Recently, I explored a fascinating way to run Windows 11 directly within a Docker container on my ZimaBoard. This setup uses the dockurr/windows Docker image, which makes it surprisingly simple to virtualize a full version of Windows for testing purposes.

Setting Up Windows 11 on Docker

To set up Windows 11 in Docker, you will need to create a docker-compose.yml file with the following configuration:

services:
  windows:
    image: dockurr/windows
    container_name: windows
    environment:
      VERSION: "11"
    devices:
      - /dev/kvm
      - /dev/net/tun
    cap_add:
      - NET_ADMIN
    ports:
      - 8006:8006
      - 3389:3389/tcp
      - 3389:3389/udp
    volumes:
      - /data/windows11_data:/storage
    stop_grace_period: 2m

Key Steps to Prepare:

1. Create the Storage Folder: mkdir -p /data/windows11_data
2. Deploy the Container: docker-compose up -d

This setup will pull the Windows 11 ISO directly from Microsoft servers and begin the installation within the container.

Versions Available

You can specify different versions by changing the VERSION parameter in the docker-compose.yml file. Here are the available versions:

• 11 – Windows 11 Pro (5.4 GB)
• 11l – Windows 11 LTSC (4.2 GB)
• 11e – Windows 11 Enterprise (5.8 GB)
• 10 – Windows 10 Pro (5.7 GB)
• 10l – Windows 10 LTSC (4.6 GB)
• 10e – Windows 10 Enterprise (5.2 GB)
• And many more, including Windows Server versions.

Accessing Windows 11 in the Browser

You can view and interact with the Windows 11 installation in a web browser using the following link:

http://192.168.0.215:8006/?resize=scale&reconnect=true&autoconnect=true

Alternatively, you can use Remote Desktop (mstsc) to connect to the container via port 3389.

Persistent Storage and Licensing

• Storage: The /data/windows11_data volume ensures persistent storage, meaning you can install software and perform tests.
• License: A valid Windows license key is still required for activation.

Important Note About Updates

The Windows installation is based on an ISO downloaded during the initial setup. Therefore, updating the container image itself will not update Windows. To receive the latest version, you would need to delete the persistent storage and reinstall the container.

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My Experience and Recommendation

I tested this setup on my ZimaBoard, and while it worked, the performance was limited due to the hardware constraints. For a smoother experience, I recommend running Windows 11 on a more powerful Proxmox server with direct virtualization support.

This method of running Windows in Docker provides an interesting alternative for temporary tests, development environments, and isolated Windows instances. It’s great to see how flexible Docker has become, even for complex operating systems like Windows.

Stay tuned for more experiments and technical insights on my homepage!

Upgrading the firmware of a device usually promises enhancements and bug fixes, but it can sometimes lead to unexpected complications, as was the case with my recent experience upgrading my Netgate SG-1100 from version 23.09 to 24.03. Typically, a firmware upgrade takes around 15-20 minutes, during which I ensured I had a backup in place, following best practices.

However, this time around, the upgrade did not go as planned, and I found myself reaching for my serial cable, downloading balenaEtcher and PuTTY, and preparing for a manual recovery. I reached out to Netgate support, who guided me through the process of downloading the latest firmware. The process was straightforward: log into the Netgate store, add the firmware to your cart, and download it at no additional cost.

Using balenaEtcher, I wrote the firmware image to a USB stick, then connected it to my device. With my serial cable attached and PuTTY configured (COM3, 115200 speed, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, and no flow control).
I followed the detailed installation instructions provided by Netgate, which are available here.

During this ordeal, I was grateful for my backup Internet solutions, including a home fiber connection and mobile Internet. I had a secondary router ready—a Zimaboard running pfSense Community Edition—which not only got me back online quickly but also, surprisingly, performed faster than the SG-1100.

This experience reinforced the value of having a backup router and the practicality of using pfSense Community Edition for personal use. For businesses, however, I would still recommend investing in a Netgate device with the Plus version for additional support.

