Nerding Out With Viktor

Viktor Petersson

Welcome to Nerding Out With Viktor, a podcast at the intersection of tech innovation and entrepreneurial expertise! Hosted by Viktor, a proud nerd and seasoned entrepreneur, this show is a deep dive into the exciting world of technology. Viktor started his entrepreneurial journey during his time in Silicon Valley with YippieMove, a groundbreaking email migration service, and continued with the creation of Blotter, a highly successful macOS productivity app.

A vanguard in remote work, Viktor has been skillfully managing remote teams for over a decade, demonstrating visionary leadership ahead of its wider adoption. His career is marked by a consistent knack for identifying and leveraging untapped tech opportunities.

Screenly, a venture Viktor bootstrapped, stands at the pinnacle of his achievements. It's the world's first developer-friendly digital signage solution, and its flagship product now powers over 10,000 screens globally. In addition, Viktor's innovative streak led to the development of Anthias, a leading open-source digital signage solution, underscoring his role as an industry innovator.

In Nerding Out With Viktor, listeners are treated to rich discussions with tech experts in areas such as AI, software development, cybersecurity, and hardware advancements. Viktor's unique experiences, honed in Silicon Valley and through his entrepreneurial ventures, provide a compelling backdrop for these insightful conversations, making complex tech topics accessible and engaging. Perfect for tech enthusiasts, budding entrepreneurs, or anyone curious about the tech landscape's future, "Nerding Out with Viktor" is the ultimate podcast for insightful, thought-provoking discussions. Join Viktor as he delves into conversations with the minds shaping our technological world.

Subscribe to Nerding Out With Viktor and join a community where deep nerdiness and entrepreneurial insight blend in exciting dialogues.

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Episodes

Unpacking Docker's Journey: Justin Cormack on DevOps, Containerization, and the Future of Wasm
09-09-2024
Unpacking Docker's Journey: Justin Cormack on DevOps, Containerization, and the Future of Wasm
Highlights from the Episode: - London DevOps Scene: Justin reminisces about the early days of the London DevOps and Kubernetes scene, reflecting on how London played a pivotal role in shaping the global DevOps community. - Docker's Origins: Justin shares his first experiences with Docker, highlighting the early challenges and the rapid rise of Docker in the cloud-native ecosystem. - Containers vs. VMs: Justin debunks the age-old debate of containers versus VMs, explaining why this framing misses the mark and how Docker's success lies in simplifying application packaging and deployment. - Docker's Business Evolution: A detailed look into Docker's significant pivot in 2019, where the company split into two, focusing on developers and the cloud while selling off Docker Enterprise. Justin provides clarity on what this meant for the company and its direction. - The Docker Desktop Controversy: Justin addresses the controversy surrounding Docker Desktop's pricing changes, offering insight into the business decisions behind the move and how Docker continues to invest in its developer tools. - Behind Docker Hub: Get an inside look at Docker Hub's infrastructure, the challenges of running a global service at scale, and the ongoing efforts to optimize and manage costs effectively. - Docker Scout and SBOMs: Discover Docker Scout's role in generating SBOMs (Software Bill of Materials) and how it enhances security by providing real-time vulnerability alerts and remediation guidance. - Wasm's Potential: Explore the exciting world of WebAssembly (Wasm) as Justin discusses Docker's exploration into Wasm, its implications for server-side and browser-based applications, and why Wasm could be a game-changer for developers. Key Takeaways: - Docker's success stems not just from technology, but from understanding and enabling the massive shift towards microservices, the cloud, and modern software development practices. - The future of containerization is deeply intertwined with ongoing security improvements, standardization efforts, and emerging technologies like Wasm, which promise to further transform the landscape. - Docker continues to innovate, focusing on making tools that empower developers while addressing the practical challenges of running software at scale. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on the latest episodes of "Nerding Out with Viktor," where we dive deep into the tech world with industry leaders and pioneers.
