I’m John, a cybersecurity enthusiast delving into the intricate world of digital defense. Possessing an unending curiosity, borderline obsessive determination, and belief in self education I plan to take you on my journey of technology and security.

My eclectic nature will no doubt result in bouncing around from topic to project as I discover more about cybersecurity and the tech world.

My love for 80's and 90's pop culture shapes the road ahead, and classic sci-fi shows like Star Trek, Stargate, and FireFly are my cosmic companions. With a background in a bookstore, my passion for reading is constant, complemented by humor and a proclivity for country music.

In the immortal words of Samuel L Jackson - “Hold on to your butts” as we begin.

In the vast expanse of the digital universe, there exists a gateway to endless possibilities—a gaming computer. What begins as a tool for immersive gaming can unexpectedly transform into a gateway to the inner workings of technology. Much like the crew of the Serenity in Firefly, boldly venturing into the unknown, or the explorers of Stargate SG-1 traversing the cosmos, my journey into understanding computers has been an adventure filled with discovery and fascination.

It all started with the desire for a gaming rig that could handle the latest titles with ease. However, it was not just the gaming experience that captivated me. As I delved deeper into the world of computing, I began to unravel the mysteries of hardware and software, much like uncovering the secrets of ancient technologies in Stargate. I learned about processors, graphics cards, and memory, each component playing a vital role in the computer's performance, much like the different races and cultures encountered in Star Trek.

As my understanding grew, so did my appreciation for the intricacies of computer science. I began to explore operating systems, networking, and cybersecurity. I found myself inspired to learn more, to understand the inner workings of these machines that have become so integral to our lives.

In conclusion, what began as a quest for gaming excellence has evolved into a passion for understanding the technology that powers our world. Much like the characters in my favorite sci-fi TV shows, I have embarked on a journey of discovery and learning, eager to explore the vast universe of computing.

So, if you find yourself with a gaming computer and a desire to learn, remember that the possibilities are endless. There's a universe of knowledge waiting to be explored.

Minecraft, with its blocky landscapes and endless possibilities, has captivated players of all ages. But what if you could take your Minecraft experience to the next level by setting up your own server? Enter Pinecraft, a tool that allows you to turn your Raspberry Pi into a Minecraft server. Join me on a journey of discovery as I navigate the world of SSH, command line, and headless communication to bring my Minecraft dreams to life.

The adventure begins with the setup of my Raspberry Pi. As I connect to it using SSH, I am greeted by a command line interface reminiscent of a hacker in a cyberpunk movie. With each command, I feel a sense of empowerment, knowing that I am one step closer to creating my Minecraft server.

Next, I install Pineraft, a software package that simplifies the process of setting up a Minecraft server on a Raspberry Pi. With Pinecraft, I can easily configure my server settings, manage players, and install mods, all from the comfort of the command line.

As I delve deeper into the world of Pineraft, I encounter challenges that test my problem-solving skills. From troubleshooting network issues to configuring server settings, each obstacle is a learning opportunity, teaching me valuable skills in networking, server administration, and troubleshooting.

One of the most rewarding aspects of setting up my Minecraft server is the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. As I see my friends join the server and explore the worlds that I have created, I am filled with pride, knowing that I have created something special.

In conclusion, setting up a Minecraft server with Pinecraft has been an adventure filled with challenges and rewards. Through SSH, command line, and headless communication, I have learned valuable skills that will serve me well in my future endeavors. So, if you're looking to take your Minecraft experience to the next level, I highly recommend giving Pineraft a try. Who knows what adventures await you in the world of Minecraft?

It all started with a generous gift from a friend—a PlayStation 4 controller that was missing buttons and a battery. Excited at the prospect of fixing it up and having a spare controller, I eagerly ordered the replacement parts and set to work.

Replacing the buttons was straightforward enough, the battery - no problem, but as I dug deeper things took a turn. to get to the start and select buttons I had to remove a sister board, I noticed that the ribbon cable connecting it and pulled away and it eventually gave way. When I was reassembling a noticed there was a retaining clasp and the cable with exposed wire. Determined to fix it, I ordered a replacement ribbon cable and attempted to install it.

However, my inexperience with ribbon cables led to a mishap—I accidentally broke the retaining clip that held the ribbon cable in place. Undeterred, I tried to improvise by using superglue to secure the ribbon cable. The controller lit up, but it had lost the ability to connect with bluetooth.

Frustrated but not defeated, I tried replacing the ribbon cables again, but to no avail. Despite my best efforts, the controller remained unresponsive. Realizing that I had reached the limits of my repair skills, I decided to purchase a third-party gaming controller for the price I had paid for the replacement buttons alone.

In the end, my journey with the broken PlayStation 4 controller taught me the importance of patience, perseverance, and knowing when to seek help. And who knows, maybe one day I'll revisit the controller and give it another shot. But for now, I'll enjoy my new third-party controller and the memories of my first foray into DIY electronics repair.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, staying ahead of threats and understanding the latest techniques is crucial. Recently, I stumbled upon TryHackMe, a platform designed to teach cybersecurity through hands-on experiences. Little did I know, this discovery would not only introduce me to the world of ethical hacking but also help me uncover a potential career path.

Upon signing up, I was greeted with a plethora of learning paths and challenges. Intrigued, I started with the "Introduction to Cybersecurity" learning path. As I completed each task and quiz, I found myself increasingly fascinated by the intricacies of cybersecurity. The platform's interactive and gamified approach made learning engaging and enjoyable.