Once I resolved the initial issues, restored my settings, and confirmed everything was operational, I decided to keep the Netgate SG-1100 as a backup device while continuing to use my Zimaboard. This incident highlighted a compatibility issue with pfBlockerNG-devel and the new firmware on the small Netgate SG-1100, which was resolved by switching back to the stable version of pfBlockerNG.

Always having a backup plan and knowing how to manually recover your device’s firmware are invaluable, as Internet connectivity is crucial in today’s world. The ability to troubleshoot and restore functionality with minimal downtime is not just convenient; it is essential.

Knud ;O)

Introduction
Proxmox Virtual Environment 8.1.3, an advanced open-source server virtualization management platform, introduces a range of new features and improvements. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to upgrading from version 8.0 to 8.1.3, highlighting key changes and enhancements for a seamless transition.

Upgrade Process

1. Initial Steps: Start by selecting your server and navigating to the updates section to initiate the upgrade.
2. Console Commands: Execute these commands to ensure your system is up-to-date:

• apt update: Updates package lists.
• apt upgrade -y: Upgrades all packages.
• apt autoremove -y: Removes unnecessary packages.

Specialized Updates

• SDN Core Installation: If updating the SDN Core, execute:
• apt update
• apt install libpve-network-perl -y
• DHCP IPAM Update: For updating DHCP IPAM:
• apt update
• apt install dnsmasq -y
• systemctl disable --now dnsmasq
• FRRouting Update: For updating FRRouting:
• apt update
• apt install frr-pythontools -y

Key New Features in Proxmox 8.1.3

1. Based on Debian 12.2 ‘Bookworm’: Utilizes a newer Linux kernel 6.5, ensuring enhanced stability and performance.
2. Updated Technologies: Incorporates the latest versions of QEMU 8.1.2 and OpenZFS 2.2.0, with important bugfixes from 2.2.1 already included.
3. Enhanced SDN Capabilities: Introduction of the SDN Core significantly improves network management capabilities.
4. Secure Boot Support: Compatibility with Secure Boot, including a signed shim bootloader, enhances security during the boot process.
5. New Flexible Notification System: A matcher-based approach for routing notifications, allowing for more granular control over when, where, and how notifications are sent.
6. Support for Ceph Reef and Ceph Quincy: Adds support for Ceph Reef 18.2.0 and continues support for Ceph Quincy 17.2.7, improving performance and read speed.

Conclusion
Upgrading to Proxmox 8.1.3 elevates the robustness and efficiency of your virtualization environment. By meticulously following the outlined steps and leveraging the new features, administrators can ensure a smooth transition to a more powerful, feature-rich platform.

Introduction

Proxmox Virtual Environment (Proxmox VE) is a powerful open-source virtualization platform that offers an efficient way to manage virtual machines and containers. When combined with the robust ZimaBoard single-board computer, users can create a versatile and cost-effective virtualization solution for various applications. In this blog post, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of installing Proxmox on ZimaBoard, enabling you to harness the full potential of virtualization in your home lab or small business.

1. Preparing the ZimaBoard

Before installing Proxmox on ZimaBoard, ensure that you have the necessary components, including:

• ZimaBoard with the latest firmware.
• A microSD card (16GB or larger) for the installation.
• A compatible power supply and network connection.

1. Downloading Proxmox VE

Visit the Proxmox VE website (https://www.proxmox.com/proxmox-ve) and download the latest ISO image suitable for your ZimaBoard’s architecture (e.g., ARM).

3. Flashing the Proxmox VE ISO

Use a tool like Etcher (https://www.balena.io/etcher/) to flash the Proxmox VE ISO onto the microSD card. This will create a bootable installation medium for your ZimaBoard.

4. Booting into Proxmox Installer

Insert the microSD card into the ZimaBoard and power it on. Ensure that the board boots from the microSD card, and you will be greeted with the Proxmox VE installer.

5. Proxmox VE Installation

Follow the on-screen prompts to set up Proxmox VE on your ZimaBoard. You will be asked to choose the installation target (e.g., the microSD card or an external USB drive), set the root password, and configure network settings.