Exploring the Future of AI: Luke Marsden Unveils Helix and the Open Source Revolution
26-08-2024
Exploring the Future of AI: Luke Marsden Unveils Helix and the Open Source Revolution
In this episode of "Nerding Out with Viktor," I’m excited to bring you an in-depth conversation with Luke Marsden, an AI expert and the visionary behind Helix. As the landscape of artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, Luke shares his unique insights into the world of large language models (LLMs), AI technology, and the revolutionary potential of open-source models. ** What You’ll Learn in This Episode:** 1. The Foundations of LLMs: We begin by exploring the basics of large language models (LLMs), breaking down complex concepts into understandable terms. Luke explains how LLMs function as mathematical structures capable of processing and generating human-like text, revolutionizing everything from customer service to content creation. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or new to AI, this segment offers a clear and concise introduction. 2. The AI Landscape: The conversation then shifts to the current state of AI, where Luke discusses the impact of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and how it marked a turning point in the AI world. We explore how this innovation triggered a surge in AI adoption and inspired the development of powerful open-source alternatives. Luke sheds light on how companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft are shaping the future of AI, and why open-source models are gaining traction. 3. Open Source AI vs. Proprietary Models: Luke delves into the ongoing debate between open-source AI models and proprietary systems. With open-source models like Meta’s LLaMA and the newly emerging Mistral offering competitive alternatives, we discuss what this means for businesses, developers, and the future of AI. Luke argues that open-source models are not only catching up but are also critical for ensuring data privacy and security. 4. Introducing Helix: We’re thrilled to give you an exclusive first look at Helix, a groundbreaking platform that allows businesses to harness the power of AI while maintaining full control over their data. Helix offers a comprehensive suite of tools for deploying, managing, and fine-tuning AI models on local infrastructure or cloud-based GPUs. Luke explains how Helix can be a game-changer for businesses looking to integrate AI without compromising on security or compliance. 5. Live Demo: Luke provides a live demonstration of Helix, showcasing its versatility and power. Watch as he walks us through real-world applications, including creating custom chatbots, integrating with APIs, and deploying AI models locally. The demo highlights how Helix simplifies the process of building and managing AI-powered applications, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. 6. Security and Ethics in AI: As AI becomes more integrated into business operations, the importance of security and ethics cannot be overstated. Luke discusses the challenges of keeping data secure when using AI and the risks of AI "jailbreaking." We explore best practices for ensuring that your AI implementations are safe, compliant with regulations like GDPR, and free from unintended biases or vulnerabilities. 7. The Road to AGI: Is Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) on the horizon? Luke shares his perspective on the future of AI and the potential for AGI. While some experts predict rapid advancements, Luke offers a more measured view, suggesting that we’re likely on an incremental path rather than racing toward AGI. We discuss the implications of this for developers, businesses, and society as a whole. 8. Practical Applications of AI in Business: Luke and I explore how AI is already transforming industries, from healthcare to retail. We discuss practical examples of how businesses can use AI to enhance operations, improve customer experiences, and stay competitive. Whether it’s automating routine tasks or providing personalized recommendation
Daniel Stenberg on Curl's Journey: From C64 Demos to Internet Transfers
12-08-2024
Daniel Stenberg on Curl's Journey: From C64 Demos to Internet Transfers
Welcome to another exciting episode of "Nerding Out with Viktor!" Today, we have a very special guest, Daniel Stenberg, the founder of Curl. For those unfamiliar, Curl is a command-line tool used for internet transfers, supporting 28 different URL schemes and widely adopted around the world. Daniel shares his fascinating journey from early programming on the Commodore 64 and Amiga, to the creation and evolution of Curl, a tool that has become indispensable for developers globally. In this episode, Daniel discusses his early days in the demo scene, his transition to Unix systems, and the development of Curl. He delves into the challenges and rewards of maintaining an open-source project for over 26 years, including the complexities of supporting various architectures and handling quirky operating systems like Windows. Daniel also shares his thoughts on community building, emphasizing the importance of reducing friction and making it easy for anyone to contribute to Curl. One of the highlights of the conversation is Daniel’s anecdotes about the craziest support requests he has received, from helping with hacked Instagram accounts to resolving GPS issues in cars. These stories not only highlight the widespread use of Curl but also the amusing misunderstandings users sometimes have about open-source software. Daniel also opens up about the process of adopting new standards in Curl, the importance of backward compatibility, and the intricacies of supporting protocols like HTTP and HTTPS. He provides insights into the future roadmap of Curl and the careful consideration that goes into deprecating features while ensuring minimal disruption for users. Security is a major focus of the discussion, with Daniel explaining the measures Curl takes to prevent supply chain attacks and the importance of reproducible builds. He recounts the story of a controversial CVE related to Curl, shedding light on the complexities of handling security vulnerabilities in open-source projects. The conversation wraps up with a deep dive into the future of open-source funding. Daniel shares his experiences and thoughts on how projects like Curl can secure financial support, the role of sponsorships, and the challenges faced by maintainers. His insights are invaluable for anyone involved in or interested in the sustainability of open-source software. Join us for this insightful and engaging discussion with Daniel Stenberg, a true pioneer in the open-source world. Whether you're a seasoned developer, an open-source enthusiast, or simply curious about the journey of one of the most widely used tools in software development, this episode is for you.
