Our Picks

Microsoft's OneDrive has a few new features and options worth pointing out.  Personal Vault and Expandable Storage.
 
Personal Vault is a protected area in OneDrive that can only be accessed with a strong authentication method or a second step of identity verification, such as your fingerprint, face, PIN, or a code sent to you via email or SMS. 
 
Personal Vault gives you an added layer of protection for your most important files, photos, and videos—for example, copies of documents such as your passport, driver’s license, or insurance information—should someone gain access to your account or device.
Plus, this added security won’t slow you down. You can quickly access your important documents, photos, and files with confidence wherever you are, on your PC, OneDrive.com, or your mobile device.

 
Beyond a second layer of identity verification, Personal Vault also includes the following security measures:
 
Scan and shoot—Using the OneDrive app, you can scan documents or shoot photos directly into your Personal Vault, keeping them off less secure areas of your device, like your camera roll.
Automatic locking—No need to worry about whether you left your Personal Vault or your files open—both will close and lock automatically after a period of inactivity.
BitLocker encryption—On Windows 10 PCs, OneDrive automatically syncs your Personal Vault files to a BitLocker-encrypted area of your local hard drive.
Restricted sharing—To prevent accidental sharing, files in Personal Vault and shared items moved into Personal Vault cannot be shared.
 
Taken together, these security measures help ensure that Personal Vault files are not stored unprotected on your PC, and your files have additional protection, even if your Windows 10 PC or mobile device is lost, stolen, or someone gains access to it or to your account.
 
Expandable Storage
 
If you are and Office 365 Subscriber you get 1 TB of OneDrive storage space with all the other Office goodies like Word, Excel, etc.  I know personally that I have gone over the 1TB limit and have always wanted to be able to add additional storage to my account.  Now you can!

 
Pick and option and keep on hoarding, errr, I mean saving! Cancel anytime, upgrade at any moment.

Ubiquiti has been busy.  There area ton of new items to recently released and I'm going to share two of my favorites.
 
The UAP Flex HD and the Unifi Dream machine. The Flex HD is a mouthful of descriptors like most of UI gear is.  It's a 2Ghz 2x2 MIMO, 5GHz 4x4 MU-MIMO, POE, Indoor/Outdoor, multi mount, mesh point that is no bigger than a can of Coke.

 
You will still need the Unifi controller although you can configure it with basic functionality with the Unifi App.  I've always found it's best to configure with your controller and then use the app as an add-on.  There are several mounting options that include sitting it on a shelf! That is something that Unifi has not had before unless you count the ceiling AP I have awkwardly mounted placed on top of a few books.  It can be found on the Unifi store for $179.
 
https://store.ui.com/collections/wireless/products/unifi-flexhd
 
The Dream Machine is an altogether different beast that I hope lives up to its naming.  This is the gateway drug, for lack of a better term, to the Unifi world.  The starter kit.  It is an Access Point, Gigabit Switch, Security Gateway, and the Cloud Key all in one package.  The latter being the most significant as this is something that has deterred new users from getting started with Unifi.  Requiring new users to purchase a $100 item just to run the AP's has been somewhat of a roadblock in the past.  Granted, that is improving every year with the ability to run it in the cloud, on a NAS, a Pi, Docker, MacOS, and of course Windows, it is still a barricade to getting up and running when manufacturers such as Eero offer simplicity in an app.
 

 
The switch includes 4 LAN Ports and 1 WAN port.  All of which are Gigabit and security services such as IPS are rated at Gigabit speed. It's $299 in the Unifi store but I'm unsure how nicely it will play with other Unifi gear.  This may be a nice "first AP" with its built in Cloud Key if you can add additional units or other Unifi access points.
 
https://store.ui.com/collections/routing-switching/products/unifi-dream-machine

Let's start small with the definition. If you know about podcasts already you can skip ahead.  
 
What is a podcast?  There is no set definition but in general a podcast is a voice recording on a subject that you can usually listen to however and whenever you want.  Let's break these down a little bit and that will also help define the term for you.