6. Accessing Proxmox Web Interface

Once the installation is complete, you will see the IP address assigned to your ZimaBoard on the screen. Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network and enter the IP address to access the Proxmox VE web interface.

7. Configuring Proxmox VE

Log in using the root credentials you set during the installation. From the web interface, you can configure storage, network interfaces, and other settings to suit your requirements.

8. Creating Virtual Machines and Containers

With Proxmox VE successfully installed on ZimaBoard, you can now create virtual machines and containers. Use the web interface to add new virtual machines, specify resources, and install guest operating systems. Additionally, you can deploy lightweight containers using popular technologies like LXC.

9. Managing Proxmox VE

The Proxmox VE web interface provides comprehensive tools for managing your virtual machines and containers. You can start, stop, migrate, and even monitor performance directly from the interface.

Conclusion

By combining the power of Proxmox VE with the versatility of ZimaBoard, you have unlocked the potential for virtualization in your home lab or small business. Proxmox VE’s intuitive web interface and powerful features allow you to efficiently manage virtual machines and containers, while ZimaBoard’s performance and affordability make it a perfect match for this virtualization platform.

With Proxmox VE running on your ZimaBoard, you can now explore a myriad of possibilities, from creating test environments and development servers to hosting web applications and running various services. Embrace the world of virtualization and unleash the full potential of your ZimaBoard with Proxmox VE at the helm. Happy virtualizing!

Title: Unleashing NAS Potential: OMV on Raspberry Pi and ZimaBoard

Introduction

Network-Attached Storage (NAS) solutions have become increasingly popular as data storage needs continue to grow. While commercial NAS devices are available, they can be costly and might not fully cater to your specific requirements. In this blog post, we will explore two affordable and powerful options for building a versatile NAS: using OpenMediaVault (OMV) on the Raspberry Pi and the ZimaBoard. With these setups, you can create a feature-rich and cost-effective storage solution tailored to your needs.

1. Raspberry Pi: A Budget-Friendly NAS Solution

The Raspberry Pi is a credit card-sized single-board computer that has captured the hearts of tech enthusiasts worldwide. Its low cost, energy efficiency, and flexibility make it an excellent choice for various projects, including NAS applications. By using OMV, an open-source NAS operating system, you can easily transform your Raspberry Pi into a capable storage server.

2. Introducing OpenMediaVault (OMV)

OMV is a Linux-based operating system specifically designed for managing NAS setups. It offers a user-friendly web interface that simplifies the setup and configuration of various storage services, such as Samba, NFS, FTP, and more. OMV’s extensive plugin ecosystem allows you to expand its functionality effortlessly, making it a versatile NAS solution for home and small office use.

3. Raspberry Pi NAS Setup with OMV

Setting up OMV on your Raspberry Pi is a straightforward process. All you need is a compatible Raspberry Pi board, a microSD card, and an internet connection. The OMV image can be easily flashed onto the microSD card using popular tools like Etcher. Once booted, you can configure OMV through its web interface, where you can manage disks, set up user permissions, and enable various services for seamless file sharing.

4. ZimaBoard: Taking NAS Performance to the Next Level

While the Raspberry Pi is an excellent budget option for basic NAS needs, the ZimaBoard takes NAS applications to new heights. This single-board computer packs a quad-core processor, up to 8GB of RAM, and multiple SATA ports, allowing for higher data throughput and better performance for more demanding storage tasks.

5. Building a NAS with ZimaBoard

Utilizing OMV on the ZimaBoard enhances the NAS experience significantly. With improved hardware capabilities, you can create a more robust RAID setup for data redundancy, implement advanced caching mechanisms, and support higher numbers of concurrent users accessing the NAS. Whether you need a central file server, a media streaming hub, or a backup repository, the ZimaBoard equipped with OMV can deliver top-tier performance.

6. Combining Raspberry Pi and ZimaBoard for Scalability

For users seeking both scalability and cost-effectiveness, a combination of Raspberry Pi and ZimaBoard can be an ingenious solution. Use Raspberry Pi-based OMV setups for less demanding storage tasks or to set up distributed storage nodes in various locations. For the core NAS with higher performance requirements, deploy a ZimaBoard-based OMV server.

