Eldin Turkic

Graduated Computer Science engineer and a certified full-stack developer with a strong focus on systems, networks, and the practical application of technology, with extensive hands-on experience gained through independent projects and hobbies.

Specialized in working with Linux operating systems, including Arch, Debian-based distributions, and RHEL, as well as in server setup and administration. I actively engage in self-hosting, web server configuration (Apache and NginX), database management (MariaDB, MySQL, phpMyAdmin), and deploying applications and services using tools such as Cloudflare, Zero Trust, cPanel, and Vercel.

I have worked on Android app development in Android Studio, including native apps and PWA solutions, and on creating and modifying custom Android ROMs, which has given me a deep understanding of operating systems and their customization. I am proficient with VS Code, Git, and GitHub, and I use modern development workflows and tools.

I have experience in web development and design, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Node.js, and Bootstrap. I also work with microcontrollers such as Arduino and ESP32, combining software and hardware into functional projects. In daily work I use MS Office tools, including advanced Excel formulas and VBA scripts.

As a person, I learn quickly, adapt easily to new technologies and environments, and do not shy away from challenges. I am accustomed to working under pressure, which further fuels my interest in complex and demanding projects. I am particularly motivated by innovation, system optimization, and pushing technical boundaries, both professionally and personally.

Bachelor of Computer Science (240 ECTS credits)

2019-07-08 - 2023-07-22 - European University Brčko District

Areas of Study:

• Programming and Software Engineering
• Operating Systems and Computer System Architecture
• Computer Networks and Internet Technologies
• Databases and Data Management
• Web Programming and Application Development
• Information Technology and Information Systems
• Electronics and Digital Systems
• Multimedia, Graphics and Design
• Information Systems Security

Additional pedagogical training:

• Completed pedagogical subject group for work in education
• Passed professional exam at Pedagogical Institute of Tuzla Canton

Mechanical Technician (Computer-Aided Design)

2013-09-01 - 2017-05-15 - Mixed Secondary Electro-Mechanical School, Lukavac

Areas of Study:

• Technical Drawing and Descriptive Geometry
• Computer-Aided Drawing (CAD) and Computer Graphics
• Programming and Production Automation
• Machine Elements and Design
• Modeling of Machine Elements and Structures
• Technical Mechanics and Machine Materials
• Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering and Electronics
• Hydraulics and Pneumatics
• Measurement, Control and Testing of Machine Structures

Computer Science Teacher

2024-04-09 - 2025-12-31 - Mixed Vocational School of Construction and Geodesy

Responsibilities and skills gained:

• Planning and delivering technically structured lessons while adapting to varying student skill levels
• Working with operating systems, applications, and basic programming through practical assignments
• Creating digital materials, presentations, and online resources
• Analyzing results, tracking progress, and clearly documenting outcomes
• Developed communication skills and the ability to explain complex technical concepts

Quality Control Inspector

2019-05-11 - 2024-03-29 - Samir Inspekt d.o.o. Lukavac

Responsibilities and skills gained:

• Working according to clearly defined procedures and quality standards
• Precise data analysis, sampling, and technical evaluation of materials
• Maintaining detailed documentation and preparing technical reports
• Responsibility for data accuracy and adherence to safety protocols
• Team coordination, mentoring, and shift management

Tailor / Leather Quality Control

2018-07-20 - 2019-04-30 - BOXMARK Leather d.o.o. Lukavac

Responsibilities and skills gained:

• Work in a production environment while adhering to quality standards
• Visual and technical inspection of materials and classification according to specifications
• Recording and entering data into the information system
• Developed attention to detail and consistency in work

Operating Systems:

• Linux (Arch/CachyOS, Debian/Ubuntu, RHEL/CentOS/AlmaLinux)
  • Advanced usage and administration
  • Work with advanced filesystems (ext4, BTRFS, ZFS)
  • BTRFS subvolume management, snapshots
  • Automation scripting and optimization
• Windows (standard and IoT/LTSC)
  • Servicing, optimization and troubleshooting
  • Work with virtual disks (VHDX)
  • EFI/GPT configuration and migration
  • Backup/restore procedures
• Android
  • Deep experience with custom ROMs
  • Modifications, rooting and systemless tweaks
  • Working with fastboot, custom kernels and recovery tools (ADB, CWM, TWRP, Magisk, KernelSU, Odin, Heimdall)
• Virtualization & Hypervisors
  • Proxmox, VMware ESXi, VirtualBox, KVM/QEMU
  • Installation, configuration and management of VM environments for testing, development and deployment
• Boot & Storage structures
  • EFI/UEFI partitions, dual/multi-boot configurations
  • Troubleshooting boot issues; migrating systems and data between different storage layouts

