# Public services

Documentation over public services I provide.

# Email hosting

Pages covering all the different email hosting I have.

# Mailcow (mx1.thomassen.pm)

## What the f*** is Mailcow!?

[Mailcow](https://mailcow.email) is a software stack for running an email server, which is currently running on a dedicated server here in Norway (through a provider) that I manage.  
Compared to my other servers, my Mailcow instance has the "cleanest" IP address, making it perfect for personal email and such as long as your domain has been set up correctly.

### Webmail
Webmail is provided through a software called "SOGo". The link to that is: [https://mx1.thomassen.pm/SOGo/](https://mx1.thomassen.pm/SOGo/)  
SOGo allows you to set up your identity (the name and signature sent with every email, for instance), but it also has some nice features like managing your calendar, contacts and changing your password.  

You are also able to change your password through the main Mailcow page: [https://mx1.thomassen.pm/](https://mx1.thomassen.pm/)

### Email clients
The incoming and outgoing mail servers support all the default encryption settings and network ports, so if you know those you're good to go. The hostname for both incoming and outgoing is the same: `mx1.thomassen.pm`

For those of you that need specific details:

#### Incoming (IMAP)
- Host: `mx1.thomassen.pm`
- Port(s): `143 (Unencrypted/STARTTLS), 993 (SSL/TLS)`
- Authentication: Required.
- Username: Your full email address, example: `alex@chipset.no`
- Password: Your password.

#### Outgoing (SMTP)
- Host: `mx1.thomassen.pm`
- Port: `25 (Unencrypted), 465 (SSL/TLS), 587 (STARTTLS)`
- Authentication method (if requested): `LOGIN`
- Username: Your full email address, example: `alex@chipset.no`
- Password: Your password.

#### Incoming (POP)
I don't even know if Mailcow supports this and I don't even know what the settings would be here.  
If you really wanna use POP instead of IMAP, just go with the same hostname (using default POP ports) and username/password as IMAP and see if it works.

### DNS
If you know your way around managing the DNS settings, these are the common settings that all domains through Mailcow uses.  
Make sure that you've talked to me before changing these settings as they could potentially break your email. Mailcow only accepts emails from domains and addresses I've added.

#### DNS records
For the DNS records, I'll be using `@` for the root/main domain and for example `mail` for a subdomain.  
That means, if your root/main domain is `chipset.no`, then `@` would imply `chipset.no` and `mail` would imply `mail.chipset.no`.  
Depending on your DNS provider, this might be important to note or else your DNS settings will be wrong.

**MX** type records are specified in the format `<Priority> <Hostname>`. Some DNS providers have a "Priority" field separate from the "Content" field. So keep this is mind when looking at MX records.

**TTL** or **Time-To-Live** specifies how long a record (in seconds) should be cached by DNS servers (like Google, Cloudflare or your ISP). I will specify a common default, but you're free to choose whatever you want.  
3600 (seconds) = 1 hour.

| **Name** | **Type** | **Content** | **TTL** | **Comment** |
| :------: | :-------: | :---------: | :-----: | :---------: |
| `@` | MX | `10 mx1.thomassen.pm` | 3600 | Priority: `10` and hostname: `mx1.thomassen.pm` |
| `@` | TXT | `v=spf1 include:spf.thomassen.xyz -all` | 3600 | [SPF] Important if you want your email to not go into spam. | 
| `mail` | CNAME | `mx1.thomassen.pm` | 3600 | Optional, can be used for easy-to-remember access to Mailcow/SOGo. Let me know if you add this subdomain/alias. |

#### DKIM
[DKIM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DomainKeys_Identified_Mail) is used for additional 'authentication' of email when sent to other mail providers (Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo etc). It's used in addition to SPF to prevent spam.  
I highly recommend setting this up, but that requires that I generate a DKIM key pair via Mailcow.  
Please contact me at Decicus#0001 (Discord) or email ([alex@chipset.no](mailto:alex@chipset.no)) if I haven't sorted this out with you yet.

[**DMARC**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMARC): If you enable DKIM, I also recommend adding a record for [DMARC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMARC) which allows you to specify a policy for email providers to follow when receiving an email from your domain.  
This will also specify an email address for them to send reports.  
By default it specifies to send the reports to my email address (alex@chipset.no) every 24 hours.  
The settings used by the DMARC record I've specified are also the most strict possible. So if your SPF or DKIM is misconfigured, your email won't go through.  
**Double-check with me before adding DMARC**.