Here is something that wasn't planned but came to me while I was at Unveiled.  The Unveiled event was a little lackluster so I had a little fun with the DJI Osmo Pocket.  Take a look.
 
 

It's the most important post covering CES.  The swag bag review.
 
 
 

I talked with TP-Link about their AX series routers.  The Deco X10 is a Tri-Band mesh router that will come in a pack of two for $350.  I was told Q3 for release but if that sounds like a long time don't forget that we don't have anything that will talk with the AX standard yet.  
It's a good looking box that I hope will perform well and have plenty of features.  I've read good things about the Deco series and there were a few good sales last year on the M5.  I really should test the M5!
 

 
Here it is.  Yes, it's huge! Not a hockey puck like the M5 is.  What do you think?

ASUStor AS4004T NAS - Short and Sweet Review

Post your deals and links.  It's fun to come back and share what kind of loot you picked up! 
 
Netgear Deals
 

 
 
 
 

I just subscribed to HD HomeRun Premium TV to see what it is all about.  Hello, I'm watching HGTV now!  Over ten years cutting the cord and this is a first.  All of those years have been with SiliconDust and the HDHR.  I had the older white ones with two coax inputs and I recall the move to the newer unit with only a single coax input as mind blowing!  I had two of the older ones so coax and splitters were a big mess.  Now, I have OTA and a good handful of cable channels.  I'm configuring it on Plex as I type this up.
 

 
 
Get your hardware here - https://amzn.to/2BKxTkC
Subscribe here - https://shop.silicondust.com/shop/product-category/premium-tv/

PRTG vs. Domotz
https://www.domotz.com/
 

Microsoft announced a new Surface device last night, the Surface Go.  The announcement felt forced as leaks were dropping all over the place so it looks like the Surface Team just said, "what the heck," post it! 
 
It's a confusing addition to the family. Remember Surface 3?  The Go is a much improved device but I'll have to get my hands on it in order to fully judge it.  I loved the 3 and still own it with a dock.
 
It starts at $399 which is great but the hardware is a bit limited at that price point.  It starts with the Pentium Gold 4415y processor. Here is a comparison to show you some characteristics versus the Core i3. It also starts at 4Gb of RAM and a 64Gb eMMC drive.  It's only 1.15 pounds and will have LTE options in the future.
 
I've read a ton of posts on this device where there is "target market" confusion.  Read it for yourself straight from Microsoft's mouth. "Empower your workforce with the lightest, most compact Surface yet"

 
 
Here is the announcement post - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/business/surface-go
 
Most articles are comparing it to iPad's and Chromebooks and although i think it will be a good alternative to the Chromebook I don't think it is a direct compare to the iPad nor targeting it.  I think it is a build that came from direct feedback from the working market.  A light portable with pen ability that doesn't cost $1500 if it is dropped. Pretty simple.
 

 
My biggest disappointment is the keyboard.  Yup, gotta add $99 if you don't want to type on glass.
 
Will enthusiasts buy it? Couch PC? Reader by the bed?  This little Surface has a lot of merit on paper so we will see how it holds up when it ships on August 2nd.  Let me know down below if you are going to get one.
 
Buy here - https://store.microsoft.com
 
Short Link to share - https://fave.co/2KOUe4N
 

Brave Browser and the Basic Attention Token (BAT)
 
https://brave.com/hom691
 
This one is new to me but the coin is not.  BAT Coin may sound funny but it is a serious "ALT" coin.  
https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/basic-attention-token/

ICY DOCK is the leading expert in data storage enclosures and accessories.
 
Introducing ToughArmor
ToughArmor is ICY DOCK’s rugged enterprise-grade line of 2.5” SSD and HDD enclosures, utilizing the standard external 5.25” bay, external 3.5” bay (floppy bay), and the slim optical bay (ODD bay). All ToughArmor models feature ruggedized full-metal enclosures and trays, to keep your sensitive data protected, as well as meeting many flammability requirements.

RESET Forums and RESET Podcast
JSE Coin Crypto Store
 
Here you can purchase RESET items with your JSE Coin.  If you haven't heard of JSE Coin and want to get started you can read up about that here - https://homeservershow.com/miner/ . You will get a signup bonus of JSE Coin just for signing up and getting started.
 
Shout Out on RESET Podcast
3 JSE

Synology C2 Backup Now Available to US Customers
 
This is a data backup service that Synology released to EU customers last year.  I remember trying to get it to install and it wouldn't take my CC# because of location.  Fair enough, will it now and how much will it cost?

I learned this at CES 2018 and First Alert didn't like it.  Didn't like it at all.  In fact, they brought over someone else for me to speak with so they could try to save face and hush me up.

Rachio has just announced version 3 of their popular sprinkler system controller.  Rachio's generation 2 hardware was such an improvement on their first controller it may be hard to top.  Gen 3 looks great and has new hardware to go with it.

This is a fantastic deal.  $249 for the Moto X4 on Project Fi. I pay $20 a month for unlimited phone calls and texts plus $10 a month per Gigabyte of data used.  My Bill is usually at that $30 mark plus fees.  If you use more data you pay for it.  If you use over 60Gb you pay up to 60 Gb and then the rest is free up to 15Gb, then you get a little throttle back on speed.  It's a great service that I can't recommend enough.
 
Sign up now and get a $20 credit.
 
You can also get it on 24 months No Interest via Google.  Pay $10 a month or pay it off anytime during that 2 years.  Once you are on Fi you can get new phones at zero interest.  Order through the app and never go into the Verizon or ATT store again.
 
My favorite part?  International service.  Same data fees as home with no surcharge.  Oh, and free data SIMs.  You can order a free data SIM, meaning, if you have a second device that you want to use as data you can get a SIM with no monthly fee.  It uses your same data pool.  Tablet, second phone, laptop, etc.
 

 
Sign up and get $20 credit too.  I'll get a credit as well.  https://g.co/fi/r/9WX36D
 

Hey all,
 
I've got a goodie bag full of stuff that I want to give away to a Patreon subscriber.  At the end of the give away period I'll put all the names in a hat and draw one.  Not a Patreon Supporter?  It is so easy.  Go here - http://patreon.com/davidmccabe  Sign up for any level.  I may....weight the higher subs a little more.  Maybe put them in twice or something. $5 and up club.  I do have some more give away items coming up too.  Bigger things!
 
  
 
Here is the lot so far.  Probably some RESET stickers too!  What is this stuff?  PopSocket for a phone, Acronis Webcam cover, slider thingy, D-Link Luggage Tag, a pen from someone, Autel Robotics, "Remove before Flight" zipper pull.  I have one on my backpack.  CES stuff!
 
Rules.  Subscribe on Patreon.  You gotta stay at least a month! BTW, I use Patreon to pay hosting fees, backups, software licenses, etc.  It helps tremendously!
 
Go here - http://patreon.com/davidmccabe  Sign up for any level.  I will probably draw this out on February 9th, 2018.

Trying to help a local small business setup firewall/router in two locations with VPN site to site. 
They have a very limited budget, under $250 per site.
I was looking at:
Cisco RV320
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/routers/rv320-dual-gigabit-wan-vpn-router/index.html
or
Ubiquiti Enterprise Gateway Router
https://www.ubnt.com/unifi-routing/usg/
Anyone worked with either/both of these?
Thoughts?
Other recomendations?

I've been putting this together (on paper) for over a week.  This build has several goals.
 
1. Budget Build. Let's not break the bank.
2. Leverage parts from your stash as a server builder.
3. Mine as many different things as possible at once without impacting each other
4. Have it all fit in a case. No open air frames or rigs.

I've been a big fan of this product and have it running in my home.  It's now $20 off if you follow this link.
 
http://mbsy.co/circlemedia/mccabeio
 

 
There is an Amazon link to buy it and December 17th to 22nd it will also be $20 off on the Circle website.  So heads up!
 
Take a look at the video below for a better understanding of what it can do for you.  In my house, if anything hops on my wifi the box will notify me immediately.  I've set it up so anything that jumps on is put in a KID friendly profile.  I look at what they are seeing on their iPads and can turn off apps. YouTube, Safari, App Store = Off.
 
 

This is my guide.  There are many like it, but this one is mine!  Carefully curated over the past several months.  I have more but need to get it published.  We're running out of time!
 
Mighty Mug
Mighty Mug - Best Gift Ever - Can't knock this thing over!
 
 
 
Laser Temperature Gun
Prepare for some fun!  Cheap too!
http://amzn.to/2l0JVhB

 
 
LED Under Cabinet Lighting
http://amzn.to/2z1Ii87

Think garage, server rack, etc.  You can get different sizes and different packages that include 4, 6, 8, panels.  There is an option to turn it on via motion as well.  I just put a set in my garage and they are real easy to put up.
 
echoDot Battery
A battery base for your Echo Dot 2nd Gen Makes it Portable
http://amzn.to/2wmwP02
 
Harmony Companion Remote
This remote control changed my life!
http://amzn.to/2AKgowt

RF remote that blasts IR to your devices. Setup with an app, Turn on via remote, phone, or Alexa. I constantly say, "Alexa, turn off the TV." because the kids left it on.  Or Pause the TV. Only way to get their attention!  

 
 
Ticket to Ride
This is a great game for the whole family.
http://amzn.to/2Bed1Rr

 
 
Amazon Strategy Games - https://t.co/Ig0GWYXzax
 
 
Eero - $249 for on eero and one eero beacon
http://amzn.to/2kZQbpZ

 
Moshi Cables and adapters
http://amzn.to/2B68LD1
http://moshi.com
USB-C Adapters by Moshi
 
DJI Spark
http://amzn.to/2kRbiuy
 
 
SmartThings
Unbelievable sale too!
https://homeservershow.com/forums/topic/15788-amazon-has-several-smartthings-devices-for-50-off/

Cameras
Wyze Cam - http://amzn.to/2kkgKSO
EZVIZ - http://amzn.to/2kphCps
Blink - http://amzn.to/2BW3tad
 
echo Dot
Lastly, on the gift list is the echo Dot.  How can you go wrong by gifting this little thing?  Only if the person you gift it to has a "foil hat" on.  Otherwise, it's great for anyone!
http://amzn.to/2B53TOm

There is nothing better than a highly targeted gift guide! Do you find that the family and friends in your life just don't understand your gift needs?  You have to ask for $$$ all the time instead of gifts? Gift Cards?  Yup, that's us.
 

 
This is where the Storage Edition Gift Guide comes in.  Leave a link of what you want for Christmas and simply point your family and friends to http://RESETForums.com  DONE!
 
Let's get started.
 
NewEgg Networking Store - https://www.newegg.com/Networking/Store/ID-889?   Pick the items you want and share to all!
 
Corsair Store - https://www.newegg.com/Corsair/BrandStore/ID-1459
 
Western Digital Store - https://www.newegg.com/Western-Digital/BrandStore/ID-1306?Tpk=western digital
 
Let's just get this out there shall we?  People, we want 8TB REDS!!!
Maybe cheaper on Amazon - http://amzn.to/2APCRZf
 
And you know what?  We want ICY DOCK! - http://amzn.to/2Bazbn0  Pick your favorite and link it for your family!  I love these docks!  http://amzn.to/2BaSs7O
 
How about a new 1060 for the Crypto fan!  It's the gift that keeps on giving! http://amzn.to/2kr8CQm
 
Don't forget the StableBit!  Don't forget that the order will go to the email address used.  Maybe you should just buy this now.
http://stablebit.com/resetpodcast
What's included - StableBit DrivePool, StableBit CloudDrive, and StableBit Scanner.
Normal Price: $59.95
RESET Price for you: $41.96
 
Microserver Anyone? - Get them here: 
 
Amazon | eBay | NewEgg
 
Gift Cards?  Yep!   BestBuy.com | Newegg.com

SmartThings Scenes, What's in your SmartHome, What I'm watching