About Me

 

My name is Daniel Thiele, and I am an IT administrator based in Gütersloh, Germany.

My path into IT administration was not a complete restart. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Media Systems and a Master of Arts in Time-Based Media. My studies already included computer science, programming, databases, networks, Linux, web technologies, IT security, project management, and digital media.

I later spent many years working in software, games, web, and digital production environments. Alongside visual development, my work involved version control, ticket systems, documentation, quality assurance, technical coordination, project planning, and leading international teams. Over time, my focus increasingly shifted from producing digital content to understanding, operating, and improving the systems behind it.

IT Administration

In 2025 and 2026, I completed a full-time professional training program in IT administration, followed by an internship in the IT department of Kreis Gütersloh.

During this period, I worked with Windows and Linux administration, networking, Microsoft 365, Active Directory fundamentals, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, virtualization, backup, monitoring, and IT security.

My practical experience includes client support, workstation deployment, hardware and peripheral setup, inventory management, software distribution, remote support, patch-related checks, printers and scanners, technical documentation, and structured troubleshooting. I have worked with tools including Matrix42 Service Desk and Empirum, Admin databases, RDP, Dameware, TeamViewer, Windows Server, Linux, and Microsoft 365.

Before the training program, I also worked as a junior IT support technician in an industrial environment, supporting Windows workstations, printers, factory equipment, Microsoft 365, Exchange, endpoint security, VPN access, and basic automation with batch scripts.

Homelab and Projects

A major part of my practical development takes place in my own homelab.

Instead of limiting the lab to isolated exercises, I build complete environments that combine physical systems, virtual machines, networking, security, monitoring, backup, and documentation.

My projects include:

  • VMware ESXi, Proxmox, and Hyper-V virtualization

  • Windows Server 2022 and 2025

  • Active Directory Domain Services, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy

  • Microsoft Entra Connect and hybrid Microsoft 365 environments

  • VLANs, routing, VPN access, and network segmentation

  • OPNsense, WireGuard, Cisco switching, ACLs, and port security

  • LibreNMS, Syslog, Suricata, and Wazuh SIEM

  • Veeam backups and automated backup monitoring

  • Linux-based CUPS, SANE, and browser-accessible printer and scanner services

  • Windows and Linux administration, PowerShell, Bash, and systemd

The projects published on this website show not only the final configuration but also the decisions, failed approaches, troubleshooting steps, and technical conclusions behind it.

How I Work

I prefer practical, reproducible solutions over theoretical descriptions.

When something fails, I first establish what is actually known, what the available evidence proves, and what remains uncertain. I then test individual components, document the results, and avoid claiming that a problem has been solved until the final workflow has been validated.

I also use AI tools for research, documentation, scripting, and automation. However, I do not treat generated output as automatically correct. Commands, configurations, security implications, and technical explanations must still be checked against the real system.

Certifications and Education

My current certifications and qualifications include:

  • CompTIA Security+

  • CompTIA Network+

  • LPIC-1 Linux Administrator

  • Microsoft 365 Fundamentals – MS-900

  • Cisco Networking Essentials

  • Bachelor of Science in Media Systems

  • Master of Arts in Time-Based Media

Current Focus

I am currently looking for a position in IT administration, system administration, infrastructure support, or an entry-level security-focused environment.

I am particularly interested in roles that combine Windows and Linux systems, networking, virtualization, user support, troubleshooting, documentation, automation, and the continued development of secure and reliable IT environments.

Detailed project documentation, certificates, and additional work samples are available through the Blog and Projects sections of this website.