Tools

Ever wondered why copying a file to an external hard drive feels slow while your SSD-based machine flies? The answer comes down to data transfer speeds – and understanding the numbers across storage and networking technology helps you make better hardware decisions. Bits vs. Bytes Before looking at the numbers, there’s one conversion to keep in mind: 1 byte = 8 bits Network speeds are almost always quoted in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps) Storage speeds are typically quoted in megabytes per second (MB/s) or gigabytes per second (GB/s) So a 1 Gbps network connection has a maximum throughput of 125 MB/s (1,000 / 8 = 125). This distinction matters when comparing specs across different product categories. ...

rsync is one of the most useful tools in a sysadmin’s kit. It copies and synchronizes files and directories locally or over SSH, and only transfers the parts of files that have changed – making it far more efficient than a plain cp or scp for repeated transfers. These are the commands you’ll reach for most often. Common Flags The -avP combination is a solid default for most operations: -a (archive) – preserves permissions, ownership, symlinks, and timestamps -v (verbose) – shows what’s being transferred in real time -P (progress + partial) – displays a progress bar and resumes interrupted transfers 1. Copy a Single File rsync -avP /path/to/local/file.zip user@remote_server:/path/to/remote/directory/ 2. Copy a Directory The trailing slash matters here: ...

If you’ve been shooting with Sony full-frame cameras for a while, you know the 24-70mm f/2.8 is the workhorse focal range for pros and enthusiasts alike – weddings, portraits, events, landscapes. But while Sony’s 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is an incredible lens, its $2,300 price tag isn’t for everyone. The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art promises top-tier sharpness, pro-level build quality, and a significantly lower price. I’ve been testing it on my Sony A7 IV, and here’s what I found. ...

As a photographer, I’ve shot with everything from DSLRs to film to the latest mirrorless systems. The Sony A7 IV caught my attention as the follow-up to the legendary A7 III – a camera that redefined full-frame mirrorless for enthusiasts and professionals alike. After spending time with the A7 IV, I can confidently say Sony has taken things up a notch. First Impressions: Built for Hybrid Shooters Holding the A7 IV, I immediately noticed improved ergonomics over its predecessor. The deeper grip makes a real difference on long shoots. It’s solid, well-balanced, and just feels like a camera built for serious work. ...

If you manage servers that use OpenVZ (Virtuozzo), chances are you’ll spend a lot of time working with vzctl to start, stop, and maintain containers (CTs). While modern virtualization has largely moved on to KVM, Docker, and LXC, plenty of production systems still rely on OpenVZ — especially for legacy applications. This is a quick reference of essential vzctl commands for day-to-day container administration. List All Containers vzlist -a Displays all containers, including stopped ones. ...