ZuggZone.net

Windows • VMware • Infrastructure • Automation

George Zugg

Systems Administrator & Infrastructure Enthusiast

Hands-on systems administrator focused on Windows Server, Active Directory, VMware vSphere, networking, automation, troubleshooting, and practical infrastructure engineering.

View Qualifications See My Home Lab

About Me

Built around hands-on infrastructure

I’m George Zugg, a Windows and VMware systems administrator with years of experience supporting server, virtualization, directory services, DNS, DHCP, and enterprise infrastructure. I enjoy solving complex technical problems, automating repetitive work, documenting reliable solutions, and building lab environments where I can test new technologies before putting them into practice.

My background combines traditional Microsoft infrastructure with VMware, PowerShell/PowerCLI, Linux, server hardware, networking, IIS, Docker, monitoring, and modern home-lab technologies.

I also enjoy teaching for Lenovo, especially around GPU-enabled systems, Lenovo server platforms, and related software. One of the areas I teach is multi-GPU systems using both NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, along with the practical server hardware and software concepts that support those environments.

Core Qualifications

Technical Skills

Microsoft Infrastructure

Windows Server 2019/2022, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, IIS, Group Policy, troubleshooting and administration.

VMware

VMware vSphere, ESXi 8, vCenter 8, VM lifecycle management, host administration, troubleshooting and PowerCLI.

Automation

PowerShell and PowerCLI scripting for administration, inventory, monitoring, reporting and repeatable operations.

Networking

DNS, DHCP, routing, VLANs, VPNs, firewalls, port forwarding, packet capture and network troubleshooting.

Server Hardware

Lenovo ThinkSystem platforms, XClarity administration, server deployment, firmware, storage and hardware troubleshooting.

Linux & Containers

Linux administration, Docker, Raspberry Pi services, web hosting, reverse proxies and infrastructure monitoring.

Lenovo Technical Training

I enjoy teaching Lenovo server hardware and software topics, including multi-GPU systems built around NVIDIA and AMD GPU technologies.

Credentials

Certifications

Professional certification and training badges including IBM, AWS, VMware, CompTIA, NSS and Zerto credentials
MCSEMicrosoft Certified Systems Engineer — 2003
MCSAMicrosoft Certified Systems Administrator — 2003
MCPMicrosoft Certified Professional
VMwareVMware VCP / vSphere and data center virtualization credentials
CompTIAA+ and Network+
AWSAWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
IBMIBM Client Mindset, Agile Explorer, and Virtual Collaborator credentials
OtherNSS, Zerto and additional infrastructure / operations credentials

ZuggZone Home Lab

Learning by building

My home lab is where I test infrastructure, networking, monitoring, web hosting and automation in a real environment. It includes Windows Server services, IIS-hosted websites, Ubiquiti networking, managed multi-gig switching, Raspberry Pi services, Uptime Kuma monitoring, Docker workloads and secure remote-access technologies.

I use the lab to validate configurations, troubleshoot real-world problems, practice upgrades, and keep my hands-on skills current. 

PS C:\> Get-Expertise

WindowsServer   : True
ActiveDirectory : True
VMware          : True
PowerShell      : True
Networking      : True
HomeLab         : AlwaysOn
Learning        : Continuous

Home Lab Inventory

What’s in the ZuggZone Lab

My home lab is a hands-on environment for Windows Server, virtualization, networking, storage, monitoring, web hosting, automation, and smart-home experimentation.

