Gitea has released version 1.21.0, which includes numerous new features and improvements. The release consists of 962 pull requests and marks the departure of Gitea Actions from the experimental state. Users can download the new version from the Gitea website.

The release includes several breaking changes that may affect users. One change involves moving public asset files to the proper directory. Previously, these files were served under a different directory, causing confusion for users. To resolve this, the default assets folder has been changed, and users with custom asset files will need to transfer them to the new location.

Another breaking change involves the configuration option for SSH authorized keys backup. Previously, this option was set to automatically create backups of the authorized keys file when a new SSH key was added. However, this caused the backup folder to become excessively large on instances with many users. As a result, the default value of this parameter has been changed, and users who still want backups should manually set it to true.

Additionally, the release removes the CHARSET configuration option for MySQL and always uses utf8mb4. Using utf8 as a charset for MySQL can lead to issues, and as Gitea only supports MySQL v5.7+, support for utf8 is no longer necessary. Existing utf8 databases will continue to work, but users are strongly encouraged to convert them to utf8mb4.

The release also includes improvements to Gitea Actions. Several new features have been added, including scheduled workflows, disabling workflows, and downloading raw task logs. Additionally, the admin page has been enhanced with capabilities such as manually rebuilding the issue index and a details page for each user.

Other notable improvements include the ability to select a specific commit range when reviewing a pull request, notifications for recently pushed branches, support for CODEOWNERS files, and the ability to pre-register OAuth2 applications for git credential helpers.

The release also introduces archived labels, a new concept that allows users to retire labels without deleting them. Gitea Actions have received various enhancements, making them a mature component of Gitea. The blame view has been simplified, and it is now possible to retry failed pull mirror creations.

Furthermore, the release includes improvements to the admin page, the ability to see if the CI is currently successful for all branches, and optimizations to reduce database deadlocks.

Looking ahead, Gitea 1.22 is expected to bring changes to the default themes and drop support for older database versions. The default themes will be renamed, and a new dark theme will be introduced. Users are encouraged to update their database versions for compatibility and security.

Overall, the release of Gitea 1.21.0 brings a range of new features and improvements that enhance the functionality and user experience of the platform. Users are encouraged to update to the latest version to take advantage of these enhancements.

Chinese electronics company AOC has introduced a new mini PC called the AOC MOSS 7, featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD. Currently, it is available for purchase in China through JD.com for 3799 CNY (approximately $525). The availability of this mini PC outside of China is uncertain, but AOC does sell other mini PCs internationally through AliExpress.

The AOC MOSS 7 has a unique design with rounded edges, resembling a game console or appliance rather than a typical PC. With dimensions of 145 x 115 x 42mm. Although it does not have discrete graphics, it is equipped with Radeon 780M integrated graphics, featuring 12 RDNA 3 compute units, providing graphics capabilities similar to some powerful handheld gaming PCs.

The mini PC offers user-replaceable memory with two SODIMM slots for DDR5 RAM. It also includes a variety of ports, such as 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x RJ45 LAN, 1 x USB Type-C, 3 x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 x 3.5mm audio, and 1 x DC power input. Active cooling is provided by a fan, and the package includes a 68W power adapter. The MOSS 7 supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.

While the USB-C port should support video output and data transfer, there is no information available regarding whether it is a USB4 port with 40 Gbps speeds. Thus, it remains unclear if the port can be used for external graphics docks or other accessories requiring a higher-speed connection.

Source: Liliputing.

Hardkernel has released the ODROID-M1S, a smaller and more cost-effective single-board computer (SBC) compared to the previously launched ODROID-M1. Designed to commemorate Hardkernel’s 15th anniversary, the ODROID-M1S is priced at $49 and up and features the Rockchip RK3566 system-on-a-chip (SoC).

The ODROID-M1S SBC comes with the Rockchip RK3566 SoC, which is similar to the RK3568 but with fewer peripheral interfaces. The board offers 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4 memory, a 64GB eMMC flash soldered onto the board, HDMI 2.0 and MIPI DSI video interfaces, gigabit Ethernet, a few USB ports, and two GPIO headers. However, compared to the ODROID-M1, the ODROID-M1S does have some feature losses, such as a lower-speed memory, PCIe 2.1 support, the removal of the SPI flash and SATA port, and the MIPI CSI camera connector. The power supply has also been changed from a 12V DC jack to a 5V USB-C port.

Here are the specifications of the ODROID-M1S with the differences from the ODROID-M1 highlighted:

• SoC – Rockchip RK3566 quad-core Cortex-A55 processor @ up to 1.8 GHz with Arm Mali-G52 MP2 GPU @ 800 MHz and 0.8 TOPS AI accelerator
• System Memory – 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4 RAM at 2112 MT/s or up to 1,055 MHz
• Storage
  • 64GB eMMC flash (soldered on PCB) benchmarked at up to 180MB/s with fio
  • MicroSD card slot (UHS-I SDR104, boot priority higher than eMMC flash)
  • M.2 NVMe M-Key 2280 socket (2-lane PCIe 2.1) benchmarked at up to 400MB/s with fio
• Video Output
  • 1x HDMI 2.0 port up to 4Kp60 with HDR and EDID
  • 4-lane MIPI DSI connector (30-pin, while ODROID M1 has a 31-pin connector)
• Audio – 3.5mm headphone jack, mono speaker output (1.3W at 8Ω load)
• Networking – Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port via Realtek RTL8211F Ethernet transceiver
• USB
  • 1x USB 3.0 port
  • 1x USB 2.0 port
  • 1x Micro USB 2.0 OTG port
• Expansion – 40-pin GPIO header + 14-pin GPIO header (both headers optional)

Source: CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

AMD has unveiled its latest addition to the Zen 4 family, the Ryzen Embedded 7000 series processors. These socketed CPUs are designed for embedded and edge applications in the 60~105 Watt space. The Ryzen Embedded 7000 series processors offer significant improvements over the previous generation Ryzen Embedded 5000 series parts. They feature up to 12 cores and 24 threads, TDPs ranging from 65 to 105 Watts, support for DDR5-5200 ECC memory, up to 28 lanes on-chip for PCIe Gen5, and integrated RDNA2 graphics. AMD is committed to providing up to seven years of support for these processors. Linux, particularly Ubuntu, is the preferred operating system for these embedded processors.