Servers & Networks:

• Managing server infrastructure on Linux
  • Configuration, hardening and monitoring of server environments
  • Automation of deployments and service maintenance
• Web servers
  • Advanced tuning and optimization
  • Apache and NginX (virtual hosts, reverse proxy, SSL certificates, security hardening, rewrite rules)
• Cloud and hosting
  • Cloudflare configuration (DNS, proxy, Zero Trust access, DDoS protection)
  • Web hosting administration (cPanel, Vercel, self-hosting solutions)
• Docker
  • Container basics, deployment and integration with other services
  • Compose files, port mapping, volume management, container troubleshooting
• Network infrastructure (LAN/WLAN)
  • Design and implementation of local networks
  • Segmentation and isolation using VLANs
  • Configuration and troubleshooting of static and dynamic routing (DHCP, DNS, static routing)
  • Setting up and managing load balancers, failover solutions and redundancy
  • QoS and bandwidth management for optimal resource allocation
  • Wireless networks (WPA2/WPA3, guest networks, isolation, range extension, mesh setup)
  • Security solutions: firewall rules (iptables, pfSense, UFW), port forwarding, traffic monitoring, access segmentation

Hardware & Embedded Systems:

• Maintenance & servicing:
  • Diagnostics, maintenance, repair and optimization of desktop, laptop and server computers
  • Troubleshooting hardware failures, upgrades and component replacements (RAM, SSD, PSU, peripherals, cooling systems)
  • Configuration, repair and expansion of network equipment
• Embedded development:
  • Working with microcontrollers (Arduino, ESP32): developing functional IoT projects, integrating sensors, actuators and communication modules (WiFi, Bluetooth, RFID, IR, relays, etc.)
  • Firmware development and testing (C/C++, PlatformIO, Arduino IDE)
  • Experience with electronic circuit simulation (Tinkercad Circuits)
  • PCB prototyping, breadboarding and basic soldering
• IoT & automation:
  • Connecting, configuring and integrating smart devices using Home Assistant
  • Writing and maintaining custom scripts (YAML, Python, shell...) for automation of home and office devices
  • Creating and integrating custom microcontroller-based devices into the Home Assistant ecosystem (remote relay control, temperature monitoring, sensors)
  • Interconnecting various IoT platforms and enabling communication (MQTT, REST API integrations and webhooks)
  • Practical experience with complex automations: conditional automations, schedules, device groups and bridging multiple protocols into a single functional ecosystem

Programming & Web Development:

• Web development:
  • Building complete frontend and backend using HTML, CSS/SASS, JavaScript/ES6, Node.js, PHP, Bootstrap
  • Developing responsive and optimized web applications (SPA/PWA), adapting UI/UX
  • Node.js, PHP - writing RESTful APIs, authentication/authorization solutions, server-side scripting
• Databases:
  • MariaDB, MySQL - modeling, design and optimization of databases
  • phpMyAdmin for administration, backups, migrations and troubleshooting
• Scripting & automation:
  • Shell (Bash, zsh) - automation on Linux servers, backup scripts, monitoring
  • Batch scripts for Windows automation
  • PowerShell - Windows system administration
  • Python - basic programming, writing scripts for integration, data processing and task automation

Software & Tools:

• Development tools:
  • VS Code - primary editor for development, PlatformIO integration for firmware development (ESP32, STM32, Arduino), also used for web design alongside Bootstrap Studio.
  • Android Studio - building native and PWA Android apps (Kotlin, Java), debugging, emulation and basic build system adjustments.
  • Arduino IDE - programming and uploading to Arduino/ESP32 and similar boards, testing and troubleshooting hardware projects.
• Versioning & collaboration:
  • Git & GitHub - from basic to advanced repository management (branching, pull requests, conflict resolving).
• Web development & design:
  • Bootstrap Studio - rapid visual building of modern, responsive websites (I built this CV in Bootstrap Studio btw)
  • VS Code - for manual crafting, fine tuning and debugging frontend and backend
• File transfer & server management software:
  • FileZilla & WinSCP - FTP/SFTP transfers and basic server administration
• Office suites & automation:
  • MS Office - advanced use of Word, Excel (complex formulas, tables, VBA scripts and automations), PowerPoint
  • LibreOffice - used on Linux, but I prefer MS Office because of VBA
• Design & graphics:
  • Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro - image processing, design and basic video editing
• CAD tools & modeling:
  • AutoCAD - 2D technical drawing and 3D modelling, layout and preparation for documentation/prototype production
  • Tinkercad - used for electronic circuit simulation, especially when working with microcontrollers