SBOMs and Cybersecurity: A Deep Dive with Allan Friedman
29-07-2024
SBOMs and Cybersecurity: A Deep Dive with Allan Friedman
Key Discussion Points: Understanding CISA: Allan explains the role and mission of CISA in defending and securing the American civilian government and critical infrastructure.Introduction to SBOMs: We explore the concept of Software Bill of Materials, their origin, and why they are crucial for cybersecurity.SBOM Development and Industry Impact: Allan discusses the evolution of SBOMs, the executive orders that have accelerated their adoption, and the international collaborations driving their implementation.Technical Aspects of SBOMs: We delve into the specifics of SBOM formats like CycloneDX and SPDX, and their roles in different sectors.Challenges and Solutions: We address common challenges in generating and using SBOMs, including the need for automation and the complexities of dynamic software environments.Auxiliary Features and Future Trends: An overview of related tools and standards such as VEX (Vulnerability Exploitability Exchange) and the importance of attestation in securing SBOMs. Highlights: Allan's insights on the intersection of open-source software and SBOMs.The role of SBOMs in enhancing transparency and security in software development and deployment.The impact of international policies and frameworks on SBOM adoption and standardization.Practical advice for organizations starting their journey with SBOMs and the future of secure software supply chains. Join us for an enlightening discussion that uncovers the importance of SBOMs in today's cybersecurity landscape and provides practical guidance on leveraging these tools for better software security.
Past, Present, and Future of Computing with Bryan Cantrill, CTO of Oxide Computer Company
15-07-2024
Past, Present, and Future of Computing with Bryan Cantrill, CTO of Oxide Computer Company
In this episode of "Nerding Out with Viktor," we dive deep into the world of computing with Bryan Cantrill, the CTO and co-founder of Oxide Computer Company. Bryan shares his fascinating journey, beginning with his groundbreaking work on DTrace at Sun Microsystems, and how it revolutionized system monitoring by providing dynamic instrumentation of running systems. Bryan explains the innovative approach and principles behind DTrace, emphasizing its focus on observation over modification, ensuring absolute safety and minimal impact on system performance. He contrasts DTrace with modern tools like eBPF, highlighting the different philosophies and applications of these technologies. The conversation shifts to Bryan's experiences at Joyent, where he encountered the challenges of operating a public cloud on commodity hardware. He recounts how these experiences and his background at Sun Microsystems led to the founding of Oxide Computer Company. At Oxide, Bryan and his team aim to revolutionize cloud infrastructure by integrating hardware and software design, offering a holistic solution that provides the efficiency and flexibility of cloud computing on-premises. He delves into the innovative design choices, like using larger fans for better cooling and efficiency, and developing their own service processors and operating systems to ensure seamless integration and high performance. The episode concludes with a discussion on the current trends in cloud computing, the slowing down of Moore's Law, and the economic and practical benefits of owning infrastructure versus renting it from public cloud providers. Bryan emphasizes the need for modern, scalable, and efficient computing solutions that can be deployed both in the cloud and on-premises, making a compelling case for Oxide's approach. Join us for this insightful conversation as we explore the evolution of computing technology and the future of cloud infrastructure with one of the industry's leading innovators.
