devops - ITNotes

A Practical Guide to Your First CI/CD Pipeline with GitLab CI

March 10, 2026

Stop deploying code manually. Learn how to automate your builds, tests, and deployments by setting up a practical CI/CD pipeline with GitLab CI, from installing a runner to configuring your first .gitlab-ci.yml file.

Networking

A Practical Guide to Configuring a Linux Firewall: iptables vs. nftables

March 9, 2026

Secure your new Linux server by setting up a firewall. This guide explains why a firewall is essential, compares the classic iptables with the modern nftables, and provides a production-ready nftables configuration to get you started.

DevOps

How to Write an Efficient Dockerfile: Tips from Real-World Experience

March 9, 2026

Writing an efficient Dockerfile goes beyond just making it work — it directly impacts build speed, image size, and production security. This guide covers the practical tips I use daily: multi-stage builds, layer caching, minimal base images, and common mistakes to avoid.

Networking

How DNS Works: A Complete Guide for Developers and DevOps Engineers

March 7, 2026

DNS is the backbone of every internet connection — invisible until it breaks. This guide walks through how DNS resolution actually works, the key record types every developer should know, and the practical commands that make debugging fast and reliable.

DevOps

Docker Compose: Manage Multi-Container Applications Without Losing Your Mind

March 7, 2026

Managing multi-container applications with individual docker run commands breaks down fast. Docker Compose solves the orchestration problem with a single YAML file — handling networking, startup order, and environment configuration. Here's how we use it in production.

Networking

SSH Tunneling: Secure Access to Remote Services Over Any Network

March 7, 2026

SSH tunneling lets you securely forward ports between machines using an existing SSH connection — no VPN, no firewall changes, no extra software. This guide covers local, remote, and dynamic tunnels with practical examples, persistent setup using autossh, and a systemd service for production use.

DevOps

Docker for Beginners: From Install to Running Your First Container

March 7, 2026

Docker solves the classic "works on my machine" problem by packaging your app and its entire environment into a portable container. This guide walks you through installing Docker, understanding core concepts, building your first custom image, and practical tips for real-world usage.

DevOps

Kubernetes Basics: Pod, Service, and Deployment Explained with Real Examples

March 7, 2026

Kubernetes solves the problem of running containers reliably at scale. This guide breaks down the three core building blocks — Pod, Service, and Deployment — with practical YAML examples and hands-on commands to deploy and manage a real application.

HomeLab

Build a Home Lab with Proxmox VE: A Practical Guide for Beginners

March 6, 2026

Learn how to set up a home lab using Proxmox VE — a free, open-source bare-metal hypervisor. This guide walks you through installation, VM creation, and LXC containers so you can practice real IT skills on cheap hardware without cloud costs.

DevOps

Ansible Server Configuration Automation: 6 Months of Production Reality

March 6, 2026

After six months running Ansible in production across multiple Ubuntu servers, here's an honest comparison against Puppet, Chef, and manual scripts — including real pros and cons, recommended project structure, and a working playbook to get started immediately.