Other skills & attributes:

• Quickly and efficiently adopt new technologies, workflows and concepts; I adapt rapidly and independently solve new challenges
• Completely calm and composed in stressful, demanding and even dangerous situations. When others panic, I think with a cool head and solve problems without drama
• I speak little and work a lot. I don't like unnecessary verbal communication. Give me a task, leave me alone, and I deliver results faster than half a team together.
• I'm no stranger to teamwork, but I'm most productive and precise when working completely independently. Maximum output without distractions
• I continuously experiment, implement innovations and optimize
• Proactive approach: I constantly seek new solutions and automatically optimize processes whenever I see room for improvement

Self-hosting:

My self-hosting story started right after my first paycheck at my first job. Instead of rushing to buy a new iPhone, I bought two Raspberry Pi 3B+. I needed a computer that could run 24/7 because even during high school i was building various bots and automations. Because I had used Ubuntu since elementary school, moving to Raspberry Pi felt natural, without needing to spend days lurking on forums like a half-broken Windows user.

Soon I got curious about how much you can squeeze out of a machine that never stops running. First I set up a basic Apache web server to host small projects, then I started with Pi-hole (ad blocking, custom DNS, analytics), and later realized the power of WireGuard for a private VPN. Through that process I learned to configure port forwarding, what CGNAT is, and because of BH Telecom's shitty Internet I soon moved to load-balancing routers with multiple WAN ports, building a small enterprise-grade LAN at home with multiple routers, segmentation, VLANs, and firewall rules so everything runs like clockwork.

As services grew, the Raspberry Pi became too limited for everything I wanted to run, so I migrated key services to more capable hardware and repurposed the Pis as OpenWRT routers, WiFi repeaters, and mesh networking experiments.

On my self-host I ran and run various things:

• Web applications (my own and open-source projects I repurpose)
• Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) server for Airsoft and tactical coordination
• WireGuard as a private VPN
• FileBrowser for web-based upload/download, sharing and management
• AdGuard Home as an improved alternative to Pi-hole
• Navidrome for music streaming
• KiWix for offline Wikipedia, the Arch Wiki and other wikis
• Mail server
• Plex server for movies and TV shows
• XUI management for IPTV backend administration
• Discord bots, Rocket.Chat, Matrix, HumHub and other crap I can't even remember

Security and availability:

At first I handled SSL with Let's Encrypt and free domains (Freenom and the like), but once I discovered Cloudflare's capabilities I switched completely; I know how to use their full arsenal (proxy, Zero Trust, DDoS protection, page rules, DNSSEC, etc.).

I follow best practices and standards. When I set up a domain and server, my goal is always that tools like Hardenize.com show green for every segment:

• DNS (DNSSEC, CAA, correct zones/records)
• Secure mail (SPF, DMARC, DKIM, MTA-STS, TLS-RPT, DANE…)
• HTTP/HTTPS (Strict Transport Security, Content Security Policy, Subresource Integrity, XSS and frame hardening, modern TLS)

I'm used to doing things "by the book", not because I have to, but because I enjoy making my self-host setup stronger than 90% of commercial "cloud" solutions. When I encounter a new standard or security practice, I implement it immediately, test until it passes the checks, and only then sleep peacefully.

I put some hosts on a VPS or GitHub Pages when I need 100% uptime, but the main point is to run my own hardware as much as possible without fearing power failures, because I back up and document everything (git repos, snapshots, automated backup scripts, cloud uploads and mirrors).

My standalone self-host environment today is a blend of a home lab, cloud engineering and professional sysadmin work. Everything is documented, automated and continuously improved. That said, I'm also happy to revert to the basics and fix any problem "manually" when nothing else helps.

Android custom ROMs and system modification::

My story with Android custom ROMs literally began with the first Android phone I bought myself (a Samsung Galaxy Trend GT-S7560 in my first year of high school). It was a weak phone, so 3D game performance was poor, but it sparked my obsession with system-level hacking.

Within the first week I discovered rooting, so I rooted the phone to read and modify system files, use Xposed modules for extra features, and of course cheat on Flappy Bird to mess with classmates. I quickly fucked up the whole OS, but I learned how to flash a stock ROM with Odin, even a newer system version that wasn't officially available locally.

I quickly entered an endless loop of experimenting: flash, tweak, break, flash again.

