Yeah but Vince is a dinosaur. I’ve heard he’s still running OpenVPN. Eeeww.

16gb is fine, but you’d probably want to stick with containers. I had an S12 Pro with 32gb working just fine.

I run a wireshark server, with the client installed on family members laptops/desktops to auto connect.

I then just connect from my desktop to wireshark and can connect to their devices.

Technitium for DNS/DHCP/Ad blocking.

Debian.

The Zimaboard is way overpriced, for a way underpowered CPU. Unless you specifically have a need to use its PCIe slot for something, I see no reason for it.

As others have noted, an ultra small form factor PC, the likes of Dell/HP/Lenovo sell is always a better value option.

Tautulli?