React or Angular?

JavaScript is a very important part of the web, and there are many framework and library to make the development process simpler.  React and Angular are two names that you probably hear the most within the development circle. In this article, I’m going to do a simple comparison table...

Switch Expressions in Java 12

Java is a wonderful language, but it’s syntax tends to be a bit too verbose sometimes. It is good to see that in Java 12, the new Switch Expressions will now use pattern matching to provide simpler coding standards. Below is a simple example to illustrate the differences: In...

Secure Remote Admin Access with Duck DNS

Now that you have Hass.io running happily on your Raspberry Pi, the next thing in your mind is probably how to access the admin console remotely from the internet, so that you can control your smart home even when you are away from home. One elegant and free solution...

Access Configuration Files with Samba

Hass.io is the latest all-in-one installation for Home Assistant.  It is the simplest way to set up Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi.  You can now manage your Hass.io with a web console. Once you have Hass.io setup and running on the Pi, you will find that one of...

Rectangles – Intersection Study

Have you ever walk into a job interview, and were asked to design a program to find if 2 rectangles intersect with each other or not? This apparently is a common “technical” question in a job interview. I do agree that it is an interesting question to evaluate your...

Have an Old IP Camera?

Do you have an old IP camera that you are still using at home? I have 2 of them. This is a Foscam FI8910W camera.  It had its glorious days many years ago, and it is still working like a charm, as older hardware are built to last much...

Push Notification with Pushbullet

When there is a problem, there is a solution. What is the problem? We’ve been experiencing intermittent slow down which download speed just goes up and down unexpectedly.  I already have internet speed test scheduled on my Home Assistant (HA) every 15 minutes, but what I would really like...

Hass.io – Open Source Platform

I find it fascinating to learn about the home automation trends in the market place now a days.  One thing I noticed that I walked into a local Bestbuy store was 3 to 4 aisles of smart home products, ranges from smart door bell, smart lights, smart locks, water...