Zach Eaker

Hi, I’m Zach.

I’m an aspiring IT / systems admin with a background in computer science and youth leadership and ministry. This site is my hub for projects, my homelab, and what I’m learning.

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About Me

I work at the intersection of people and technology. I’ve spent time in youth ministry and I’m actively building skills in IT, homelab infrastructure, and automation. I enjoy making systems that make life easier for real people.

Right now I’m learning: Docker, Linux-style tooling, SQL, networking, and foundational sysadmin concepts.

Resume

You can view a summarized version of my experience below or download a full PDF.

Download PDF Resume

Skills

  • IT & Homelab: Docker, Nginx, MySQL, Portainer, Tailscale, basic networking
  • People & Ops: Youth program leadership, data projects, communication
  • Development: Java & Python basics, SQL, scripting, CLI tools

Experience

Youth Director & Program Intern – roles focused on people, organization, and systems.

(You can expand this section later with more detail.)

Projects

MacBook Pro Homelab

A homelab running on an older MacBook Pro using Docker and Colima. Hosts a Minecraft server, MySQL, phpMyAdmin, Nginx web server, and Portainer.

  • Automated Minecraft world backups with cron
  • Remote access via SSH and Tailscale
  • Teaches me containers, networking, and monitoring

SQL Learning Environment

MySQL + phpMyAdmin stack for learning relational database design and SQL. Includes user, posts, and platforms tables with real foreign keys.

  • Practice SELECT, JOIN, GROUP BY, and constraints
  • Schema designed to mimic social media relationships

Helpdesk Ticket System (In Progress)

Personal coding project to simulate a small helpdesk ticketing system using Python or Java. Designed to track issues, statuses, and users.

  • Focus on CRUD operations and data structures
  • Good practice for real IT workflows

Homelab Overview

My homelab runs on an older MacBook Pro with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, using Colima to run Docker containers on macOS. It’s my personal sandbox for IT infrastructure.

Current Services

  • Nginx Web Server hosting this site
  • Portainer for Docker management
  • MySQL database
  • phpMyAdmin GUI for the SQL Database
  • Minecraft Server for personal use with my friends

Automation & Backups

I use a shell script and cron job to create nightly tarball backups of the Minecraft world directory, retaining 7 days of backups.

Remote Access

I connect to the homelab via SSH and Tailscale, allowing secure access from my other devices without exposing services directly to the internet.

Blog

I use this space to document what I’m learning in IT, homelab experiments, and life updates.

[Coming Soon] Setting Up My First Homelab

How I turned an old MacBook Pro into a Docker-powered lab with Minecraft, MySQL, and more.

[Coming Soon] Learning SQL with My Own Database

A walkthrough of designing users, posts, and platforms tables and practicing real-world queries.

(Later, we can convert this into separate pages per post.)

Contact

I’m open to roles in IT/helpdesk, sysadmin, or hybrid people + systems roles. Feel free to reach out: