502Tech is really just a collection of honest, practical tech advice drawn from almost three decades of hands-on experience. This site is for anyone who wants (mostly) straightforward answers without the fluff — whether you’re looking to improve your computer’s security, troubleshoot everyday tech issues, or explore the world of self-hosting. I’ve built this site for my friends, family, co-workers, and anyone out there who just wants some tech guidance they can trust. While some of the opinions I carry are not always in line with modern tech trends and in fact, may run counter to them, I always have people’s best interest at heart.
Why I Built This Site
- For Family, Friends, and Curious Minds Everywhere
Over the years, friends, family, and colleagues have asked me countless tech questions, from basic troubleshooting to complex setups. I’ve come to realize that if such a small circle of people I know have these questions, there must be thousands more with similar needs. 502Tech is a way for me to answer these “simple” questions in a direct, clear, and digestible format. It’s also a place to share insights, solutions, and the occasional frustrations that come up in my daily life as a tech professional. Hopefully, what I’ve learned and continue to learn will be helpful to others. This is my place to share.
- An Outlet for My Experiences, Knowledge, and Frustrations
After nearly 30 years in tech, supporting everything from small businesses to larger enterprises and everything in between, I’ve accumulated a lot of experiences and lessons that don’t always make it into mainstream tech blogs. I’m not here to sugarcoat things or jump on the latest tech trends just because they’re popular. I firmly believe that change just for the sake of change, is not a good thing (at least not for the people consuming those changes). This site will, at times, be a raw and honest outlet where I can share my experiences, talk about what works, what doesn’t, and why I think that way. It’s tech advice from the trenches, shared for anyone who wants to hear it straight. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not perfect and I’m not always right. In addition, every situation is different and carries its own nuances. This is particularly true in business tech. In tech, opinions are like a-holes. Everybody has got one.. Every tech / systems engineer / systems administrator etc.. has their own views and opinions which are usually drawn from their experiences. Some are right, some are wrong, but most are in the huge gray area between those two points. But IT people can be downright pig headed and tribal sometimes. And while I try not to be, I am only human. 🙂
- A Place for Hard-to-Find Tech Resources
Throughout my career, I’ve spent countless hours tracking down software, drivers, scripts, and other resources that were tricky to find. If I can save someone else that time, I’m happy to do it. So, on 502Tech, you’ll find a small repository of resources (software, BIOS updates, documentation, etc…) that I had to dig up at some point for either my use or someone else’s, so I figured I would share them with the world. It’s my way of making these items more accessible to anyone who needs them if I can, for as long as I can.
What You Can Expect on 502Tech
- Honest, No-Nonsense Opinions
I’ve never been one to follow trends for the sake of it, and I don’t mind going against the grain. My opinions are based on my real-world experience, and I’ll always give it to you straight — even if it’s not the popular view. Whether it’s about privacy, security, or which tools are actually worth using, I’m here to provide insights that you can actually trust and use.
- Guides on Computer Security and Privacy
With the digital landscape constantly evolving, security and privacy are more important than ever. I’ll share practical, real-world advice on how to protect yourself and your data. From password management to avoiding scams, I’m here to make security approachable and understandable.
- Tech Reviews You Can Trust
I’m not here to push products just for the sake of it. If I review a piece of software, hardware, or any other tech, it’s because I’ve used it myself and believe it’s worth talking about. Expect honest, practical reviews of things I actually find useful—or sometimes, things I tried and didn’t like at all. IF I link to a product, I may earn an affiliate commission on it. It does cost money to keep a site up and running so, can you blame me? HOWEVER, I promise you this, I will not link to a product (affiliate or not) unless its something that I find useful or think you might find useful. I’m not building this site to sell stuff.
- Self-Hosting and Homelab Tips
I’m a big fan of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and self-hosting. For me, its mostly about retaining total control over my data and/or the services I use and rely on. Generally speaking, I am not a fan of Big Tech, and the “everything to the cloud” attitude that has been out of control for a while now. While some cloud services do provide a valuable service to some, its not for everyone. On 502Tech, I’ll share my experiences and advice on setting up homelab environments, running your own services, and exploring the world of FOSS. Whether it’s in a homelab or the cloud, I’ll show you how to take control of your own tech as we explore things together.
- PC Use, Upkeep, and Maintenance
Computers require a bit of TLC to stay running smoothly, and I’ve spent decades figuring out ways to keep things running. Its amazing how far a little regular maintenance and proper usage can go to make your computing experience faster, safer, and enduring. I’ll share simple, straightforward tips on keeping your machine in top shape, from regular maintenance routines, practical upgrades that make sense, and troubleshooting common issues.
My hope is that 502Tech will be more than just a resource; I want it to feel like an unfiltered, raw tech conversation with a friend who’s been around the block a few times. If there’s a specific topic you’d like to see covered or if you have a tech question, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you find something useful here!