I built my own custom kernels, overclocked the processor (from 1GHz to 1.5GHz to run demanding games), played with kernel schedulers and voltages, until I eventually 'fried' the first phone (mainboard RIP, even the guys at the service couldn't revive it).

It was still under warranty so they replaced it with a Galaxy Trend Plus GT-S7580, which had an even larger ROM community. I collaborated with other ROM developers (CyanogenMod, Resurrection Remix, Dirty Unicorns...), tested and ported various ROMs, filed bug reports, developed modules, and even produced my first builds with some random guy from Lithuania.

The next stop was the OnePlus One. A true "developer phone" that shipped with CyanogenOS. I bought it because Elliot in Mr. Robot ran Kali NetHunter on that model (and I tried it too). I pentested networks, learned ethical hacking, experimented with WPA2 cracking and custom boot images.

The OnePlus One supported multiboot and a ton of ROMs, even some not based on Android (Sailfish, Ubuntu Touch…). I published modules and apps under various nicknames on XDA and Telegram groups.

Occasionally I developed utility Android apps (via Android Studio) to make daily work easier for myself and colleagues. I ran the backend on my own server using Python/NodeJS, real-time communication with WebSockets and a proper database.

Today, although I don't have time to be a full-time modder anymore, I still follow the scene, use the latest custom ROMs and modules, and when needed build custom systemless hacks for my own needs.

Everything I learned from Android hacking I now apply in the enterprise world: debugging, troubleshooting, security, backups, reverse engineering and optimization. Skills forged during those endless nights when after bricking a device you had no one to help but your own wits.

Embedded projects:

Because of the high prices of Arduino and similar boards back in the day, my first steps were done using the GPIO pins on the Raspberry Pi, messing around with light control and sensors whenever I found some free time.

A serious dive into the world of microcontrollers only started when I got a job as a teacher, where, at the IT club, I first got my hands on real Arduino hardware.

I quickly picked up the basics, and pretty soon, with the availability of cheap electronics from TEMU, the possibilities fucking exploded: ESP32, then STM32, then combinations with all sorts of sensors and actuators.

First, I was building smart devices for home automation, all connected to Home Assistant (lighting automation, temperature and humidity monitors, smart sockets and remote-controlled gadgets).

But only when I transferred my embedded skills to Airsoft did my projects truly get meaning and results.

Examples of Airsoft and IoT projects:

• Ammo counter (ESP32):
  I made a smart screen on the rifle (like the Pulse Rifle from the Alien movies), showing real-time magazine round count, automatically detecting mag changes so the count resets, fills up, or decreases. Added extra functions like stats tracking, mode selection, indicators, and in-game assistance.
• Airsoft timers and bombs:
  I developed timer devices for “domination” game modes where each team (red/blue) has its own access, devices are wirelessly connected in a mesh network (mesh system with 2.4GHz antennas I built just for this), scattered across the field for kilometers and all communicating in real-time. Timers send status to a central command unit (base/server), which through my web app visually shows field status (real-time map with hexagonal cells), calculates points, and all players can track the situation online and adjust strategies on the fly.
• I made bombs (like in Counter Strike), with remote activation and tracking, medic devices, RFID access cards, and missions for “special tasks,” all wirelessly connected into one system, centrally strapped to a server (sometimes even linked to a TAK server for some next-level tracking).

This kind of DIY/embedded approach gave me top-notch automation and literally a new dimension in Airsoft gameplay. Building systems that even pro arenas don’t have, full hardware and software control, experimenting with protocols, and true integration of modern IoT concepts.

Web design and development:

My journey in web design started organically from the backend world. First, I worked on servers, databases, and all the shit an average frontend guy has never seen, so it was only natural that I wanted to show all that backend stuff to the world.

My first experiences were through “bare” writing of HTML and CSS code directly on the server, no template engines, no WYSIWYG bullshit, just raw code, manually editing file by file.

I slapped in some JavaScript when I needed dynamic functions, and for the backend I’ve always loved PHP the most, 'cause when you need something simple, secure, and fast on the server, PHP is the king.

As the needs grew, I naturally leveled up to real web applications and started using Node.js and WebSockets for real-time communication, connecting with databases and interactive content.

Only recently I started using Bootstrap (and jumped straight into Bootstrap Studio), ‘cause up till then I was used to doing everything from scratch. From the HTML structure to CSS, I wrote it all myself, directly on the server, without ever needing a generator or some online builder crap.

Today I use Bootstrap for quick creation of responsive and modern interfaces, but I still do all the controls and layout so they make sense and actually look human, not like some generic template or those abominations AI spews out.