Unlocking Firmware Secrets with Christian Walter: BIOS Vulnerabilities & Security Insights
01-07-2024
Unlocking Firmware Secrets with Christian Walter: BIOS Vulnerabilities & Security Insights
In this captivating episode of Nerding Out with Viktor, we are joined by Christian Walter from 9Elements, a leading expert in firmware and hardware security. Dive deep into the world of firmware vulnerabilities, BIOS security, and the cutting-edge advancements in open-source firmware. Welcome back to another episode of Nerding Out with Viktor! Today, we're thrilled to have Christian Walter from 9Elements, an industry leader in firmware and hardware security. Christian brings years of experience in IT security, hardware security, and firmware development. Join us as we explore the intricacies of firmware vulnerabilities, BIOS security, and the future of open-source firmware. Christian kicks off the episode by sharing his journey into the world of IT security and hardware. With over six years at 9Elements, he leads the firmware development department and has co-founded a company focused on firmware testing. Christian is also a key figure in the Open Source Firmware Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing open-source firmware. Viktor and Christian dive into two significant BIOS vulnerabilities: LogoFAIL and PixieFAIL. Christian explains the technical details of these vulnerabilities, their impact, and why they are critical. LogoFAIL involves vulnerabilities in the image parser of BIOS firmware, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code. PixieFAIL, on the other hand, targets the network boot process, enabling remote code execution. The discussion highlights the increasing attention on firmware security. Christian points out that firmware has historically been overlooked, but recent vulnerabilities have brought it to the forefront. The US government's designation of firmware as critical software and initiatives like the NIST 800 guidelines have pushed for more stringent security measures. The conversation shifts to Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs). Christian elaborates on different types of TPMs, their role in securing boot processes, and a recent vulnerability discovered in Intel's TPMs. He explains how improper lockdown of GPIO configurations can lead to serious security breaches, allowing attackers to unseal secrets stored in TPMs. Christian introduces the Firmware CI Project, an initiative by 9Elements to bring modern testing and development practices to firmware. He discusses the challenges of testing firmware on hardware and how the project aims to simplify and automate these processes, making it easier for companies to ensure firmware security and reliability. Christian talks about the Open Source Firmware Foundation (OSFF), its goals, and the importance of having a neutral ground for developing and promoting open-source firmware standards. He highlights the involvement of major companies like Siemens, Google, and Supermicro, and the efforts to drive adoption and improve firmware security. Viktor and Christian discuss the recent announcement of Insides AI BIOS. Christian shares his skepticism about the integration of AI in firmware, emphasizing the importance of keeping firmware simple and secure. He raises concerns about potential security risks and the need for clear, deterministic behavior in firmware operations. The episode wraps up with a shout-out to the upcoming Open Source Firmware Conference, a must-attend event for anyone interested in firmware development and security. Christian invites listeners to join the conference, connect with industry experts, and explore the latest advancements in open-source firmware. Don't miss this insightful episode with Christian Walter. Whether you're a firmware developer, security professional, or tech enthusiast, there's something here for everyone. Tune in to Nerding Out with Viktor and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of firmware and hardware security. Open Source Firmware Conference - September 3rd to 5th in Germany. Be there to learn from the best in the industry
Demystifying eBPF with Liz Rice: A Deep Dive into Kernel Programming and Security
20-05-2024
Demystifying eBPF with Liz Rice: A Deep Dive into Kernel Programming and Security
In this enlightening episode of "Nerding Out with Viktor," we're joined by the esteemed Liz Rice, a renowned security geek and open source advocate with a deep passion for eBPF. Liz shares her journey from the early days in the London Kubernetes scene to becoming a leading voice in the eBPF community, shedding light on the evolution of eBPF from a packet filtering tool to a powerful kernel programming technology. Diving into the technical depths, Liz explains how eBPF allows for dynamic kernel behavior modifications, offering insights into its applications in observability, security, and networking. With real-world examples, including its pivotal role at companies like Netflix and Meta, Liz demonstrates eBPF's ability to handle massive scale operations and its impact on the future of infrastructure. The conversation also explores the acquisition of Isovalent by Cisco, discussing the implications for the eBPF ecosystem and Isovalent's continued commitment to open source. Liz and ViKtor touch on critical topics like runtime security, the importance of runtime security over traditional antivirus solutions, and the challenges of supply chain security in the open-source domain. They also delve into compliance issues in regulated industries, showcasing how eBPF can meet stringent security requirements without compromising on innovation. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the inner workings of kernel programming, the transformative potential of eBPF, and the future of cybersecurity and compliance in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
