As a busy family, keeping track of everyone’s schedules and events can be a challenge. That’s why I was thrilled to discover the “Magic Mirror” feature on our family calendar. This nifty tool allows us to easily see all upcoming events and appointments for each member of the family, making it simpler to stay organized and on top of our busy lives.

At first, I thought the best way to keep everyone’s calendars in sync would be to simply forward any relevant appointments to the shared calendar. However, as the new semester and work year approached, I realized that this method could become overwhelming and time-consuming. That’s when I decided to give everyone full “edit” permissions on the shared calendar, so they could easily add their own events and appointments.

To my surprise, not all of the family members’ iPhones were displaying the shared calendar after I invited them. In fact, three out of five iPhones were not showing the calendar, which left me feeling frustrated and confused. After some troubleshooting, I discovered that the issue was due to the Google Sync settings. It turns out that Google (for some reason) defaults to turning off sync for new calendars, particularly shared ones.

This was a simple fix, but it required me to look up the URL a couple of times, so I decided to store it here for future reference. The solution is to go to the calendar settings on each iPhone, then toggle on “iCloud” and “Google”. This will allow the calendar to sync properly and display all events and appointments.

I am so glad that I discovered this issue and was able to find a simple solution. It’s amazing how something as seemingly small as a Google Sync setting can cause such big problems! But now, our family calendar is up and running smoothly, and everyone can easily see all upcoming events and appointments. No more missed appointments or confusion about who is doing what and when.

I hope this information helps other families who may be experiencing similar issues. Remember, organization and communication are key to a happy and harmonious household!

As a beginner in using containers, I found myself facing a common challenge: not knowing how to define the volume location for my application data. Many of the templates I used would host the data within the container itself, which limited the benefits of using containers. To overcome this issue, I decided to revisit old containers and move the data out of the container to a backup folder on my host machine.

The first step was to create a backup folder on my host where I could move the data. I use Portainer, so my volume path would be: `/mnt/data`. Next, I logged interactively into the container using shell or bash, and validated the location of the data. In this case, I looked for a “data” folder or consulted the documentation to see where the data was stored. Once I found the folder, I copied the directory to the host machine outside the container.

To ensure that my data was properly backed up, I edited the docker-compose file and changed the configuration to define the new location of the volume where I wanted the data to reside. I started my container and observed the default directory structure. Then, I copied my backup data from the “backed up” directory (backup_dir) to the new location created by Docker. Finally, I restarted my container and verified that all my data was restored and working properly.

This experience taught me an important lesson about using containers effectively. By separating the application data from the container itself, I could ensure that my data was safely backed up and easily accessible. This approach also allowed me to upgrade my application without worrying about losing critical data.

In conclusion, moving your application data out of the container and into a backup folder on your host machine is an essential best practice for using containers effectively. By following this approach, you can ensure that your data is safely backed up and easily accessible, allowing you to focus on developing and deploying your applications without worrying about data loss or management.

The blog post below is based on the information provided:

How to Download Online Videos with Ease

With so many online videos available these days, it’s no wonder that people are looking for ways to download them easily. Whether you want to watch your favorite videos offline or save them for later viewing, downloading online videos can be a convenient option. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to download online videos with ease using two popular media players: VLC Media Player and Online Video Downloader.

Method 1: Using VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is one of the most widely used media players in the world, and it offers a range of features that make it an ideal choice for downloading online videos. Here’s how to download online videos using VLC Media Player:

Step 1: Open VLC Media Player on your computer and go to Media > Open Network Stream.

Step 2: In the “Open Network Stream” window, paste the URL of the video you want to download in the “Network URL” field. Make sure the button on the bottom shows “Play” and click the “Play” button.

Step 3: Once the video starts playing, go to Tools > Codec Information. In the “Location” field, copy all the text in there and paste it in a browser’s address bar.

Step 4: In the bottom right, click the three vertical dots and select “Download.” This should save the video to your default browser’s download directory.

Method 2: Using Online Video Downloader

Online Video Downloader is a free online tool that allows you to download videos from various websites with just a few clicks. Here’s how to download online videos using Online Video Downloader:

Step 1: Go to the Online Video Downloader website and paste the URL of the video you want to download in the “Enter URL” field.

Step 2: Choose the format you want to download the video in (e.g., MP4, FLV, etc.) and click the “Download” button.

Step 3: Once the video is downloaded, you can choose to save it to your computer or play it directly from the website.

Tips and Tricks for Downloading Online Videos

Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when downloading online videos:

* Make sure you have permission to download the video. Some websites may not allow downloading, so be sure to check the website’s terms of use before attempting to download.

* Choose the right format for your needs. If you plan to watch the video on a mobile device, choose a format that is compatible with your device.