Airsoft

Airsoft is a tactical team sport that simulates real military or special operations scenarios, using replicas of real firearms that shoot small plastic balls (BBs). Most of the time, we play “milsim” (military simulation), meaning actual war scenarios with commands, missions, logistics, and sometimes even multi-day combat events.

Airsoft requires discipline, honor, and respect for the rules.

This ain’t some shooting game for little kids, but a combination of team tactics, fitness, war strategy, and hardware. It’s the perfect mix for any gamer or IT badass who’s got logic and a hands-on approach, and loves some real action and adrenaline.

I’m a member of the ZULU Airsoft team in Puračić and every weekend we’re in action, either on our field or at events all around Bosnia and Herzegovina, even at international meets. The biggest event we hit up is Borderwar in Czechia. That’s a massive milsim with thousands of players from all over the world, real military gear, logistics, helicopters, and tanks, running non-stop for three days and nights!

I love the serious, long-haul games the most. When the field becomes your second home, when the match goes 48 hours non-stop, fighting for every damn point on the map, real teamwork, and real adventure.

I’ve also got a respectable collection of replicas (all quality metal, none of that plastic toy bullshit), and more attachments than your average CoD game:

• AR-15 (the highest quality and most expensive replica I own and my primary for long games)
• AK-74 (classic wood/metal)
• AK-12 (more modern, metal/polymer)
• Heckler & Koch HK417 (this is a DMR, heavy as fuck, and with optics your arms are gonna fall off)
• Heckler & Koch G36C (my favorite, that’s why I got the Gas BlowBack for that realistic kick-ass feel)
• Beretta M9 pistol (also gas-powered)

I’m obsessed with the H&K vibe, and I ain’t stopping till I get an MP7, MP5, UMP, MK23, USP, HK33, XM8, and everything else clogging up my wishlist.

Like I mentioned earlier, I also make various gadgets for airsoft games using microcontrollers.

Sentry turret is in the works right now: an automatic guard post that, thanks to a thermal camera and servo motors, autonomously scans for targets and fires when it’s got one in sight, while also allowing manual control with a PS5 joystick or Android phone.

Video Games

Video games aren’t just a hobby for me. They’re the main reason I even fell in love with computers and technology in the first place.

I grew up with catastrophic hardware. You get a “new” PC when someone in the extended family throws one out, or you find it on a pile of old junk. Even as a kid, when I was ten, my cousin and I used to collect busted computers from the trash, yank out working parts, and make Frankenstein-PCs just to see if at least Minesweeper would run, and later something more serious.

Because of all the shitty hardware, I was always looking for ways to optimize, upgrade, modify, and fix stuff myself. Through that, I learned the basics of hardware, BIOS, drivers, and thanks to games, I got into programming pretty quick. First it was mods and cheats for single-player games (since cheating in multiplayer is a downright scumbag move), and later on it turned into serious scripts and tools.

Today, looking back, it’s clear to me that without games, I’d never be this much of a maniac for IT, custom hardware, self-hosting, and messing around with tech.

I’m now a proud owner of a Steam library with over 3000 games. I play almost all genres, but I love these the most:

• Puzzle, factory, and programming games
  • Factorio and Satisfactory are like digital heroin for me: optimize till you drop, logic flows, automation. Nothing better for a programmer's brain.
  • The Talos Principle, Portal, The Witness, QUBE, Human Resource Machine, Shenzhen I/O (a perfect mix of programmer thinking, nonlinear problem solving, and mental challenge).
• Strategy and tactical shooters
  • From huge, realistic RTSes like Wargame, to turn-based legends like XCOM. Then Command & Conquer, Men of War, Company of Heroes… I enjoy every second when I have to plan, calculate, and improvise.
  • SWAT 4 and Ready or Not - games where your brain is at 200%, there’s no Rambo shit here, just proper procedure and that “clear hallway, clear left, stack right” philosophy.
  • Door Kickers and ARMA - tactics, planning, hostage rescue, real military discipline, real gunfights, not that Fortnite BS.
• Story-rich and chill games 
  • Stories that stick with you long after you finish them, like Detroit Become Human, but also demon slaughter in DOOM, relaxing with Mortal Kombat, wild rides like Need for Speed, GRID, or suffering through mud and engine screams in Spintires Mudrunner/Snowrunner are perfect when I want to chill my brain.

Games were a massive inspiration for me: because of them I dug into hardware, got addicted to optimizing, learned to code, and fell in love with complex system solutions.

Even today, when I find a new game that needs a developer’s mindset, I feel the same excitement as when I first managed to resurrect an old Pentium to run DOOM.