalm-82-6-you-are-gods/A deep dive into Psalm 82:6, exploring the names of God, Christ Consciousness, and what it means to be made in His image.Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/first-90-days-sudden-wealth/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/first-90-days-sudden-wealth/A 90-day framework for navigating sudden wealth with wisdom, privacy, and stewardship.Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/diy-raspberry-pi-pico-weather-station/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/diy-raspberry-pi-pico-weather-station/Learn how to build a Raspberry Pi Pico weather station to measure temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, with real-time display or web output.Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/diy-raspberry-pi-hq-camera/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/diy-raspberry-pi-hq-camera/Build a portable Raspberry Pi HQ Camera setup with live display, battery power, and customizable software.Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/diy-raspberry-pi-pico-environmental-monitor/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/diy-raspberry-pi-pico-environmental-monitor/Build an environmental monitoring system with a Raspberry Pi Pico to measure temperature, humidity, pressure, air quality, and more.Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/diy-raspberrypi-pico-w-web-server/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/diy-raspberrypi-pico-w-web-server/Learn how to host a simple web page from your Raspberry Pi Pico W using MicroPython and Wi-Fi.Sun, 03 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/my-programming-journey/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/my-programming-journey/How a TLDR Web Dev article sparked a trip down memory lane to where my programming journey began—with BASIC.Sat, 02 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/the-hidden-history-of-the-strawman/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/the-hidden-history-of-the-strawman/An alternate history exploring the idea of the Strawman, a legal fiction that turned individuals into collateral, and the awakening that followed.Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/install-and-use-net-tools-ubuntu/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/install-and-use-net-tools-ubuntu/Install and use the classic net-tools package on Ubuntu to get commands like ifconfig, netstat, route, and more.Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/us_geoengineering_projects/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/us_geoengineering_projects/A breakdown of known U.S.-based geoengineering projects, including public research, proposed field tests, and the possibility of classified programs.Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/ubuntu-speedtest-cli/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/ubuntu-speedtest-cli/Using the Ookla Speedtest CLI to perform speedtestTue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/ubuntu-static-ip-netplan/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/ubuntu-static-ip-netplan/Using the Ubuntu (Netplan) to manage your ip addressTue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/teeth_reflexology_sacred_map/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/teeth_reflexology_sacred_map/Exploring the ancient connections between your teeth, organs, emotions, and ancestral memory through the lens of reflexology.Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/remove-and-exclude-ds_store-files-on-macos-with-git/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/remove-and-exclude-ds_store-files-on-macos-with-git/Learn how to remove and exclude .DS_Store files from Git on macOS to keep your repository clean. Step-by-step guide!Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/configure-dns-for-hostname-on-ubuntu/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/configure-dns-for-hostname-on-ubuntu/Configure Ubuntu for mDNS to ping/SSH using hostname.local (e.g., yourservername.local). Install Avahi, set hostname, and enable SSH discovery.Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/custom-linux-welcome-message/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/custom-linux-welcome-message/This guide walks you through setting up a personalized welcome message that appears when you log into your terminal or connect via SSH.Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/names_of_god_series/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/names_of_god_series/A study of the names of God in Scripture, their meanings, and how they reveal His character — with a focus on Jehovah and Yeshua.Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/free-tools-used-regularly/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/free-tools-used-regularly/A curated list of free tools and services I use daily, shaped by over 30 years of IT experience and a passion for open-source software.Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/favorite-vscode-extensions/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/favorite-vscode-extensions/A comprehensive list of my favorite VS Code extensions grouped by category, with links, descriptions, and examples of how to use them.Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/king-james-bible-political-influence-missing-books/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/king-james-bible-political-influence-missing-books/How the King James Bible shaped culture, its missing books, and the politics behind its creationTue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/how-to-build-a-raspberry-pi-camera-for-seamless-webrtc-streaming/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/how-to-build-a-raspberry-pi-camera-for-seamless-webrtc-streaming/Using the Pi Zero 2 W and the Camera Module 3Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/the-lord-s-prayer/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/the-lord-s-prayer/The Aramaic Prayer of Jesus (Original transliteration and translation from the Peshitta (Syriac-Aramaic)Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/difference-between-religion-and-spirituality/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/difference-between-religion-and-spirituality/Or at least my take on it.Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/hello-world/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/hello-world/Everyone has to have one of these right?Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/mailerlite-expert/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/mailerlite-expert/Certified MailerLite Expert helping businesses boost engagement, drive sales, and maximize ROI through targeted, effective email marketing campaigns.Sun, 21 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/microsoft-365-certified-teams-administrator-associate/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/microsoft-365-certified-teams-administrator-associate/MS-700: Managing Microsoft Teams.Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/how-to-the-new-admin-on-demand-feature-in-the-mosyle-mdm/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/how-to-the-new-admin-on-demand-feature-in-the-mosyle-mdm/A How To Guide.Wed, 26 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/mosyle-certified-admin/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/mosyle-certified-admin/This certificate deems the recipient competent and skilled in Mosyle Business MDM. He has completed certification and become a Mosyle Certified Admin.Sun, 26 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/microsoft-certified-azure-fundamentals/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/microsoft-certified-azure-fundamentals/The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification is designed to provide foundational knowledge about cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, compliance, and Azure pricing and support.Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/microsoft-cloud-skills-challenge/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/microsoft-cloud-skills-challenge/The AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator exam evaluates your skills in administering Azure environments and implementing core solutions on the Azure platform.Thu, 31 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/sip-ssca-certification/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/sip-ssca-certification/The SSCA® SIP training program has been the defacto certification for SIP students around the world since its inception in 2008.Thu, 02 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/september-23-part-1/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/september-23-part-1/A personal storyThu, 26 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/stars-we-lost-in-2019/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/stars-we-lost-in-2019/Year in reviewMon, 23 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/vesta-alert-notification-system/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/vesta-alert-notification-system/South Carolina ARC GIS conferenceThu, 24 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/milestone-certified-integration-technician-mcit/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/milestone-certified-integration-technician-mcit/Milestone Integration Technicians install and configure moderately complex XProtect VMS installations with camera counts of 100-500 cameras.Thu, 10 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/enhancing-healthcare-with-use-of-emergency-notification-technology/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/enhancing-healthcare-with-use-of-emergency-notification-technology/A case study on McLeod Health emergency notificationWed, 09 May 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/how-emergency-notification-is-used-for-healthcare/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/how-emergency-notification-is-used-for-healthcare/A case study on McLeod Health emergency notificationWed, 30 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/an-open-letter-to-christians-everywhere-including-me/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/an-open-letter-to-christians-everywhere-including-me/From the heartSat, 16 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/its-all-about-effective-efficient-communication-thats-just-the-bottom-line/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/its-all-about-effective-efficient-communication-thats-just-the-bottom-line/That’s Just the Bottom LineFri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMThttps://techguywithabeard.com/blog/integrating-emergency-notification-into-your-everyday-communications-strategy/https://techguywithabeard.com/blog/integrating-emergency-notification-into-your-everyday-communications-strategy/Speaking at Disaster Recovery Journal | Spring World 2010Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT