{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1","title":"Foster Hangdaan's Blog","home_page_url":"https://www.foster.hangdaan.com/","feed_url":"https://www.foster.hangdaan.com/blog/feed.json","description":"A strange place where I write something other than code.","language":"en","items":[{"id":"https://www.foster.hangdaan.com/blog/posts/make-your-own-ddns/","url":"https://www.foster.hangdaan.com/blog/posts/make-your-own-ddns/","title":"Make Your Own DDNS","authors":[{"name":"Foster Hangdaan"}],"content_html":"

Ever tried hosting a server in your home network but annoyed at the fact that\nyour public IP address keeps changing? Imagine for a moment that you're running\na Nextcloud server located at nextcloud.example.com.\nAll of a sudden, the public IP changes and your domain is still pointing to the\nold IP address. As a result, connectivity to your server gets disrupted. The\nchange can happen at any time and without warning. It can take some time for you\nto find out. Once you do, you'll have to manually update the\nA-record of\nnextcloud.example.com to restore connectivity.

\n

As you can see, spontaneous IP address changes are disruptive events; a\nstatic IP address\nor a DDNS service is essential for\nrunning public servers. Internet service providers usually offer static IP\naddresses only in their business plans. So this leaves out the vast majority of\ninternet users. The other option, DDNS, is a feature supported by some routers.\nHowever, utilizing this feature typically involves having to sign-up for a\nhostname on a DDNS provider like No-IP. If you get one\nof No-IP's free accounts, then you must\nmanually confirm hostnames\nevery 30 days.

\n

So, the options we have thus far require us to either:

\n\n

If only there was another way...

\n

The Solution

\n

The answer is to create our own DDNS. We can achieve a DDNS-like system with a\nshell script that runs every hour;\nscheduled via Cron. The script performs\nthe following tasks everytime it runs:

\n
    \n
  1. Obtain the current public IP address and the domain's A-record.
    2. \n
  2. Compare the public IP and the A-record's value.
    3. \n
  3. If they are not the same, it updates the A-record to the value of the public\nIP address.
    4. \n
\n

This system provides some major advantages:

\n\n

Requirements

\n\n

Preparation

\n

Host Computer

\n

Perform these steps on the Host Computer.

\n

Update the System

\n

Open a terminal then enter the command below to update the system.

\n
sudo apt -y update && sudo apt -y upgrade\n
\n

Install Cron

\n

Cron is included in most Linux distributions but we will install it just to be\nsure:

\n
sudo apt install cron\n
\n

Install Deno

\n

Deno is a secure runtime environment for JavaScript and\nTypeScript. It is the environment for which the TypeScript-programmed shell\nscript will be running under.

\n

At the time of writing, Deno is not available in the\nAPT repositories; we will be\nusing the installation script instead.

\n
\n

Refer to the Deno documentation for\nadditional installation options.

\n
\n

Run the following command to install Deno:

\n
curl -fsSL https://deno.land/x/install/install.sh | sh\n
\n

Confirm that Deno is properly installed by checking its version:

\n
deno --version\n
\n

An output like the one below indicates that Deno was successfully installed:

\n
deno 1.38.3 (release, x86_64-unknown-linux-gnu)\nv8 12.0.267.1\ntypescript 5.2.2\n
\n

GoDaddy API Keys

\n

Follow the GoDaddy API setup\nto create the API secret and key. Take note of the key and secret as they will\nbe needed shortly.

\n
\n

Ensure that you get the API secret and key for the production environment;\nnot the ones for the test environment.

\n
\n

The Script

\n
\n

The script sends requests to two endpoints from GoDaddy's Domains API:

\n\n

Refer to the\nGoDaddy Domains API documentation\nfor the complete list of endpoints.

\n
\n
\n

The public IP address is obtained from an instance of\nIpMe at\nhttps://ipme.fosterhangdaan.com.\nIpify can be used as an alternative.

\n
\n

Here is the content of the script:

\n
#!/usr/bin/env -S deno run --allow-net\n\n/**\n * A script which synchronizes a GoDaddy A-record with your public IP\n * address.\n */\n\n// Change this value to your GoDaddy domain.\nconst domain = "example.com";\n\n// Change this value to your GoDaddy API key.\nconst GODADDY_API_KEY = "key";\n\n// Change this value to your GoDaddy API secret.\nconst GODADDY_API_SECRET = "secret";\n\n// If you prefer to use Ipify instead, change this URL to:\n// https://api.ipify.org\nconst publicIpUrl = "https://ipme.fosterhangdaan.com";\n\nconst domainParts = domain.split(".");\nconst domainRoot = domainParts.slice(-2).join(".");\nconst domainName = domainParts.slice(0, -2).join(".") || "@";\n\nconst goDaddyUrl =\n  `https://api.godaddy.com/v1/domains/${domainRoot}/records/A/${domainName}`;\n\nconst goDaddyRequestHeaders = new Headers({\n  Authorization: `sso-key ${GODADDY_API_KEY}:${GODADDY_API_SECRET}`,\n});\n\nconst [publicIpResponse, goDaddyResponse] = await Promise.all([\n  fetch(publicIpUrl),\n  fetch(goDaddyUrl, { headers: goDaddyRequestHeaders }),\n]);\n\nif (!publicIpResponse.ok) {\n  throw new Error(`Failed to fetch public IP address from ${publicIpUrl}.`);\n} else if (!goDaddyResponse.ok) {\n  throw new Error("Failed to fetch A-records from GoDaddy.");\n}\n\nconst goDaddyJsonResponse = await goDaddyResponse.json();\n\nif (goDaddyJsonResponse.length === 0) {\n  throw new Error("No GoDaddy A-records found.");\n}\n\nconst publicIP = await publicIpResponse.text();\nconst goDaddyIP = goDaddyJsonResponse[0]["data"];\n\nif (publicIP !== goDaddyIP) {\n  console.log(\n    `The public IP address has changed. Public IP: ${publicIP}; Old IP: ${goDaddyIP}`,\n  );\n  goDaddyRequestHeaders.append("Content-Type", "application/json");\n  const response = await fetch(goDaddyUrl, {\n    method: "PUT",\n    headers: goDaddyRequestHeaders,\n    body: JSON.stringify([\n      {\n        data: publicIP,\n      },\n    ]),\n  });\n  if (!response.ok) {\n    throw new Error("Failed to update GoDaddy A-record.");\n  } else {\n    console.log(`GoDaddy A-record successfully updated to ${publicIP}.`);\n  }\n}\n
\n

Schedule the Script to Run Every Hour with Cron

\n

On the Host Computer, save the script as a file at\n/etc/cron.hourly/ddns.ts. Make sure to replace some necessary values:

\n\n

Grant read, write, and execute permissions only to the root user:

\n
sudo chown root:root /etc/cron.hourly/ddns.ts\nsudo chmod 700 /etc/cron.hourly/ddns.ts\n
\n
\n

Access to the script should be granted only to authorized users (such as\nroot) since the script contains sensitive information: your GoDaddy API\nsecret and key.

\n
\n

The script should now be scheduled to run every hour by Cron.

\n

Conclusion

\n

In this guide, we have setup an hourly Cron script that updates a GoDaddy\ndomain's A-record if the public IP address changed. You can now rest assured\nthat your hosted services will be protected from disruptions caused by public IP\naddress changes.

\n

Feel free to modify the script to your needs; especially if you are using a\ndomain registrar other than GoDaddy.

\n

As always, contact me for any comments or suggestions regarding\nthis guide.

\n","date_published":"2023-12-02T00:00:00.000Z"},{"id":"https://www.foster.hangdaan.com/blog/posts/retro-gaming-on-an-old-laptop/","url":"https://www.foster.hangdaan.com/blog/posts/retro-gaming-on-an-old-laptop/","title":"Retro Gaming on an Old Laptop","authors":[{"name":"Foster Hangdaan"}],"content_html":"

Throughout the years I have amassed a collection of laptops. Most of which are\nunused and collecting dust in storage. If you're reading this, chances are\nyou're in the same situation. Like me, you're also trying to find some new\npurpose for that old, yet functional, piece of electronic heap. The answer:\nRetroPie. In this guide, I will show you how to turn an old laptop into a retro\ngaming station with RetroPie.

\n

The\nRetroPie Setup Instructions for Debian\nforms the foundation for this guide. You may refer to that documentation as a\nsupplement.

\n
\n

If you get stuck, the best place to get help is by visiting the\nRetroPie forum.

\n
\n

What is RetroPie?

\n

RetroPie allows you to turn a computer into a retro\ngaming station. It is mainly targeted for the\nRaspberry Pi series of single-board computers;\nhence its name. Don't let that fool you, though. RetroPie can be used just as\nwell to convert a PC or laptop into a retro gaming station.

\n

Prerequisites

\n\n

RetroPie Setup

\n

Setup Debian

\n

Update the system and packages:

\n
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade\n
\n

Install RetroPie dependencies:

\n
sudo apt install git dialog unzip xmlstarlet\n
\n

Install RetroPie

\n

Download the latest RetroPie script:

\n
git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup.git\n
\n

Enter the RetroPie directory:

\n
cd RetroPie-Setup\n
\n

Execute the script:

\n
sudo ./retropie_setup.sh\n
\n

The main menu should appear on the screen like the one below:

\n

\"Screenshot

\n

Select Basic Install and press Enter. On the next screen, select\nYes to start the installation process.

\n
\n

The installation process compiles most of the emulators from source. This can\ntake an hour or more on a slow laptop.

\n
\n

You will be taken back to the main menu once the installation is complete. After\nthe installation process has finished, exit the main menu and proceed to\ninstalling ROMs.

\n

Install ROMs

\n

Before running RetroPie, we should install some ROMs. ROMs are located in\n~/RetroPie/roms. It contains subdirectories for each supported system (GBA,\nPlaystation, etc.).

