Daniel Winzen

Meet Daniel Winzen: Web Developer, System Administrator, and More

Hello! I’m Daniel Winzen, a German web developer and system administrator with a diverse set of hobbies that include reading, programming, and pole dancing—a fun and fitness activity I embraced during the COVID-19 lockdowns. My programming toolkit is rich with languages such as PHP, SQL, JavaScript, and I have foundational knowledge in Perl, Python, C, and C++, enabling me to swiftly pick up new languages as needed. Before diving into the world of coding and server management, I started my journey in tech by contributing German translations to open-source projects in late 2011.

I hold a certification in Cybersecurity and have a deep understanding of cybersecurity threats. My ongoing quest for knowledge in this area is driven by both necessity and passion. Interestingly, my venture into cybersecurity and hacking began in my early years, spurred by my parents’ strict internet regulations, which led me to explore hacking, the darknet, and network security.

My professional life revolves around managing servers, email services, and developing web projects. I am passionate about optimizing system performance and am always on the lookout for new challenges. If you’re in need of expertise in managing and optimizing your digital infrastructure, I’m open for hire.

Active Online Profiles

• GitHub
• GitLab
• Malt
• Upwork
• Freelance.de
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Xing
• Pinterest

About This Site

This website is a labor of love, developed in my spare time. The project commenced in August/September 2013 with the initial goal of creating a platform for file hosting for school use. This venture quickly evolved into more complex web development, starting with porting a simple Perl chat script to PHP for better performance. Over the years, I’ve open-sourced the chat script along with other projects on GitHub, continuously enhancing their features and reliability.

Formerly, this site offered services like free file hosting, URL shortening, chat, and darknet web hosting. Presently, it maintains anonymous email and XMPP hosting services, along with an onion link list, reflecting my ongoing commitment to coding, security, and server management.

The Technical Setup

My home server setup is quite unique, featuring 4 Raspberry Pi 4s each equipped with a 500GB SSD. These serve as the backbone of a distributed and redundant file storage system using CephFS and a MariaDB Galera cluster for database management. My clearnet gateway and domain registration are managed through reliable hosting providers, ensuring optimal performance and accessibility.

The clearnet gateways use an NginX Proxy to direct requests to my home-based Raspberry Pis, integrated with a Postfix instance for clearnet email sending via a VPN network. Security and redundancy are paramount, hence the implementation of BorgBackup for encrypted backups across all devices, safeguarded on remote storage for maximum recoverability.

This blend of personal and professional insights offers a glimpse into my world, showcasing a blend of passion, expertise, and innovation in the realm of web development and cybersecurity.