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Tech Log Entry — VPN Deployment: ProtonVPN Across Windows, Linux, and iOS

  Tech Log Entry — VPN Deployment: ProtonVPN Across Windows, Linux, and iOS Background and Context With the three-machine homelab LAN and automated backup infrastructure complete, the next security priority was VPN coverage — particularly for travel use with the portable Linux laptop. This entry documents the evaluation, selection, installation, and configuration of ProtonVPN across all personal computing devices: one Windows 11 desktop, two Linux Mint laptops, and an iPhone. Prior state: BitDefender Premium VPN was active on the desktop only. Neither Linux laptop had VPN coverage. The iPhone had no VPN. BitDefender does not support Linux for consumer devices, making it unsuitable as a cross-platform solution. Goals Replace BitDefender Premium VPN with a cross-platform solution covering all devices Prioritize Linux Mint compatibility for both laptops Have VPN operational on the travel laptop before an upcoming trip (~2.5 weeks away) Evaluate free tier before committing to a paid an...
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Tech Log Entry — LAN File Sharing (after upgrade to unmanaged switch)

Tech Log Entry — LAN File Sharing (or, SMB Between Windows 11 Desktop and Linux Mint Laptop) Background and Context With the three-machine automated backup infrastructure complete, the next practical need was interactive file sharing — a way to move files between the Windows 11 desktop and the Linux Mint laptop #1 without USB drives (cumbersome) or email (insecure). The two machines are connected via a dedicated gigabit LAN switch on an isolated local subnet (192.168.2.x), separate from the home Wi-Fi network. Goal: a shared folder accessible from both machines, with one-click access from each side, backed by proper credentials and restricted to the private LAN only. Security note: The Linux laptop #2 was deliberately excluded from this setup per its isolation policy — it hosts Claude Code and is kept off persistent shared network folders by design.  File transfers from/to it will be done manually via USB, for now. Software and Protocol SMB (Server Message Block) — the Windows-nati...
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