The Future of Personal AI and Privacy: A Deep Dive with Kin Co-Founder Simon Westh Henriksen
08-04-2024
The Future of Personal AI and Privacy: A Deep Dive with Kin Co-Founder Simon Westh Henriksen
In this episode of "Nerding Out with Viktor," host Viktor engages in an enlightening conversation with Simon Westh Henriksen, the co-founder of Kin (formerly known as Hyphen), a company revolutionizing the intersection of AI, machine learning, and digital privacy. The discussion delves into the evolving landscape of Web3 and data sovereignty, emphasizing the significance of individual ownership and control over digital data in an AI-centric world. Simon shares his journey from a software engineering background to venturing into tech startups, highlighting his experiences in various industries before co-founding Kin. He discusses the challenges and learnings from his entrepreneurial endeavors, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which ultimately led him to explore the Web3 space. The conversation shifts to focus on the core of Kin's mission: building a privacy-first, personal AI assistant. Simon explains the technical challenges and innovations in creating an AI that respects user privacy while being highly functional and personal. He discusses Kin's approach to handling data locally on devices, the importance of data sovereignty, and the balance between user convenience and security. Further, they explore the future of AI interaction, considering the potential of AI agents communicating with each other and the concept of decentralized web nodes for data portability. The discussion also touches on the challenges of AI hallucinations and the ethical considerations of AI development. Simon concludes by inviting listeners to explore Kin further and calls for engineers interested in pushing the boundaries of AI and privacy to join their team. He encourages interested individuals to sign up for Kin's beta and contribute to shaping the future of personal AI. Viktor wraps up the episode, reflecting on the thought-provoking insights shared by Simon and the exciting possibilities that Kin's innovations present for the future of AI and privacy.
coreboot Uncovered: BIOS Security, Supply Chain, and Vulnerabilities with Matt DeVillier and David Hendricks
25-03-2024
coreboot Uncovered: BIOS Security, Supply Chain, and Vulnerabilities with Matt DeVillier and David Hendricks
In this comprehensive episode of "Nerding Out with Viktor," we delve into the intricate world of coreboot, a leading open-source BIOS technology. Joining the discussion are Matt DeVillier, also known as Mr. Chromebox, renowned for his contributions to coreboot, first as a community member, and later professionally at Purism and AMD. Also joining is David Hendricks, a seasoned expert with a background at major tech companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon. David Hendricks sets the stage by recalling his initial foray into coreboot during his internship with project founder Ron Minnich. He narrates his experiences at Los Alamos National Lab and his pivotal role as the first firmware engineer for Google's Chrome OS team. Matt DeVillier shares his journey from a hardware enthusiast to becoming a notable figure in the coreboot community, with a focus on x86-based Chrome OS devices. The episode dives deep into the mechanics and significance of coreboot, contrasting it with U-Boot and highlighting its varied applications, particularly in Chromebooks and server environments. A significant segment of the conversation focuses on security within BIOS technology. The experts discuss Secure Boot, differentiate between Google's verified boot and UEFI Secure Boot, and emphasize BIOS control for robust security. They also examine critical BIOS vulnerabilities like LogoFail and PixieFail, underscoring their impact on the security landscape. Supply chain security emerges as a key topic, with discussions around the importance of transparency and control in the firmware development process. The conversation delves into Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) and their role in ensuring firmware integrity and trust, reflecting coreboot's commitment to supply chain security. For organizations contemplating a transition to coreboot, the discussion illuminates the associated challenges and steps, emphasizing the need for early engagement with ODMs and the value of consulting services. The potential of RISC-V in the open hardware field and coreboot's involvement in this evolving area is also explored. Matt and David conclude the episode with insights into the circular economy and coreboot’s role in extending the lifespan of hardware. They discuss its importance in developing countries and sustainable computing practices. This episode of "Nerding Out with Viktor" offers a thorough understanding of coreboot, its impact on technology, its crucial role in BIOS security and supply chain integrity, and a vision for the future of BIOS technology and open-source firmware development. Useful Resources Discover more about coreboot, including consultant links (coreboot IBVs), hardware vendors using coreboot, and extensive documentation at coreboot's homepage.Explore MrChromebox.tech for Matt DeVillier's (Mr. Chromebox) custom distribution of coreboot.Access Converged Security Suite, a suite of tools designed for provisioning Bootguard, enhancing the security of your devices.Utilize goswid, a tool for generating Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) within coreboot, ensuring firmware transparency and integrity.For developers and enthusiasts, find comprehensive information on Chrome OS Devices, including those powered by coreboot, at Developer Information for Chrome OS Devices. Note that almost all recent x86 and ARM models of ChromeOS devices use coreboot, with the exception of the earliest models.
A Global Mission to Connect: Unveiling Giga's Journey with Chris Fabian from Giga
26-02-2024
A Global Mission to Connect: Unveiling Giga's Journey with Chris Fabian from Giga
In this episode of "Nerding Out With Viktor," host Viktor interviews Chris Fabian, co-founder of Giga, a project aimed at connecting every school in the world to the internet. Chris's career at UNICEF and his focus on technology for global good set the stage for this initiative. Giga, started about four years ago, addresses the staggering statistic that approximately 70% of schools worldwide are disconnected from the internet. Chris recounts his career journey, from establishing internet service providers in East Africa to innovating at UNICEF, where he helped initiate the first public sector crypto fund and a venture capital-like fund for technology solutions in emerging markets. These experiences revealed the critical need for internet access to support digital companies and led to the inception of Giga. Giga's approach involves mapping schools using open-source machine learning and satellite imagery, revealing significant gaps in existing government data. This mapping process, covering about 2.1 million schools to date, is critical for understanding the scope of the internet connectivity challenge. The project also involves determining the real-time internet connectivity of schools, employing a variety of techniques from government data to software probes in schools. This data helps in making informed decisions and advocating for better connectivity solutions. Chris discusses the economic and educational impact of school connectivity, citing a report indicating that increasing school connectivity can significantly boost schooling years and GDP per capita. He emphasizes the importance of blockchain technology in Giga's approach, envisioning schools as nodes in a decentralized network that can facilitate not only educational but also financial services. The conversation also touches on various technological aspects of connectivity, including the role of different technologies like fiber, radio, and satellites, regulatory challenges, and the potential of open-source solutions in breaking monopolistic behaviors in the telecom industry. Chris expresses concerns over initiatives like Facebook's Internet.org, which create walled gardens rather than offering true internet access, and stresses the importance of open access and fair pricing in internet provision. The interview concludes with Chris reflecting on the evolution of the internet from its early days to its current state, its potential dangers, especially for young users, and the shift towards mobile devices as the primary form of internet access. He reiterates the importance of data, open-source solutions, and regulatory support in ensuring equitable and widespread internet access through initiatives like Giga.
Nerding out about Nix and NixOS with Jon Seager, Canonical
29-01-2024
Nerding out about Nix and NixOS with Jon Seager, Canonical
In this electrifying episode of "Nerding Out with Viktor," join us as we plunge into the dynamic world of Nix with Jon from Canonical. As the VP of Enterprise Engineering, Jon brings a treasure trove of experience, from his early days with Arch Linux to mastering Canonical's innovative automation tools like JuJu and charms. The conversation shifts gears to the fascinating realm of Nix, where Jon unveils its prowess as both a functional programming language and a robust package manager. He zooms in on Nix's superpower for creating unparalleled reproducibility across systems, a groundbreaking feature in the software landscape. Viktor and Jon then navigate the intricacies of NixOS, revealing its immutable elegance and how it revolutionizes system configuration with the Nix package manager and module system. Witness Jon's home setup, a tech enthusiast's paradise, showcasing the seamless integration of NixOS with TailScale for an impenetrable zero-trust environment, all effortlessly maintained thanks to Nix's declarative genius. Gear up for a riveting journey into Nix, a tool that's reshaping software development and system management. Jon also shares a curated list of resources for those ready to dive into the Nix universe: Zero to Nix - Your portal to the Nix world.Determinate Systems Nix Installer - The ultimate tool for Nix setup.Jon's NixOS Config - A glimpse into a Nix expert's configuration.Jon's Crafts Flake - A treasure trove for Nix packaging.Wil T Nix Guides - Comprehensive guides to mastering Nix.Jon's Libations - A creative blend of Nix and mixology. This episode is an unmissable treat for tech aficionados seeking to harness the future of system management and software development. Dive in with Viktor and Jon for an exhilarating exploration into the heart of Nix!