DKIM/DMARC will typically be added through DNS in this format:

| **Name** | **Type** | **Content** | **TTL** | **Comment** |
| :------: | :-------: | :---------: | :-----: | :---------: |
| `mailcow._domainkey` | TXT | `v=DKIM1;k=rsa;t=s;s=email;p=MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG....` | 3600 | DKIM public key example. Snipped because they're usually really long (~400 characters) |
| `_dmarc` | TXT | v=DMARC1; p=reject; sp=reject; rua=mailto:alex@chipset.no; ruf=mailto:alex@chipset.no; rf=afrf; pct=100; ri=86400 | 3600 | Optional, see comment about DMARC. Alternatively use a [DMARC generator](https://dmarcian.com/dmarc-record-wizard/) |

# MXRoute - Blizzard

## Webmail

Webmail on `blizzard` is available at: [https://blizzard.mxrouting.net/roundcube/](https://blizzard.mxrouting.net/roundcube/)

## Email clients
The incoming and outgoing mail servers support all the default encryption settings and network ports, so if you know those you're good to go. The hostname for both incoming and outgoing is the same: `blizzard.mxrouting.net`

For those of you that need specific details:

### Incoming (IMAP)
- Host: `blizzard.mxrouting.net`
- Ports:
	- `143` (Unencrypted)
	- `993` (SSL/TLS) **[Recommended]**
- Authentication: Required.
- Username: Your full email address, example: `alex@lambda.pw`
- Password: Your password.

### Outgoing (SMTP)
- Host: `blizzard.mxrouting.net`
- Ports:
	- `25` (Unencrypted)
    - `465` (SSL/TLS) **[Recommended]**
    - `587` (STARTTLS) **[Recommended]**
- Authentication method (if requested): `LOGIN`
- Username: Your full email address, example: `alex@lambda.pw`
- Password: Your password.

## Account management

Account management can be done via [https://mail.mxlogin.com/](https://mail.mxlogin.com/)  
Use your full email address + password to log in.

# Plex - Cactflix

Documentation regarding my Plex servers aka Cactflix

# Plex - Getting Started

## How to access

This assumes you've created a Plex.tv account, been invited to my personal Plex server and accepted the invite to it.

Make sure to log in to [app.plex.tv](https://app.plex.tv/) with the same email/account as the one you received the invite on.  
Once logged in, you should automatically have access to my Plex servers. The primary server should be called `Cactflix [Main]`.

## Costs

My Plex server isn't free for me to host. I also spend time making sure it's running optimally and that media is kept up-to-date.  
If you are able to, feel free to chip in with any amount you can afford to :)

- [PayPal](https://paypal.me/decicus)
- Revolut: [`@decicus`](https://revolut.me/decicus)
- [Ko-fi](https://ko-fi.com/decicus)
- [Liberapay](https://liberapay.com/Decicus) - For recurring payments
- [Twitch](https://subs.twitch.tv/decicus) - In case you wanna use your Twitch Prime subscription :)

#### Cryptocurrencies:

- Bitcoin: `1PPYK5bJ9TZVfxYBmAPF4Xcb6rHF2sEzzK`
- Dogecoin: `DECicUS4MANNEnWNdjLvxfa3who5DmohG5`
- Ethereum / Polygon (MATIC) / USDT etc.: `0xE66Ff6B10FC7a77a8e7c4dfEd5Ad122c47D6a777`
  - I accept most common tokens on both Ethereum and the Polygon networks <3

## Transparency

When using my Plex server I will have access to see the following information about your streaming:

- What media you're streaming from my server, including full playback history of the media you have previously streamed from my server.
- The web browser or device (TV, phone, game console etc.) you are using or have been using.
- Your IP address, including IP address history.
- Timestamp of where you are in media (movies / TV shows) you're currently watching.

You can have access to this information too via a tool called [Tautulli](https://tautulli.com/), just let me know if you want access (I have to tick a checkbox that is unchecked by default).

Normally I don't access any of this information and it's just running in the background, it would only really be relevant whenever:
- You report an issue, I use it to see the technical details for troubleshooting.
- I am doing media maintenance (mostly deleting) and trying to figure out if someone is currently watching a show.
  - I don't wanna delete a show if someone is in the middle of watching it :P

## Location & Performance

The Plex server is located in Germany. Depending on your own location, the server may not perform optimal due to how the internet works.  
I also expect you have a decent enough internet connection to handle the streaming. You can turn down the quality if you have issues with buffering.

The server runs on an i5-12500 using the integrated graphics for transcoding (Intel QuickSync).  
There's mostly 1080p content on there (assuming it is available), with little-to-none 4K content. This is mainly for storage and bandwidth reasons.

Whenever possible, I highly recommend using [one of the official Plex client apps](https://www.plex.tv/media-server-downloads/#plex-app) as it supports "direct streaming" (which helps with performance, speed and quality).