One of the defining moments of my journey on TryHackMe was when I took a quiz to determine my cybersecurity career path. To my surprise, the quiz suggested that I consider a career as a Security Engineer. This revelation resonated with me, sparking a newfound passion and determination to pursue this path.

Setting a goal to become a Security Engineer, I began to explore more advanced topics on TryHackMe, such as penetration testing and network security. Each new challenge I tackle further solidifies my interest in cybersecurity and reinforced my goal.

As I continue my journey on TryHackMe, I am grateful for the platform's role in helping me discover my passion for cybersecurity and guiding me towards a meaningful career path. With each new skill I acquire and challenge I overcome, I am one step closer to realizing my goal of becoming a Security Engineer.

TryHackMe has not only been a platform for learning but also a catalyst for personal and professional growth. For anyone interested in cybersecurity or looking to start a career in the field, I highly recommend giving TryHackMe a try. Who knows, it might just lead you to your dream career, as it did for me.

As a tech enthusiast, the desire to upgrade my computer is always present. However, like many, I often find myself constrained by budget limitations. Recently, my computer faced a critical issue that forced me to reconsider my upgrade plans.

It all started with an unsettling sound emanating from my computer. Upon investigation, I discovered that the AIO water pump had failed, causing the CPU temperature to spike rapidly. The system, as intended, shut down to prevent damage. Faced with this predicament, I knew I had to act fast.

Given my budget constraints, I had to prioritize essential upgrades. After much deliberation, I decided to replace the case for a fresh look and improved airflow. Opting for a "be quiet!" case and fans, I aimed for a silent and aesthetically pleasing setup.

Additionally, I installed a "be quiet!" air cooler for the CPU, ensuring efficient cooling without breaking the bank. I painstakingly cable managed every wire knowing soon I would be digging back in. While these upgrades provided immediate benefits, such as reduced noise and improved cooling performance, I couldn't help but feel a lingering desire for more power.

My journey from facing overheating issues to achieving a silent and aesthetically pleasing setup has been a rewarding experience. Despite the temptation to upgrade further, I remind myself of the importance of being mindful of my budget. My computer may not be the most powerful, it now boasts a silent and beautiful new look that brings me joy every time I use it. I am content with the upgrades I have made. Someday, when the budget allows, I will continue to upgrade and improve my computer. Until then, I am grateful for the silent beauty that now adorns my desk.

Embarking on a new educational journey is always an exciting and challenging experience. Recently, I decided to delve into the world of cybersecurity through Chegg, eager to expand my knowledge and skills in this dynamic field. Little did I know, this decision would not only require me to relearn how to take notes and study effectively but also introduce me to a world of endless possibilities.

As I started my cybersecurity studies, I quickly realized that traditional note-taking methods were not sufficient for the complex concepts and theories I was encountering. I had to adapt and develop new strategies to effectively capture and retain information. Through trial and error, I discovered the power of digital tools in enhancing my learning experience. To do the job right - I have to have the right tool.

One of the highlights of my cybersecurity journey has been my weekly meetings with a mentor who has years of experience as a security analyst. These sessions have been invaluable, providing me with insights, advice, and real-world examples that bring the theoretical concepts to life. My mentor's guidance has not only helped me understand complex topics but also inspired me to explore new areas and push my boundaries.

In addition to my mentorship, I have been exposed to a wide range of topics and labs through Chegg. From cryptography to network security, each new topic has challenged me to think critically and creatively. The hands-on labs have been particularly enlightening, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios and gain a deeper understanding of cybersecurity principles.

As my cybersecurity journey continues, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. I know that there will be challenges and obstacles along the way, but I am confident that with dedication, perseverance, and the support of my mentor, I will continue to learn, grow, and evolve in this fascinating field. This blog post will continue to grow and develop as I progress on my cybersecurity journey, documenting my experiences, insights, and discoveries along the way.

As a dedicated student, I have always had to write things down to remember. It is just how I learn. I tried writing pages of notes, typing, copy pasting - that didn’t work. I needed something new. I tried Google drive and Rocket Book, but it wasn’t enough. I’d try most anything... except there was one company that I had a strong dislike for: Apple. Despite my reservations, I recently decided to give the iPad a chance, and I must say, it has completely changed the way I study.

One of the biggest benefits of using an iPad for studying is the organization and efficiency it brings to my workflow. With the ability to create digital notebooks and easily access my notes from anywhere, I am more organized and productive than ever before. The iPad has also helped me stay focused during study sessions, thanks to its intuitive interface and distraction-free environment.

Setting up my iPad for studying was a breeze, thanks to some key accessories and apps. First and foremost, I invested in an Apple Pencil (or should a say Apple Pencil like device), which has proven to be an invaluable tool for taking notes and annotating documents. For a more paper-like writing experience, I added a "paper-like" screen protector, which eliminates the "writing on glass" feeling and makes writing feel more natural.

To keep my Apple Pencil safe and easily accessible, I purchased a case that stores the pen securely. This has been a game-changer, as I no longer have to worry about misplacing my Pencil or having it roll off my desk. Lastly, I downloaded GoodNotes, an app that has revolutionized the way I take notes. The app's intuitive interface and powerful features make it a must-have for any student serious about their studies.

Embracing the iPad has been eye-opening. The iPad has not only changed my study habits but has also made me appreciate the innovation and quality that Apple brings to the table. If you're on the fence about getting an iPad for studying, I highly recommend giving it a try. Who knows, it might just change the way you learn for the better.