Nerding out about Prometheus and observability with Julius Volz, PromLabs/Prometheus
15-01-2024
Nerding out about Prometheus and observability with Julius Volz, PromLabs/Prometheus
This episode of Nerding Out With Viktor features an in-depth interview with Julius Volz, the co-founder of Prometheus and founder of PromLab. The discussion delves into the origins and development of Prometheus, an open-source monitoring system that has become the standard for metrics-based systems monitoring. Julius recounts his journey, starting from his days at Google, where he worked with Borgmon, to co-creating Prometheus to address the shortcomings in existing open-source monitoring systems. Julius explains the technical aspects of Prometheus, including its dimensional data model, query language (PromQL), and how it handles time series data. Julius also addresses common mistakes new users make, particularly around metric design and the issue of "cardinality bombs". The conversation shifts to best practices in server monitoring, the role of Prometheus' alert manager, and the challenges of long-term data storage, highlighting solutions like Cortex and Thanos. Further, the interview covers the simplicity and flexibility of writing Prometheus exporters, even with minimal coding knowledge. Julius shares unique use cases of Prometheus, from monitoring wind power parks to shipping vessels and German train systems. He gives a live demonstration of PromQL, explaining functions like 'rate', 'irate', and 'increase', and their applications in real-world scenarios. The discussion then turns to future trends in observability, touching upon the role of eBPF in Prometheus, the integration with OpenTelemetry, and the evolution of the OpenMetrics project. Julius also talks about his current focus on providing Prometheus training through PromLabs, offering both live and self-paced courses. The episode is packed with technical insights, practical advice, and a comprehensive overview of Prometheus's role in the evolving landscape of systems monitoring and observability.
Nerding out about security with Andrew Martin from ControlPlane
01-01-2024
Nerding out about security with Andrew Martin from ControlPlane
In the inaugural episode of "Nerding Out With Viktor," we delve into the intricate world of Cloud Native security with guest Andy Martin from ControlPlane. As a seasoned security engineer, Andy brings a wealth of experience in servicing regulated industries such as finance and government, providing unique insights into the field. This episode covers a variety of engaging topics. We start with an introduction to Andy Martin and ControlPlane, where Andy discusses his journey in security engineering and the evolution of ControlPlane. The conversation then shifts to a review of the "Internet of Shit" conference talk, a memorable presentation given by Viktor and Andy, highlighting key insights and takeaways. Penetration Testing is another critical topic we explore, understanding its concept and the role it plays in assessing both digital and physical security systems. The episode also navigates through the intricacies of Social Engineering Attacks, discussing various forms including phishing and more sophisticated strategies. We delve into the ethics of hacking, examining the differences between Black Hat, White Hat, and Grey Hat hackers and their impact on cybersecurity. The debate of On-Prem vs. Cloud Security is also addressed, providing a critical analysis of the security aspects of both on-premise and cloud-based solutions. Further, we examine the relevance and limitations of Compliance and Certifications in Cybersecurity, specifically focusing on certifications like SOC 2 and ISO 27001. The episode also introduces the Zero Trust Security Model, offering insights into its importance and implementation in modern cybersecurity practices. A highlight of the episode is Andy conducting a practical Threat Modeling Exercise, showcasing real-time risk assessment strategies. Finally, we discuss Supply Chain Security and Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs), diving into the challenges and importance in software development. This episode is a treasure trove of information for cybersecurity professionals, IT enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the latest trends and practices in digital security. Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share for more insightful discussions on "Nerding Out With Viktor."