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VMware Workstation Pro 25H2U1 Released: Why You Should Update Now

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Broadcom has just dropped the latest update for VMware Workstation Pro – version 25H2u1, build 25219725, released on February 27, 2026. If you’re running Workstation on your desktop for development, testing, or even homelab setups, this patch is worth your attention. It’s primarily focused on security fixes and resolving some nagging bugs, especially on Windows […]

XorMon NG 2.1.0 – Enhanced Full-Stack Monitoring with New Backup, DB, and Storage Support

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Managing virtualization, servers, storage, and backups can be a real headache with scattered tools and endless dashboards. That’s why I’ve been a fan of XorMon for years—it’s the one-stop solution that pulls everything together. I’ve covered it before in my posts on Xormon 2.0 for smarter monitoring and XorMon NG 1.9.0 with Veeam support. Now, […]

Ufficio Zero Linux: Boosting Productivity with an Italian Open-Source Desktop Built for Real Work – and Learn Italian!

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I use VMware Workstation for quick labs and tests of different Linux distros. I  like to look for guest OSes that deliver maximum output with minimal overhead. Lightweight, stable, and preconfigured for actual tasks rather than endless post-install tweaks. That’s exactly where Ufficio Zero Linux (also known as Zero Linux or UfficioZero) shines. This Italian-developed […]

LAB: Xen Orchestra 6 and XCP-NG – installation from the source via script from Roni Väyrynen

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I was tinkering in my lab recently, and installing (or trying to) Xen Orchestra, whcih is a VMware vCenter server alternative as a management of XCP-NG hypervisors. I have already reported about XCP-NG on several blog posts, but in reality, I haven’t really did a blog post about Xen Orchestra which is the main piece, […]

Reviving Old School Laptops with PrimTux: Battling Obsolescence on a Budget

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A slightly different post today. This is something I like to see as it saving resources and saving the planet. Fighting planned obsolescence in schools. Inspired by a fantastic initiative from the City of Blois in France – where they’re ditching Microsoft’s Windows 10 end-of-life drama for Linux-based PrimTux on old laptops. I’m diving into […]

How to Set Up pfSense Community Edition as a Firewall Using VMware Workstation Pro 17 (2025 Edition)

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pfSense is one of the most powerful open-source firewalls and routers available. Running it inside VMware Workstation Pro 17 (the current 2025 version) is an excellent way to build a lab or even protect a small home/office network without dedicating physical hardware. I wanted to write this blog post years ago, but you know, how […]

Zorin OS 18: Ditch Windows 11’s Bloat – A Lighter, Smarter Linux Ride

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If you’ve been following my ramblings on Linux distros, you know I’m no stranger to hunting for that sweet spot between power and simplicity. Back in February 2024, I geeked out over Zorin OS Lite – that zippy little beast that breathes new life into dusty old hardware. Fast forward to today, October 2025, and […]

StarWind Virtual Backup Appliance Free – Stay Protected With Immutable Backups

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Today, we’ll have a look at a StarWind Virtual Backup Appliance (VBA) Free, a great tool from StarWind that brings enterprise-grade backup storage capabilities with immutability, to your home lab, small business, or proof-of-concept (PoC) environment. In this post, we’ll explore its deployment options across various platforms, zoom in on its immutable backup capabilities, and […]