It’s the software that turns that boring little box called network-attached storage (NAS) into something useful — something magical. It happens quite often that people who have just got their first NAS ask me about the apps they should install. While most pre-built NAS models come with a whole software suite built in, you still need a bunch of third-party apps to make the most of it.

We're big fans of the open-source firewall and router operating system OPNsense here at XDA, for many reasons, not the least of which is its commitment to the FOSS community. Many of us have replaced our primary router with OPNsense; others use it exclusively in our home labs, as it runs on (almost) everything that has two or more network interfaces, and it's a powerful, configurable upgrade from the barely-there security of consumer routers.

We've seen plenty of deals on software come up throughout the year, but being able to grab Windows 11 Pro for $10 has to be one of the best promotions. The discount from Stack Social knocks 95% off the $199 retail price, which is an absolute steal if you need a copy of Windows 11. There's no physical media here, which means you'll download the software directly from Microsoft and use the activation key you purchase.

Selenium has long been a popular browser testing tool, but despite its popularity, it isn't the only game in town. Today, developers have access to faster, more reliable and easier-to-use options that can work across different browsers and platforms. Playwright is one of those. Ironically, this open-source tool used for browser automation and scraping is developed by Microsoft, supports Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit, and works across a broad range of programming languages.

Over the past few months, I've tried several open-source programs and apps that are free to use and focus on privacy. I've also self-hosted a bunch of services on my local network in an attempt to keep my data from leaving my computer. In fact, I've tried enough services to replace several paid apps that either have a one-time fee or a monthly subscription. For instance, I got rid of OneDrive and moved all my files to Nextcloud. Similarly, I migrated to Notion Mail for all my emails, hosted my personal CalDAV server in place of Google Calendar, etc. Heck, I even replaced Google Photos with a self-hosted alternative — all for better privacy. I was perfectly on track for a completely Google-free life.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 10, 2024: Laura Loomer arrives at Philadelphia International Airport on The Trump Organization’s Boeing 757. | Photo: Getty Images For all the power she wields with the White House's affairs, Laura Loomer does not have the traditional tools that her rivals in the MAGA influencer industrial complex have - the highest follower count, the most political power, the most internet platforms, etc. But the fact remains that she's the influencer responsible for getting Donald Trump to fire over a dozen members of his administration (and counting) for the hazily-defined crime of being disloyal to MAGA. This is something that none of her peers, individually, have been able to do. But to understand how she operates, look no further than Loomer's latest attempted power play, which, …Read the full story at The Verge.

Large language models (LLMs) are increasingly everywhere. Copilot, ChatGPT, and others are now so ubiquitous that you almost can’t use a website without being exposed to some form of "artificial intelligence," even if the feature isn’t exactly smart. That said, running your own LLM from home is pretty cool and can open up a world of possibilities, from helping you be more productive to interacting with other self-hosted services.I recently started hosting LLMs and it blew me away.

Ever since computing became more modular and standardized, I've loved building PCs. I've built ones with no real upper budget, ones that are as barebones as you can get, and everything in between, and they've all been enjoyable to put together. I've always tried to make a solid core that could be upgraded part by part afterward, usually by getting the best CPU I can and building around that.

When you’re as much of a home lab nerd as I am, it's hard to control the temptation to splurge on shiny new hardware. Mini-PCs can be turned into Proxmox workstations or K8s nodes (or even both, via cursed setups involving VMs), while NAS devices can serve as backup solutions. Then you've got network switches, UPS, routers, and a bunch of other gizmos that can enhance your workstations in some way or another.

Running a private cloud in a home lab is already rewarding, but pairing it with the right Nextcloud apps takes it to another level. Out of the dozens of add-ons available, some stand out because they make everyday workflows easier, improve collaboration, and enhance security. Choosing the right ones can help you get more done without leaving your self-hosted ecosystem.

It feels like any video game console you pick up is going to need to come with an online subscription service these days. With so many big games having online multiplayer and other online features tied to their experiences, not being subscribed to a service like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass seems like a big omission. Gamers who end up getting multiple consoles for their household often find themselves at odds with choosing the right services to enjoy the consoles without breaking their bank accounts. Having every subscription might solve the dilemma in the moment, but some people might not be getting the most out of the services for the type of gamer they are. It can lead to players paying more for something they will hardly ever use in the best way possible.

There's only one thing worse than an app that doesn't provide a dark mode option, and that's an app that doesn't implement the dark mode properly. Some apps and websites apply dark mode for the most part, but some bits manage to escape. And surprisingly, one such piece of software is Windows 11.