* Be cautious when downloading videos from unfamiliar websites. Some websites may contain malware or viruses, so be sure to only download videos from reputable sources.

Conclusion

Downloading online videos can be a convenient way to watch your favorite content offline or save it for later viewing. With the methods outlined in this blog post, you can easily download online videos using VLC Media Player and Online Video Downloader. Just remember to be cautious when downloading videos from unfamiliar websites and always check the website’s terms of use before attempting to download. Happy downloading!

As a web developer, I have often found myself in situations where my clients are looking for customizable and editable features on their websites. One such feature that is commonly requested is the ability for users to display their social media profiles in a visually appealing format. Recently, I had a group of people who were registered on my website and wanted to showcase their Twitch accounts along with other social media profiles like Pinterest and TikTok. While updating the website’s theme did not add any new social icons, I found a simple solution by using custom PHP code as suggested in the Ultimate Member documentation.

In this blog post, I will share my experience of adding custom social fields to a WordPress website using Ultimate Member and how you can do it too.

The Problem and the Solution

The problem was that even after updating the theme, the users were not able to see their desired social media profiles on their user profiles. The solution was to use custom PHP code to add more social fields as suggested in the Ultimate Member documentation.

How to Add Custom Social Fields

To add custom social fields, you can use the following code snippet and add it to the file functions.php in the active theme directory. You can also create a child theme and update that one instead of editing the parent theme. This script will add Pinterest, TikTok, and Twitch, but you can modify it to add whatever social media platforms you want.

The code snippet is as follows:

“`php

function ultimate_member_custom_social_fields() {

$fields = array(

‘pinterest’ => ‘Pinterest’,

‘tiktok’ => ‘TikTok’,

‘twitch’ => ‘Twitch’,

);

return apply_filters(‘um_custom_social_fields’, $fields);

}

add_filter(‘um_social_fields’, ‘ultimate_member_custom_social_fields’);

“`php

In this code, we have defined an array of fields that will be displayed on the user profile page. These fields are Pinterest, TikTok, and Twitch. We have also added a filter to apply the custom social fields to the user profiles using the `um_custom_social_fields` hook.

Benefits of Using Custom PHP Code

Using custom PHP code to add custom social fields has several benefits. Firstly, it allows you to have complete control over the design and functionality of your website. You can modify the code to fit your specific needs and requirements. Secondly, it ensures that your website’s functionality is not limited by the theme or plugin that you are using. Finally, using custom PHP code makes your website more flexible and scalable as you can easily add new features without having to update the entire theme or plugin.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have discussed how to add custom social fields to a WordPress website using Ultimate Member. We have also explored the benefits of using custom PHP code to achieve this feature. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can easily add custom social media profiles to your website and make it more visually appealing for your users. So go ahead and give it a try!

The VMWare vExpert Program: A Community of Excellence

As a vExpert, I can confidently say that the best part of this program is the community. The members are truly valuable and always willing to help out. Whether it’s a question or a new technology to explore, there’s always someone who has done it before and can offer guidance. The sense of camaraderie and collaboration is unparalleled, and it’s a testament to the strength of the vExpert community that we can all come together to share knowledge and expertise.

One of the standout benefits of being a vExpert is the leadership. Corey and the team are always introducing us to new technologies and bringing us into vExpert sessions led by leading vendors. These sessions are an invaluable opportunity to learn from the best and get hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. And let’s not forget the access to licenses that we can use for POC (proof of concept) and testing. This is a huge benefit for those of us who like to tinker and explore new ideas.

Last year, one of the benefits was receiving a Maxtang Mini PC as a gift (BYO RAM & HDD). While I was happy with my current Gigabyte/NVidia NUC, I decided to give the Maxtang a try. Unfortunately, the Realtek NIC was not supported, so I had to order some additional hardware to get it up and running. But that’s a story for another time.

One of the challenges I faced when installing VMWare on the Maxtang was the lack of support for USB network cards in the install ISO from VMWare. Luckily, the community has developed a ‘fling’ that supports USB network cards, so we have to create a custom ISO of ESXi and inject the drivers into the image. If you’re interested in learning more about this process, Florian Grehl from Virten.net has a great article on how to install the fling and make a custom ISO.

Once I got the ISO written to a USB, the installation was relatively smooth. I did have to disable TPM in the BIOS, as I was getting an error. But after that, I was able to install ESXi 8 and run a few VMs without issues. My plan is to install some Kubernetes and possibly NSX-T, so we’ll see how far I get.

In conclusion, the vExpert program is an incredible resource for anyone interested in virtualization technology. The community is top-notch, and the leadership is always pushing us to learn more and explore new ideas. So if you haven’t already, I highly recommend joining the vExpert program and becoming a part of this amazing community.