## Mobile

If you're not a Plex Pass user, then mobile streaming & sync with Plex (at least on Android / iOS) has an additional cost to the _company behind the Plex software_.  

<span style="color: #ff0000;">***Update - March 19th, 2025:***</span>

If you are a bit patient and you haven't already paid the unlock fee, you might wanna wait until the "new mobile Plex experience" is available.  
Plex has plans to eliminate this fee: [https://www.plex.tv/blog/important-2025-plex-updates/#so-long](https://www.plex.tv/blog/important-2025-plex-updates/#so-long)

> Our Android and iOS mobile apps previously required a one-time activation fee or Plex Pass to remove the one-minute playback limitation when streaming content from a Plex Media Server. As part of these changes, there will no longer be any such one-minute playback limitation. Playing content on a local network will be free in the new mobile apps. These changes will go into effect when the new mobile Plex experience exits the preview period and launches publicly. 

<hr />

<details>
<summary>Old Plex mobile / tablet apps information</summary>

> **Quote from Plex:**  
Until the mobile app is unlocked (through an in-app purchase or a Plex Pass subscription), video and music streamed from a Plex Media Server has a 1 minute limit, and photos will be watermarked.

**The in-app purchase is _one-time_ cost of 5 USD, which you have to pay through the Android / iOS app.**  
Plex has guides on how to do this for both Android and iOS:  
- [Unlocking or Activating Plex for Android](https://support.plex.tv/articles/203868088-unlocking-or-activating-plex-for-android/)
- [Unlocking or Activating Plex for iOS](https://support.plex.tv/articles/205556278-unlocking-or-activating-plex-for-ios/)

**Alternatively, you pay 5 USD per month** for [Plex Pass](https://www.plex.tv/plex-pass/), but that's unnecessary if you only need access on mobile.  
Plex Pass is mostly useful if you host your own Plex server.

If you want to read more about this particular topic, I suggest you read this support article: [Plex Support | Plex: Free vs. Paid](https://support.plex.tv/articles/202526943-plex-free-vs-paid/)
</details>

If you only plan to watch Plex via the [browser](https://app.plex.tv/), [desktop app](https://www.plex.tv/media-server-downloads/#plex-app) or TV (either via smart TV app or devices such as Chromecast), then there should be no additional cost.

## Suggestions / Requests

If you want to request something (TV show / movie):

1. Go to [overseerr.decicus.com](https://overseerr.decicus.com/)
2. Log in with your Plex account
3. Request gets added to the queue and will be manually processed when I have time, if it's daytime EU, usually within a few hours.

For any other questions / inquiries:
- Email: [alex@thomassen.dev](mailto:alex@thomassen.dev)
- Discord: @Decicus

No guarantees that I can get what you want, but I'll try (as long as it's a reasonable request). :)

# Tips when getting started with Plex

For all of these tips, make sure you have already logged in on [app.plex.tv](https://app.plex.tv/).  

## Disabling junk

I recommend disabling all the extra "Online media sources", since I just find them cluttering the Plex interface: [https://app.plex.tv/desktop#!/settings/online-media-sources](https://app.plex.tv/desktop#!/settings/online-media-sources)

[![plex-online-media-sources.png](https://wiki-cdn.alex.lol/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/plex-online-media-sources.png)](https://wiki-cdn.alex.lol/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/plex-online-media-sources.png)

## Default quality

For _every device_ you log into (your phone, different web browsers, the official Plex client etc.) you should set the default quality to "Maximum" as long as your connection to the Plex server is good enough.  

For some reason Plex has decided that the default quality is 720p @ 2 mbps (in other words, not as good as it can be) and that this setting doesn't sync between devices.

See embedded guides below for the relevant devices. Note that they were made in 2021, so the user interface might be slightly different than the most up-to-date versions of the apps.

The graphics below were created by [Endawmyke on the Plex subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/PleX/comments/mora8f/i_made_a_how_to_direct_play_1_page_guide_you_can/)!

You can also take a look at [MediaClients.wiki](https://mediaclients.wiki/Plex) for slightly more up-to-date guides.
## mpv

If you're an [mpv](https://mpv.io/) user and prefer that, you can use the [MPV Shim for Plex (Unofficial)](https://github.com/iwalton3/plex-mpv-shim), which would allow you to cast your stream to your mpv player.

For content that requires subtitles, it's not a perfect solution. If subtitles are tagged as "External", they may not work when using the MPV Shim.

