About

Introduction

Hi, I’m Jamie, and welcome to my website! I’m a passionate enthusiast of technology, with a deep love for Proxmox, servers, and all things computers. Fascinated by the ever-evolving world of tech, I take pride in exploring cutting-edge systems and finding innovative solutions to complex challenges. Beyond technology, I have a strong admiration for cars, blending an appreciation for their engineering brilliance and design aesthetics. With a hands-on approach and endless curiosity, I enjoy diving into the digital and mechanical realms alike.

Experience

My experience spans a wide range of advanced technologies and systems. I’m highly skilled in Proxmox, leveraging its virtualisation capabilities to manage servers and deploy efficient, scalable environments. With Ansible, I’ve automated complex configurations and streamlined processes to ensure robust IT infrastructure. Monitoring and analytics are integral to my work, and I use Grafana and Prometheus to extract meaningful insights and optimize system performance.

I have a deep passion for hardware and have built countless PCs and servers, tailoring each system to meet specific needs. My expertise in networking allows me to design and maintain secure, high-performance networks. As a dedicated user of OPNsense, I craft flexible and reliable firewall solutions that keep networks running smoothly.

I’m well-versed in containerisation technologies, with extensive experience using Docker and working with Kubernetes almost daily to orchestrate scalable and efficient deployments. My programming toolkit includes HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Lua, enabling me to build, automate, and innovate across diverse projects.

As a devoted Linux enthusiast, I rely on Nobara daily for my PC and laptop, appreciating its performance and customization capabilities. For servers, I prefer Debian, valuing its stability and dependability. I’m also a big fan of Home Assistant, using it to create seamless, smart home automation setups that make everyday life more convenient and enjoyable.

When it comes to web technologies, I have substantial experience building and managing containers for example with Nginx for efficient web services. Databases are another strength of mine, with expertise in MySQL/MariaDB and PostgreSQL to meet various project requirements. My workflow is powered by version control, having worked extensively with GitHub and now managing repositories with a self-hosted GitLab instance.

At home, I embrace tech innovation with a network of Raspberry Pi devices performing various tasks, from automation and monitoring to experimental projects. My passion for technology goes beyond hands-on work, I also enjoy sharing knowledge and showcasing my projects on my other site, jdbnet.co.uk.

Hobbies and Interests

While tech is a huge part of my life, I also have a deep passion for cars, both for their engineering brilliance and design aesthetics. I’m particularly proud to drive a 2011 Subaru WRX STi Hatchback, a car that perfectly blends performance and personality. Whether it’s discussing the latest innovations in automotive tech, enjoying the thrill of a spirited drive, or admiring the classics, cars are a constant source of inspiration and joy for me.

Another creative passion of mine is 3D printing, where technology meets hands-on artistry. Armed with my Bambu Lab A1 printer, I enjoy designing and creating intricate 3D models, bringing ideas to life layer by layer. From functional tools to artistic pieces, 3D printing fuels my love for both innovation and craftsmanship.

When I’m not immersed in technology, fine-tuning my car, or exploring the world of 3D printing, I enjoy learning about emerging technologies and dreaming up exciting new projects to tackle. My curious and hands-on nature keeps me eager to learn and grow, blending creativity and logic in everything I do.

My Homelab Journey: From Desktop to Data Center

My fascination with technology started with a love for computers at a young age, but the real journey began the day I got my second PC. That first computer, suddenly "old," became a canvas for experimentation. I installed Ubuntu Server on it, and just like that, my first home server was humming away in the corner of my room. That was the spark.

I quickly found the limits of that initial setup and graduated to unRAID to better handle my storage needs. The hobby truly took a life of its own after I bought my first house. With dedicated space, one of my first purchases was a 12U server rack. The days of repurposed desktops were over; I was building a proper lab.

That rack space was an invitation to build something truly my own. I began sourcing components and building custom servers inside 2U chassis, designing them for performance and efficiency. Today, those servers form a multi-node Proxmox cluster. This cluster is now the heart of my digital life, running everything from home automation and media streaming to virtual machines for development and testing. It's a project that's constantly evolving and a passion that grew from a single old computer into a small-scale data center right here at home.