Jump to content
Blackeye

The Deedleware Services Box

Recommended Posts

Blackeye

So I recently bought a cheap refurbished PC that's about the size of a typical router (about 7x7x2 or so) with quite small power requirements to match its small size. I then installed free (or licens included) software to implement the following 'core services' for my LAN:

 

  • Linux and an installation of Oracle Virtualbox, which is used to run the following virtual machines ..
  • An OpenVPN server that runs two OpenVPN tunnels, one running as UDP and one as TCP. TCP is useful for tunnelling out of places where the operators don't want you to tunnel out of. 
  • A small FreeNAS server. This is useful for times when the only systems running at home are the WAN, router, and this little box. For a very low power and heat budget you can have a place where you can upload and store files while you are away. 
  • I used the included Windows license to run a VM that has WIn10 on it, and on that I installed iSpy, a video surveillance package. This package also logs 7-10 days of time lapse and motion triggered video+audio to the NAS, above.
  • OPTIONAL: I've also got the Domain Controller for my LAN on this box. 

 

The machine:

 

51BAkxlWHJL._SL1000_.jpg

 

It has a modest i3 CPU and 8gb of ram. I added a 750gb drive I had laying around and an m.2 SATA 500gb drive, and upgraded to 16gb. It could have gone without those things but it runs better now. 

 

I'll include a more detailed how-to later. 

 

Edited by Blackeye
  • Like 1
  • Thanks 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Parrothead
18 minutes ago, Blackeye said:

I'll include a more detailed how-to later.

 

I'm definitely looking forward to this. Thank you.

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Blackeye

OK so I'll start with a high level how to - it's remarkably simple really.

 

 

That's basically it, but there are a few other tings, including getting FreeNAS running and automatically starting and stopping Virtualbox that make it reallt a finished system. I'll write that up later.

 

Happy trails.

 

 

 

Edited by Blackeye
  • Thanks 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Parrothead

I'm considering using one of my old desktops as a NAS. Room to add extra drives, and is running 16 Gigs of RAM.

AND I already have a Win 10 Pro license for it. I already have Ubuntu Mate v18.04 downloaded, as well. 

Perhaps, this will also encourage me to update my other desktop, since it was current tech in late 2014. 

 

 

Edited by Parrothead

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Blackeye

Here is the RDP view of mine.

 

image.thumb.png.4187488369151c6ba206ddc145a8d773.png

 

I had to scale it down to upload it, sorry. 

 

Notice the CPU load is pretty low, and the RDP session (which isn't generally running) is one of the top CPU users. Typically if you look via SSH the load looks more like this:

 

image.thumb.png.6859024ccdacbab093c1bfc8da8fe287.png

 

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Parrothead

Thanks for the screenshots, man. 

 

It will be nice to put all my movies, television series, and music, all in one location - for a change. And, this will free up some external USB hard drives, as well.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Blackeye

I'll cover the finishing touches later, I'll probably be really busy the next 10-14 days.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
John_Galt

Is there a specific reason you need windows 10 pro over a different version?  

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Blackeye
12 hours ago, John_Galt said:

Is there a specific reason you need windows 10 pro over a different version?  

 

 

Windows home doesn't include RDP. 

  • Thanks 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • If you would like to join to begin posting and become an active member, feel free to click on THIS LINK, to register. If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the Forum Operations / Issues forum. If you register, but then are unable to log in, please feel free to post concerns in the Having Problems Logging In? forum. We will address any and all questions, comments, or concerns, as quickly as possible. Welcome to the Living In Cambodia Forums! 

    Welcome to the forum!

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use & Guidelines. Here is our Privacy Policy.