\n

For example, to install Gameboy Advance ROMs, place any ROM file in\n~/RetroPie/roms/gba:

\n
cp pokemon-emerald.zip ~/RetroPie/roms/gba/\n
\n
\n

The default Gameboy Advance emulator, lr-mgba, accepts ROM files in the\nfollowing formats: .7z, .gba and .zip. Refer to\nthe documentation for a\ncomplete list.

\n
\n

RetroPie First Startup

\n

Start RetroPie

\n

Select RetroPie on the app dashboard to launch it.

\n

\"RetroPie

\n

At first launch, Retropie will look for connected controllers and configure\nthem. Connect your controller now and follow the on-screen instructions to\nconfigure it.

\n
\n

Alternatively, if you don't have a controller, you can press and hold the\nA key on your keyboard to configure your keyboard as your\ncontroller.

\n
\n

\"RetroPie

\n

Launch a Game

\n

The main menu will display only the systems for which there are available ROMs.\nSince we installed a Gameboy Advance ROM in a previous step, the Gameboy Advance\nsystem should be displayed on the menu.

\n

\"RetroPie

\n

Our game should appear within the Gameboy Advance game selection screen. Launch\nthe game by selecting it then pressing the A button (or the\nequivalent) on your controller.

\n

\"Gameboy

\n

Conclusion

\n

Hopefully, the installation went well and your old laptop is now a bonafide\nretro gaming station capable of playing a variety of classic games.

\n

If you are having issues, refer to the\nTroubleshooting section, the\nRetroPie forums or the\nRetroPie documentation.

\n

For some ideas on what you can do after installing RetroPie, checkout the\nPost Installation section.

\n

Contact me for any comments or suggestions regarding this guide.

\n

Post Installation

\n

A few things you can do after installing RetroPie:

\n\n

Troubleshooting

\n

This section goes over how to resolve issues not available in the\nFAQ section of the Debian installation instructions.

\n

Top Bar Cuts Off Window When Fullscreen

\n

On Debian 12.2, the top bar still occupies space even when the RetroPie window\nis fullscreen. This pushes the RetroPie window downwards cutting off its bottom\nportion.

\n

\"RetroPie

\n

This seems to be caused by the default display protocol, Wayland. So a simple\nsolution is to switch the display protocol from Wayland to Xorg.

\n

Begin by logging out to get to the login screen. On the login screen, select\nyour user.

\n

\"Debian

\n

Click the gear icon at the bottom-right of the screen to open a menu. Select\nGNOME on Xorg.

\n

\"Display

\n

Log back in then launch RetroPie. Its window should now be displayed in its\nentirety.

\n

\"RetroPie

\n","date_published":"2023-11-28T00:00:00.000Z"},{"id":"https://www.foster.hangdaan.com/blog/posts/favourite-color-palettes/","url":"https://www.foster.hangdaan.com/blog/posts/favourite-color-palettes/","title":"Favourite Colour Palettes","authors":[{"name":"Foster Hangdaan"}],"content_html":"

Whether it's for UI design or theming, these colour palettes have played a great\nrole in enhancing the eye-candy of my software projects. In fact, this very\nwebsite uses one of the colour palettes on this list. I hope to share this list\nso that you may also find great use for these colour palettes in your own\nprojects.

\n

4: Monokai

\n

A warm, yet dark, colour palette created by\nWimer Hazenberg. Monokai is available in many text\neditors, terminal emulators, and (Linux) desktop environments.

\n

There is also a variant called Monokai Pro by the same\nauthor. This new palette is a modern interpretation of the classic palette and\naims to improve functionality and legibility; perfect for coding.

\n

3: Dracula

\n

Dracula is a dark colour palette created by\nZeno Rocha back in 2013. Since then, Dracula has grown\nto be one of the most popular colour palettes ever created and has been ported\nto many applications. There is no light variant available for this colour\npalette because Dracula is afraid of the light.

\n

Like Monokai, Dracula has a modern remake designed for terminal emulators and\ncode editors called Dracula Pro.

\n
\n

Dracula Pro is a paid theme and its license must be purchased.

\n
\n

2: Catppuccin

\n

Catppuccin is a pastel colour\npalette which skyrocketed in popularity since its inception in 2021. It consists\nof 4 colour variants: Latte, Frappe, Macchiato and Mocha (with Macchiato being\nthe main variant). Catppuccin is very popular in the Linux theming community due\nto its eye-pleasing pastel colours which pair nicely with pastel wallpapers.

\n

1: Tokyo Night

\n

This is it... my favourite colour palette:\nTokyo Night. A colour\npalette made to celebrate the lights of downtown Tokyo at night. Unlike many of\nthe other colour palettes on this list, Tokyo Night has a light theme among its\nthree variants:

\n\n

Remember I mentioned that this website uses one of the colour palettes on this\nlist? Well, Tokyo Night is that colour palette. This website uses the Night\nvariant for its dark theme and the Light variant for its light theme.

\n

I also created an unofficial\nTokyo Night organization to serve\nas a hub where one can find the ports made by others as well as ports made by\nmyself. You can find a good amount of resources in that organization if you plan\non using Tokyo Night in a project.

\n","date_published":"2023-08-26T00:00:00.000Z"}]}