Thank you to the vExpert team and all those who support this program!

As a system administrator, it is crucial to keep your Linux systems up to date with the latest security patches and updates. This is especially true for servers that are exposed to the internet, as they are more vulnerable to attacks. In this blog post, we will discuss some best practices for keeping your Linux systems secure and up to date.

Update Regularly

The first step in keeping your Linux system secure is to update it regularly. This includes updating the operating system, as well as any installed software and packages. It is recommended to update your system at least once a week, or whenever new updates become available.

Layer Your Security

As mentioned earlier, it is important to layer your security to mitigate potential risks. This means using multiple security measures such as firewalls, reverse proxies, and access controls to protect your system. For example, you can use the unattended-upgrades package on Ubuntu to automate security updates and patches.

Create a Secure User

When setting up your Linux system, it is important to create a secure user account. This should be done with least privilege access, which means giving the user only the necessary permissions to perform their tasks. This will help limit the damage that can be caused by a compromised account.

Set Up SSH Keys

SSH (Secure Shell) is a popular method for remotely accessing Linux systems. To enhance security, it is recommended to use SSH keys instead of passwords. This will eliminate the risk of password guessing attacks. To set up SSH keys, you can use the following command:

ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096

This will generate a public and private key pair. The public key should be added to the authorized_keys file in the home directory of the user account.

Disable Password Logins

To further enhance security, it is recommended to disable password logins for all user accounts. This can be done by editing the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file and setting PermitRootLogin to “no” and PasswordAuthentication to “no”.

Configure Services and Ports

It is important to configure services and ports to only allow necessary access. This can be done using the Linux built-in firewall (UFW) or other firewalls such as Fail2Ban. UFW allows you to easily allow or deny traffic to specific ports, while Fail2Ban provides a more comprehensive IP blocking feature.

Use Least Privilege Access

As mentioned earlier, it is important to use least privilege access for all user accounts. This means giving users only the necessary permissions to perform their tasks. This will help limit the damage that can be caused by a compromised account.

Monitor Your System

It is important to regularly monitor your Linux system for any suspicious activity or updates. This can be done using various tools such as SSH, Fail2Ban, and UFW. Additionally, you should regularly check the system logs to ensure that there are no security issues or anomalies.

In conclusion, keeping your Linux system up to date and secure is crucial for protecting against potential attacks and vulnerabilities. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your system is well-protected and running smoothly. Remember to always use least privilege access, disable password logins, and monitor your system regularly for any security issues or updates.

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, staying ahead of the curve when it comes to cloud computing strategies is essential for businesses looking to remain competitive. That’s why VMware, a leader in multi-cloud solutions, has released its Multi-Cloud Briefing, a quarterly online series dedicated to informing and educating viewers on the latest cloud trends and technologies.

The briefing features demos by industry experts, along with special guests, all focused on providing actionable insights and practical advice for businesses looking to navigate the complex world of multi-cloud computing. With the rise of hybrid and public clouds, it’s more important than ever for organizations to have a solid understanding of their cloud options and how to leverage them for maximum benefit.

The briefing covers a range of topics, from cloud security and compliance to DevOps and application modernization. Viewers can expect to learn about the latest innovations in cloud computing, as well as practical advice on how to deploy and manage multi-cloud environments. The briefing also features live demos of VMware’s cutting-edge solutions, giving viewers a firsthand look at the latest technologies and how they can be applied in real-world scenarios.

One of the key themes of the briefing is the importance of a multi-cloud strategy for businesses looking to remain competitive in today’s digital landscape. With so many cloud options available, it can be difficult for organizations to know where to start or how to choose the right clouds for their needs. VMware’s experts will provide guidance on how to create a comprehensive multi-cloud strategy that aligns with your business goals and objectives.

Another important topic covered in the briefing is cloud security and compliance. As more and more data is moved to the cloud, it’s essential for organizations to have a solid understanding of how to protect their data and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. VMware’s experts will provide insights on the latest security threats and how to mitigate them, as well as practical advice on how to maintain compliance in a multi-cloud environment.

The briefing also touches on the topic of DevOps and application modernization. As businesses look to innovate and stay ahead of the curve, it’s essential for them to have a solid understanding of how to modernize their applications and adopt a DevOps approach to software development. VMware’s experts will provide guidance on how to do this, as well as practical advice on how to integrate cloud-native technologies into your existing IT infrastructure.

Overall, the Multi-Cloud Briefing from VMware is an essential resource for businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to cloud computing strategies. With its focus on practical advice and real-world demos, this online series provides a unique opportunity for viewers to learn from industry experts and gain valuable insights into the latest cloud trends and technologies. So if you’re looking to take your multi-cloud strategy to the next level, be sure to tune in to the Multi-Cloud Briefing from VMware.

As a side note, it’s worth mentioning that the briefing is powered by WordPress, a popular content management system that allows users to easily create and manage online content. This highlights the importance of having a solid content strategy in place when creating an online series like the Multi-Cloud Briefing, as well as the need for easy-to-use tools and technologies that can help you achieve your goals.

Troubleshooting a Fully Utilized Logical Volume in Linux

As a Linux user, you may encounter issues with your logical volume (LV) becoming fully utilized, leading to errors and difficulties when trying to resize or modify the volume. This is especially common when using a virtual machine (VM) with a small initial disk size, and then installing multiple packages and updates over time. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to troubleshoot and resolve issues with a fully utilized LV in Linux.

Understanding the Structure of a Logical Volume

Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s essential to understand the structure of a logical volume. A logical volume is a virtual disk that is created from one or more physical disks. It consists of three parts:

1. Physical volume (PV): This is the actual disk space that is used to create the LV.

2. Volume group (VG): This is a collection of PVs that are combined to form a single LV.

3. Logical volume (LV): This is the virtual disk that is created from the VG.

When you create a VM, you typically start with a small initial disk size, which may not be enough for your needs over time. As you install packages and updates, the LV will become fully utilized, leading to errors and difficulties when trying to resize or modify the volume.

Troubleshooting a Fully Utilized Logical Volume

To troubleshoot a fully utilized LV, follow these steps:

1. Check the Disk Usage

Use the `df -H` command to check the disk usage of your VM’s disk. This will show you how much space is available on your disk and which files and directories are using up the most space.

2. Extend the Volume Group

To extend the volume group, you’ll need to add more space to the VG. You can do this by extending the PVs that make up the VG. Use the `pvctl` command to extend the PVs, and then use the `vgs` command to verify that the VG has been extended.

3. Extend the Logical Volume

Once you’ve extended the VG, you can extend the LV to take up the additional space. Use the `lvresize` command to resize the LV, and then use the `df -H` command again to verify that the LV has been resized successfully.

4. Remove the APT Cache

If your partition is completely full, you may encounter a “no space left” error when trying to resize the LV. In this case, you can remove the APT cache by running the following command:

“`css

sudo apt-get clean all

“`

This will free up some space on your disk and allow you to complete the operation.

5. Check for Errors in the Log

After resizing the LV, check the log files to ensure that the operation was successful. You can use the `dmesg` command to view the kernel logs, or the `journalctl` command to view the system journal.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a fully utilized logical volume in Linux can be a bit tricky, but it’s essential to understand the structure of a LV and how to extend the VG and LV to resolve issues. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve any issues with your LV, ensuring that your VM has enough disk space for your needs.

As a VMware user, you may be aware that staying up-to-date with the latest software versions is crucial to ensure the security and stability of your virtual infrastructure. However, what happens when VMware moves the files or no longer supports your version, and you need to install updates manually? In this blog post, we will explore how to install vSphere Installation Bundle (VIB) files manually using the ESX Command-Line Interface (esxcli) commands.

Firstly, it’s important to note that VMware provides a convenient one-line method for installing updates using the vSphere Client. However, if you need to install updates manually, you can use the esxcli command to download and install the VIB files.

To find the updates needed for your version of vSphere, you can visit the @VFrontDe RSS feed, which provides a list of new releases for 2015, as well as older versions if needed. This is a convenient way to stay informed about the latest updates and security patches without having to search through multiple websites or rely on manual checks.

Once you have identified the updates you need, you can download the VIB files manually using the esxcli command. To do this, you will need to open a terminal or command prompt on your ESXi host and run the following commands:

1. First, check the current version of vSphere installed on your host by running the command “esx-ctl –version”. This will display the current version number, which you can use to determine if an update is available.

2. Next, download the VIB files for the desired update using the command “esxcli software profile update –fetch “. Replace “” with the name of the update you want to install.

3. Once the VIB files have been downloaded, you can install them using the command “esxcli software profile update –install “. Again, replace “” with the name of the update you want to install.

4. After the installation is complete, you can verify that the update has been applied successfully by running the command “esx-ctl –version” again. The new version number should be displayed.

It’s important to note that installing updates manually using the esxcli command can be a time-consuming process, especially if you have multiple hosts or a large virtual infrastructure. However, this method provides greater flexibility and control over the update process, allowing you to install updates at your own pace and on your own schedule.

In conclusion, staying up-to-date with the latest software versions is crucial for maintaining the security and stability of your virtual infrastructure. While VMware provides a convenient one-line method for installing updates using the vSphere Client, there may be situations where you need to install updates manually using the esxcli command. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily download and install the VIB files needed to keep your vSphere environment up-to-date and secure.