How to Create a Self-Signed Certificate for IIS and Host a Website

A few weeks ago, I got a task from my manager that seemed straightforward at first: set up a development environment for one of our upcoming projects. The catch? It needed to be accessible over HTTPS, just like our production sites. Now, getting a certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) for a development environment didn’t make much sense, and we certainly didn’t want to incur extra costs or deal with the complexities of a CA for something internal. ...

September 19, 2024 · 5 min · 1048 words · Dan

Why YAML and How to Ace It?

I remember the first time I encountered YAML—it was during a seemingly regular workday when a Kubernetes task landed on my desk. I had been managing infrastructure the traditional way for years, but suddenly, here was this new ecosystem that used a format I hadn’t seen before: YAML. It was frustrating at first. The simple indentation of a line could break everything, and I was far too comfortable with JSON and XML. But as Kubernetes became indispensable, and Ansible, Docker Compose, and other tools followed suit, it became clear that YAML wasn’t just a passing trend—it was the new standard. ...

September 14, 2024 · 14 min · 2930 words · Dan

Understanding Public Key Infrastructure and TLS Certificates

In today’s interconnected world, securing online communication is paramount. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) acts as the backbone of this security, ensuring that sensitive information transferred over networks remains encrypted and trustworthy, facilitating secure communication between servers and users. A crucial component of this infrastructure is the TLS certificate, widely used to secure websites. Let’s delve into how PKI and TLS certificates work to provide encryption and trust in digital transactions. ...

September 12, 2024 · 5 min · 1055 words · Dan

Why Am Wearing Same Outfit Everyday

“Minimalism is not about having less. It’s about making room for more of what matters.” - Unknown When I first explored minimalism, I was struck by a pattern: many minimalists, myself included, often opt for a simple, repeatable outfit, such as a black t-shirt. Initially, this seemed almost like a uniform. But diving deeper into minimalism, I understood the profound reasons behind this choice. 🕵️‍♂️ Understanding Minimalism: Minimalism is more than a fashion statement; it’s a mindset that encourages us to find beauty and satisfaction in simplicity. It’s about stripping away the non-essential to make room for what truly adds value to our lives. ...

September 12, 2024 · 3 min · 500 words · Dan

The Unstoppable Framework: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Your Goals

We all aspire to be better, stronger, smarter, and healthier, yet many struggle to stick with their goals. In this post, we’ll explore a practical framework that addresses this common issue, allowing you to effortlessly surpass your goals. This system has been successfully used to develop the discipline needed to hold a 15-minute plank every day. Join me on this journey, and let’s unlock your raw power together. Step 1: Action-Oriented Goals Instead of setting vague and impractical goals, focus on specific actions within a defined time frame. For instance, rather than aiming to lose 20 pounds, set a goal to complete 10,000 push-ups by the end of the year. Break down the goal into actionable steps, visualize each step, and establish a non-negotiable daily minimum to make progress. ...

September 12, 2024 · 3 min · 546 words · Dan