The Ryzen Embedded 7000 series processors come with a range of models, from the Ryzen Embedded 7645 to the Ryzen Embedded 7700X. The flagship model, the Ryzen Embedded 7945, is a 65 Watt part with 12 cores, 24 threads, a base frequency of 3.7GHz, a boost frequency of 5.4GHz, and 64MB L3 cache. Unfortunately, there are no technical benchmarks available yet, but AMD claims significant performance advantages over Intel Raptor Lake on Windows.

The chipset options for the Ryzen Embedded 7000 series are the X600, B650, and X670. It is worth noting that these processors do not have Ryzen AI, although there is a possibility that future generations may support it on Linux.

Overall, the AMD Ryzen Embedded 7000 series processors offer a powerful and efficient solution for embedded and edge applications. With their improved performance and support for Linux, they are likely to find popularity in the embedded space.

Source: Phoronix.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, home labs have become a versatile tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Beyond the realm of experimentation and learning, your home lab can also be a source of income. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten innovative ways to turn your home lab into a money-making machine.

Freelance Services

Leverage your home lab skills by offering freelance services. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr connect freelancers with clients seeking assistance in areas like web development, network setup, or system administration.

Cloud Hosting Reseller

If your home lab has robust hardware and a reliable internet connection, consider becoming a cloud hosting reseller. You can host websites and applications for small businesses or individuals, providing a cost-effective alternative to mainstream cloud services.

Game Server Hosting

Gamers are always on the lookout for reliable and low-latency game servers. Utilize your home lab to host game servers for popular titles, charging a small fee for access. This can be a lucrative venture for those with powerful hardware and a stable internet connection.

Folding@Home and Banano Mining

Put your home lab’s computing power to good use by participating in distributed computing projects like Folding@home. Folding@home focuses on simulating protein folding to advance medical research. In addition to contributing to scientific endeavors, you can also earn Banano, a cryptocurrency, by dedicating some of your hardware resources to Folding@home. These projects not only generate income but also support valuable research efforts while earning you crypto rewards.

AI and Machine Learning Projects

If you have expertise in AI and machine learning, your home lab can serve as a hub for running projects and experiments. Offer your services to businesses or researchers looking to harness the power of machine learning without the need for expensive cloud resources.

Virtualization for Small Businesses

Help small businesses save on infrastructure costs by offering virtualization services. Your home lab can run multiple virtual machines, providing a cost-effective solution for businesses in need of IT infrastructure without the hefty price tag.

Tech Support and Consultation

Position yourself as a tech support specialist and consultant. Use your home lab to set up a dedicated hotline, offering assistance to individuals or businesses facing IT challenges. Charge a reasonable fee for your expertise and problem-solving skills.

Cybersecurity Services

With the increasing importance of cybersecurity, there’s a growing demand for individuals who can assess and strengthen digital defenses. Offer cybersecurity services from your home lab, conducting vulnerability assessments and providing recommendations for improved security.

Hosting Webinars and Workshops

Share your knowledge by hosting webinars and workshops focused on topics like home lab setup, network security, or cloud computing. Charge a fee for access to these educational sessions, providing value to those looking to enhance their skills.

IoT Experimentation and Prototyping

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a booming industry, and businesses are constantly seeking innovative solutions. Use your home lab to experiment with IoT devices and offer prototyping services to companies looking to bring their IoT ideas to life.

Summing Up

Your home lab is not just a playground for tech enthusiasts; it’s a potential source of income waiting to be tapped. Whether you choose to provide services, host servers, or participate in distributed computing projects, the possibilities are vast. By exploring these ten creative ways to make money with your home lab, you can turn your passion for technology into a profitable venture.

In The MagPi 134, Alasdair Allan, Head of Documentation, expressed excitement about the possibility of low-power NAS boxes utilizing the M.2 HAT on the Raspberry Pi 5. Here are the basic steps for setting up a file server.

01. Software setup

Begin by installing Samba onto Raspberry Pi OS with the following command:

sudo apt install samba samba-common-bin

To ensure compatibility with other operating systems, install NTFS for the shared drive:

sudo apt install ntfs-3g

02. Storage setup

While an external hard drive is typically used, using an SSD drive is similar. Plug in the SSD drive, format it if necessary, and mount it to Raspberry Pi OS. To automount the drive on boot, edit the fstab file with the command sudo nano /etc/fstab and add a line similar to the following:

/dev/sdb1 /mnt/location ntfs nls-utf8,umask-0222,uid-1000,gid-1000,rw 0 0

03. Configuration

The Samba configuration file is where the magic happens, allowing you to open up shared storage to the network. Here is an example configuration:

[share]
Comment = Network share
Path = /mnt/location
Browseable = yes
Writeable = yes
only guest = no
create mask = 0777
directory mask = 0777
Public = yes
Guest ok = yes

By following these steps, you can build a file server using the Raspberry Pi 5 and take advantage of its new features for a more efficient NAS setup.

Source: News - Raspberry Pi.