Internet & Edge

  • Ting Fiber Internet
  • Fiber ONT
  • Ubiquiti Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber)

Core Networking

  • 24-port 2.5GbE managed core-switch
  • 24-port 2.5GbE managed switch-one
  • 10Gb SFP+ inter-switch uplinks
  • Fiber/SFP+ modules and patch cabling

Wi-Fi

  • TP-Link Deco BE14000 / BE67 Wi-Fi 7 mesh
  • 3-node wireless coverage
  • Wired and wireless backhaul as needed

Windows Infrastructure

  • Windows Server 2019
  • Active Directory
  • DNS and DHCP
  • IIS web hosting

Virtualization & Servers

  • VMware / ESXi lab systems
  • vSphere / vCenter environment
  • HP server hardware
  • Multi-gig NIC upgrades and server testing

Storage

  • UGREEN DH4300 Plus NAS
  • WD My Cloud PR4100
  • Local SSD / NVMe storage for lab systems

Monitoring, Linux & Docker

  • Raspberry Pi
  • Docker workloads
  • Uptime Kuma monitoring

3D Printing

  • Bambu Lab A1
  • Two AMS 2 Pro units
  • Bambu Studio workflows and custom projects

Printing & Smart Home

  • HP OfficeJet Pro 9129e
  • Eufy security cameras
  • Robot vacuum devices
  • Smart plugs and smart bulbs
  • Other IoT devices

Workstations & Clients

  • Lenovo Legion Pro 7 laptop
  • Desktop / workstation systems
  • Smart TVs and streaming devices
  • Game consoles
  • Phones, watches, and other wireless clients

Projects & Interests

Beyond the day job

Technology is a big part of what I do, but it is also part of how I spend my free time. I enjoy building, tuning, restoring, learning, and experimenting across a handful of hands-on hobbies.

Automotive

1990 ZR-1 Corvette

I own a red 1990 ZR-1 Corvette with a Doug Rippie Motorsports DRM500 setup. I enjoy the engineering, history, performance, and hands-on ownership side of the original LT5-powered ZR-1 platform.

Visit the ZR-1 site →
Infrastructure

Home Lab & Networking

My home lab gives me a place to test Windows Server, IIS, DNS, DHCP, VMware, Docker, monitoring, VPN access, managed switching, multi-gig networking, and Ubiquiti infrastructure in a real environment.

Making

3D Printing

I use a Bambu A1 with AMS hardware for practical prints, custom parts, and Corvette-themed projects. I enjoy tuning print settings, learning Bambu Studio, and turning small ideas into useful physical parts.

Golf

Golf & Shot Tracking

Golf is one of my favorite ways to unplug while still enjoying technology. I use Arccos shot tracking and GPS tools to learn my distances, improve decision making, and better understand my game.

BBQ & Cooking

Pit Boss Pellet Smoker

I enjoy smoking meats on my Pit Boss pellet smoker, experimenting with different woods, rubs, temperatures, and long cooks. It is another hobby where patience, process, and a little experimentation make a big difference.

Gardening

Vegetables & Hot Peppers

I like growing vegetables and hot peppers, from planning and planting through harvesting. It is a good balance to the technology side of life and gives me another hands-on project to keep improving each season.

Shadow on the left and Chesney on the right, George Zugg's two dogs
Family

Shadow & Chesney

Shadow is on the left and Chesney is on the right. A lot of my free time is spent with these two—hanging out at home, getting outside, and finding dog-friendly things to do. They are a big part of the ZuggZone.

Music

Country & 80s Music

Music is a big part of what I enjoy. I especially love country music, with Old Dominion as my favorite country band, and I am also a big fan of 1980s music. Whether I am working in the home lab, grilling, driving, or relaxing, there is usually something playing.

Adventure

Travel, Scuba & Drones

I love to travel, scuba dive, and fly drones. I enjoy exploring new places, seeing the world from underwater and from the air, and using technology to capture the experience from perspectives you do not get every day.

Teaching

Teaching Lenovo GPU Systems

I enjoy teaching Lenovo technologies, including GPU-focused servers, other Lenovo server platforms, and related software. A key area I teach is multi-GPU systems using both NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, with an emphasis on understanding the hardware, platform design, and practical deployment considerations.

Contact

Let’s connect

Interested in discussing Windows infrastructure, VMware, Lenovo server technologies, GPU systems, automation, home labs, or technology in general? I’d be happy to connect.

Email george@zuggzone.com Alternate Email georgezugg@gmail.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/georgezugg