### Web browser / Desktop app

This setting is available on this page: [https://app.plex.tv/desktop/#!/settings/web/quality](https://app.plex.tv/desktop/#!/settings/web/quality)

[![4 - VEvGwrP.jpg](https://wiki-cdn.alex.lol/uploads/images/gallery/2022-03/scaled-1680-/4-vevgwrp.jpg)](https://wiki-cdn.alex.lol/uploads/images/gallery/2022-03/4-vevgwrp.jpg)

### Amazon Fire / Android TV, Consoles, Roku

[![Smart TVs, consoles, Roku etc.](https://wiki-cdn.alex.lol/uploads/images/gallery/2022-03/scaled-1680-/1-pqadxsb.jpg)](https://wiki-cdn.alex.lol/uploads/images/gallery/2022-03/1-pqadxsb.jpg)

### Apple TV / tvOS

[![Apple TV / tvOS](https://wiki-cdn.alex.lol/uploads/images/gallery/2022-03/scaled-1680-/2-gin7x4w.jpg)](https://wiki-cdn.alex.lol/uploads/images/gallery/2022-03/2-gin7x4w.jpg)

### Android & iOS (iPhone / iPad)

[![Android & iOS](https://wiki-cdn.alex.lol/uploads/images/gallery/2022-03/scaled-1680-/3-1rk7bne.jpg)](https://wiki-cdn.alex.lol/uploads/images/gallery/2022-03/3-1rk7bne.jpg)

# Plex - Requesting Media

All requests are done via an application called "Overseerr", which you can find specifically by visiting this URL: [overseerr.decicus.com](https://overseerr.decicus.com/).

You'll have to log in using your Plex account.

Once media has been requested, I'll receive a notification and process it whenever possible.

# Plex - Monogatari series

Watch order based on: [https://nyaa.si/view/1427202](https://nyaa.si/view/1427202)  
Archive mirror: [https://archive.ph/c3Vat](https://archive.ph/c3Vat)

| "Season" / Arc | Media entry in **Plex** | Note |
| :------------: | :---------------------: | :--: |
| Bakemonogatari | Season 1 | |
| Kizumonogatari | Specials: S00E02 + S00E19 + S00E20 / AnimeMovies part 1 + 2 + 3 | Extended notes: 2️⃣ |
| Nisemonogatari | Season 2 | |
| Nekomonogatari (Kuro/Black) | Specials: S00E03 -> S00E06 | Tsubasa Family - Part 1-4 |
| Nekomonogatari (Shiro/White) | Season 3: S03E01 -> S03E05 | Tsubasa Tiger - Part 1-5 |
| Kabukimonogatari | Season 3: S03E06 -> S03E09 | Mayoi Jiangshi |
| Otorimonogatari | Season 3: S03E10 -> S03E13 | Nadeko Medusa |
| Onimonogatari | Season 3: S03E14 -> S03E17 | Shinobu Time |
| Koimonogatari | Season 3: S03E18 -> S03E23 | Hitagi End |
| Hanamonogatari | Specials: S00E10 -> S00E14 | Suruga Devil |
| Tsukimonogatari | Specials: S00E15 -> S00E18 | Yotsugi Doll |
| Owarimonogatari S01 | Season 4 | See extended notes: 1️⃣ |
| Koyomimonogatari | Specials: S00E21 -> S00E32 | Koyomi Stone/Flower/Sand/Water etc. - "non-reverse" |
| Owarimonogatari S02 | Season 5 | |
| Zoku Owarimonogatari | Specials: S00E33 -> S00E38 | Koyomi Reverse |
| Orokamonogatari | Season 6: S06E01 | _Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season_ - Tsukihi Undo |
| Nademonogatari | Season 6: S06E02 -> S06E06 | _Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season_ - Nadeko Draw - Part 1-5 |
| Wazamonogatari | Season 6: S06E07 -> S06E08 | _Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season_ - Acerola Bon Appétit - Part 1-2 |
| Shinobumonogatari | Season 6: S06E09 -> S06E14 | _Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season_ - Shinobu Mustard - Part 1-6 |

Excluded - Specials: S00E07 -> S00E09  
In TheTVDB/Sonarr, they're named as Summary I + II + II. So they're just recap episodes.

## Extended notes

#### 1️⃣ Owarimonogatari S01: S04E01 & S00E39 + S00E40
- In Sonarr/TheTVDB they're tracked as "Parts 1 & 2", but in the files they're two separate files. Based on filenaming, Plex *should* understand that they're combined into one episode of a total of 51 minutes (part 1 => 27 min, part 2 => 24).
- These have also been added as separate specials: S00E39 + S00E40

#### 2️⃣ Kizumonogatari
- These "specials" episodes (S00E02, S00E19, S00E20) are the same as the ones listed under "Anime Movies" as Kizumonogatari. They're the same files, so it doesn't matter which you watch.