Jeff Butts

Kansas City, Overland Park

Freelance Writer at Freelance

Senior Editor at groovyPost

Senior Editor at https://t.co/YZUvgmriKy

Featured in: Favicon

macobserver.com Favicon

medium.com Favicon

howtogeek.com Favicon

appadvice.com Favicon

hothardware.com Favicon

groovypost.com Favicon

horseracingnation.com Favicon

newsbreak.com Favicon

mediagazer.com Favicon

macvoices.com + 7 more

Articles

I set up a WireGuard VPN on my Raspberry Pi 5—here’s how (and why you should too)

5 days ago | xda-developers.com | Jeff Butts

A few weeks ago, I decided to set up a WireGuard VPN on my Raspberry Pi 5. I wanted a fastand lightweight way to securely access my home network whiletraveling, without relying on third-party VPN services. Since I already had the Pi set up and running 24/7, it just made sense to let it handle the job. What surprised me most was how quick and painless the whole process was — under 30 minutes from start to finish.
I built a Pi‑powered Kubernetes cluster - was it worth it?

6 days ago | xda-developers.com | Jeff Butts

Raspberry Pi cluster offers compact Kubernetes setup with under 10W power draw. Workloads include Home Assistant, Nextcloud, CI jobs, media streaming, monitoring. Benefits include NVMe speed boost, low power draw, and transferable cloud skills. I wired three Raspberry Pi 5 boards into a shoebox‑sized rack, each Pi sporting 8GB of RAM, an NVMe drive on the PCIe lane, and the official active cooler. K3s went on top, giving me “real” Kubernetes in a footprint smaller than a paperback.
7 mistakes to avoid when turning a Raspberry Pi into a personal cloud

6 days ago | xda-developers.com | Jeff Butts

Ensure security with encryption, firewalls, and secure passwords to protect personal data from interceptions and intruders Provide reliable power supply to avoid downtime and data corruption on your Raspberry Pi personal cloud server Establish backup routines, perform regular maintenance, and plan for scalability to ensure seamless and efficient operations Setting up a personal cloud with a Raspberry Pi can be an exciting venture.
5 DIY laser engraving ideas that make fantastic gifts

6 days ago | xda-developers.com | Jeff Butts

Add personalized touch to wooden coasters for gatherings with unique designs, names, or quotes. Highlight special moments with laser-engraved photo frames for cherished memories. Elevate kitchen boards by engraving names, patterns, or quotes for practical yet stylish gifts. DIY laser engraving is a creative way to transform everyday objects into special tokens. Laser technology has become more accessible, making it easier to experiment with unique gifts.
5 3D printing tools every cosplayer should own

1 week ago | xda-developers.com | Jeff Butts

Reliable 3D printer is essential for successful cosplay projects, providing consistent quality prints. Select high-quality filaments that can withstand daily wear and different conditions. Use slicing software to optimize prints and explore advanced features like tree supports for refined pieces. Cosplay enthusiasts often search for ways to bring their favorite characters to life with realistic props and accessories.
5 laser engraving projects that look pro but are super easy to make

1 week ago | xda-developers.com | Jeff Butts

Laser engraving offers precision detailing for polished results on everyday items like coasters and phone cases. Beginners can easily start with intuitive software and accessible tutorials for creating memorable keepsakes. Experimenting with materials and designs can lead to professional-looking results, making laser engraving a fulfilling creative outlet. Laser engraving is a creative way to transform everyday items into memorable keepsakes.
These 5 Linux distributions are the worst for beginners

1 week ago | xda-developers.com | Jeff Butts

Gentoo and Arch Linux require advanced technical skills and demand manual installations and updates. Slackware lacks automation and graphical tools for beginners, making it time-consuming and limiting. Linux From Scratch and NixOS involve complex build processes and unfamiliar package management paradigms for new users. Linux is an excellent operating system with many distributions, each catering to different audiences.
Sometimes I run out of ideas; here are 7 ways I find new 3D printing projects

1 week ago | xda-developers.com | Jeff Butts

Join online 3D printing communities for inspiration and support in your projects. Attend maker fairs and workshops to learn new techniques and tackle creative challenges. Turn everyday problems into 3D print ideas and collaborate with friends for fresh perspectives. I love diving into fresh creations and pushing the limits of what my 3D printer can do. Yet, I occasionally hit a mental block and struggle to come up with new designs.
5 things I wish I knew before buying a laser engraver

1 week ago | xda-developers.com | Jeff Butts

Factor in all costs beyond initial purchase to avoid financial surprises. Proper ventilation, safety measures, and maintenance improve overall performance. Understanding and adapting to materials' properties enhances engraving outcomes. I first became interested in laser engraving because it transforms simple materials into personalized pieces of art. I was eager to customize gifts, create unique décor, and possibly turn my new skill into a small business.
5 clever ways I use a Raspberry Pi display around the house

1 week ago | xda-developers.com | Jeff Butts

The Raspberry Pi display enhances cooking with real-time recipe displays and seamless ingredient adjustments for hassle-free meal preparation. The display transforms into a digital photo gallery, showcasing personalized memories with rotating photos that add color and life to any room. Access real-time weather updates and entertainment options conveniently from the Raspberry Pi display, optimizing daily routines with clear information.