Conclusion

OMV on the Raspberry Pi and ZimaBoard opens up a world of possibilities for building your custom NAS solution. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast on a budget or require a more powerful and expandable storage server, these options have you covered. The Raspberry Pi provides an affordable entry point into the world of NAS, while the ZimaBoard takes performance and versatility to new heights.

Regardless of your choice, OMV’s user-friendly interface and extensive plugin support ensure a smooth and seamless NAS setup experience. Embrace the power of OMV on Raspberry Pi and ZimaBoard, and unlock the true potential of Network-Attached Storage for all your data storage, sharing, and backup needs.

Title: Unleashing the Power of ZimaBoard: Your Ultimate Proxmox Server for Debian, Docker, pfSense, and OPNsense

Introduction

In the realm of home servers and networking, finding a versatile, cost-effective, and powerful solution can be a daunting task. However, the ZimaBoard stands out as a game-changer, offering a compelling combination of performance and flexibility. In this blog post, we will explore how the ZimaBoard can serve as your Proxmox server for running Debian and Docker, while also doubling as an efficient platform for pfSense and OPNsense, empowering you to take control of your home network like never before.

1. Introducing ZimaBoard: A Swiss Army Knife for Home Servers

The ZimaBoard is a single-board computer based on the powerful Intel Apollo Lake SoC architecture. Despite its compact form factor, this mini-ITX board packs a punch with its quad-core processor and up to 8GB of RAM. These specifications make it an excellent candidate for various server applications, including virtualization, networking, and containerization.

2. Proxmox Virtualization: The Foundation of Your Server

Proxmox Virtual Environment is an open-source virtualization platform that allows you to run multiple virtual machines (VMs) and containers on a single host. With the ZimaBoard as your Proxmox server, you can efficiently manage and deploy Debian-based VMs for various purposes, such as web hosting, media servers, or personal development environments.

3. Harnessing the Power of Docker

Docker has revolutionized software containerization, providing a lightweight and scalable solution for deploying applications. With the ZimaBoard’s ample resources, you can create and manage Docker containers effortlessly. Whether you need a dedicated container for your favorite media server or a secure environment for testing new software, Docker on ZimaBoard offers unmatched versatility.

4. pfSense and OPNsense: Elevating Your Network Security

Apart from being a powerhouse for virtualization and containerization, the ZimaBoard can transform into a robust network security appliance. By installing either pfSense or OPNsense, both of which are open-source firewall distributions, you can turn your ZimaBoard into a capable and feature-rich home gateway. These firewall solutions offer stateful packet inspection, VPN support, intrusion prevention, and other advanced security features, ensuring your network remains safe from potential threats.

5. The Beauty of Low Power Consumption

Efficiency is a crucial aspect of any home server or networking device. The ZimaBoard shines in this department, boasting an energy-efficient design that minimizes power consumption without compromising performance. By using the ZimaBoard as your all-in-one server solution, you can save on electricity costs while contributing to a greener environment.

6. Ease of Setup and Configuration

Setting up the ZimaBoard as your Proxmox server, Debian host, Docker environment, or firewall appliance is remarkably straightforward, thanks to the detailed documentation and active community support. Whether you are a seasoned server administrator or a tech enthusiast exploring the world of home servers, the ZimaBoard offers a user-friendly experience that caters to all skill levels.

Conclusion

The ZimaBoard is a true marvel of modern technology, serving as a Proxmox server for virtualization, a Debian host for various applications, a Docker playground for containerization, and a reliable platform for running pfSense or OPNsense for network security. Its compact form factor, energy efficiency, and impressive performance make it an ideal choice for those seeking a versatile and cost-effective home server solution.

So, why settle for multiple devices when the ZimaBoard can fulfill all your server needs? Embrace the power and flexibility of ZimaBoard, and take charge of your home network and server infrastructure like a pro. Whether you’re a developer, a media enthusiast, or a security-conscious user, the ZimaBoard is the gateway to endless possibilities.