Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• How can I prevent a DDoS attack program?

  DDoS programs overwhelm networks with a torrent of requests. How can you prevent a DDoS attack, and what are the steps you can take to keep your networking environment secure?  Continue Reading

• Is IT workload management easier on software-defined infrastructure?

  Our IT organization uses deployment automation, monitoring tools and virtualized resources. What do we need to do to manage IT workloads?  Continue Reading

• What are the options for log management in Linux?

  Linux administrators should use syslog and systemd-journald together for smart log analysis. But there are also open source log management tools to consider.  Continue Reading

• How do I keep Windows Defender definitions current?

  Administrators in charge of keeping antivirus software up to date have a few options to protect their servers. Learn about the methods and services to use with Windows Defender Antivirus.  Continue Reading

• How does the Office Insider program work?

  The Office Insider program can benefit organizations that want as much lead time as possible to see what new features Microsoft plans to release for its Office 365 platform.  Continue Reading

• How does Windows Defender Antivirus protect against malware?

  Microsoft offers Windows Defender Antivirus as its native tool to prevent malware attacks. Discover how it works and what advanced protections it provides.  Continue Reading

• Exchange IRM helps enterprises lock down information

  Exchange Server's information rights management features put boundaries on messages and documents to avoid the mishandling of restricted content.  Continue Reading

• How can microservices help modernize legacy applications?

  Can microservices help modernize legacy applications? An expert lists ways microservices help developers break the monolith into functional services.  Continue Reading

• Do I need an information systems management degree?

  IS management degrees are table stakes for many IT job seekers. Hands-on experience and specific certifications make applicants more desirable.  Continue Reading

• Despite WLAN speed growth, do we really need mGig?

  Networking vendors introduced mGig to support 802.11ac Wave 2 devices within enterprise networks. But do you really need to upgrade to accommodate the new WLAN speed?  Continue Reading

• What types of VHD files does Hyper-V support?

  Fixed VHD files, dynamic VHD files, and differential or differencing VHD files are all supported by Hyper-V. Learn more about these file types and the best use cases for each.  Continue Reading

• 512e disks attempt to bridge the gap between 512n and 4Kn

  It's important to ensure that your OS and hypervisor support 512e and 4Kn disks, but there are always alternatives to work around any incompatibilities.  Continue Reading

• How does storage acceleration work in a VMware environment?

  Storage acceleration helps improve array performance by offloading storage operations from the server to the ESXi host, and it uses fewer processor and memory resources.  Continue Reading

• What are the best log consolidation and storage methods?

  Storing log data is an important part of the log management process. Maintain performance, security and backup policies with careful log consolidation.  Continue Reading

• What logging best practices can help with log management?

  Logs can produce immense amounts of data, but logging standards, such as standardized formats and security procedures, can help IT professionals minimize information overload.  Continue Reading

• Professional-level AWS certifications pay off for cloud vets

  To gain a Professional-level AWS certification, AWS requires at least two years of experience with its platform. But will it help your career, or is it just a notch in your belt?  Continue Reading

• How do you analyze log data for relevant information?

  Log files can contain enormous amounts of potentially useful information, but without log data analysis and log filtering, it can be difficult to sort, prioritize and read.  Continue Reading

• How does an effective logging strategy improve data analysis?

  Logs and log analytics can produce vast amounts of information. Save time and use resources efficiently with an effective logging strategy that prioritizes relevant data.  Continue Reading

• Are hyper-converged infrastructure appliances my only HCI option?

  Preconfigured hyper-converged appliances aren't your only option anymore. Software-only and build-your-own hyper-converged infrastructure have unique pros and cons.  Continue Reading

• How to list the Hyper-V virtual processors configured for VMs

  To see virtual processors configured for VMs on the local host, execute a simple PowerShell command. For vCPUs configured for VMs on remote servers, a script is needed.  Continue Reading

• Use the Hyper-V QoS feature to manage storage IOPS

  Quality of service addresses storage IOPS limitations by enabling administrators to stipulate a minimum and maximum IOPS value for a virtual hard disk.  Continue Reading

• Enable and disable vTPM on Hyper-V VMs with PowerShell cmdlets

  If you don't have Guarded Fabric or Shielded VMs, which have the Trusted Platform Module feature built-in, you need to manually enable virtual TPM for your Hyper-V VMs using PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• Which is better for WLAN support: Mac or Windows?

  Choosing the right laptop for WLAN support usually boils down to Macintosh versus Windows. But of the two, there is only one OS clearly up to the task, our expert maintains.  Continue Reading

• Manually initiate the Hyper-V replication failover process

  Hyper-V replication failover only requires two steps. But before you initiate failover, perform some tests to ensure the recovery point has consistent data.  Continue Reading

• Where do mobile users fit in with SD-WAN as a service?

  SD-WAN as a service can act as a bridge between mobile users who want to access business apps on the go and network managers who want to manage and secure those users.  Continue Reading

• What exactly is a digital business transformation strategy?

  What do you need for a digital business transformation strategy that will actually work to boost business value and change the enterprise operations model?  Continue Reading

• How do you fix Outlook display issues?

  Outlook crashes and rendering issues might require an upgrade -- or a downgrade -- for administrators who want to avoid a Band-Aid approach and want a permanent solution.  Continue Reading

• Can cable be reused when upgrading 802.11ac wireless LAN?

  Is it better to repurpose legacy cabling when planning an 802.11ac wireless LAN upgrade, or does it make sense to buy new? Like many things networking, it depends.  Continue Reading

• What DPM monitoring options are there?

  Administrators tasked with checking the status of System Center Data Protection Manager have a few choices, some of which are better suited for larger DPM deployments.  Continue Reading

• What security is needed for digital assistant devices?

  How should cybersecurity-enforcement efforts adapt as digital assistant devices become more pervasive in business enterprise networking to safeguard corporate data?  Continue Reading

• How do IoT sensors intersect with SD-WAN?

  Most traditional WANs can't handle the increasing number of IoT sensors -- and the data they collect. But SD-WAN can help improve IoT performance and analysis.  Continue Reading

• How can IT asset management tools aid in virtualization era?

  IT asset management tools allow businesses to track resources effectively. Platform organization is increasingly necessary in a virtualized enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Explore the revert-to-snapshot feature in OpenStack Cinder

  OpenStack Cinder has added a revert-to-snapshot function, enabling enterprises to recover from corrupted data sets. However, if the feature falls into the wrong hands, risks arise.  Continue Reading

• Retrieve a Hyper-V event log with the Get-EventLog cmdlet

  Use the Get-EventLog PowerShell cmdlet with the desired parameters to retrieve a Hyper-V event log. This command gets errors and warnings and exports them as a CSV file.  Continue Reading

• How can Chaos Monkey testing help with microservices?

  Resilience testing isn't just for infrastructure. Architects can adopt this disaster recovery testing strategy to build more reliable microservice applications.  Continue Reading

• What are the QA risks in automated software release management?

  Beware the QA threats of software release management automation, warns Brian Kirsch. Application release automation enables fast deployment, but be sure to catch bugs first.  Continue Reading

• How is startup culture different from a proven company?

  Expert Gerie Owen discusses the differences between a startup culture and an established company's work environment. Learn more about which would work best for you.  Continue Reading

• Live-migrate Hyper-V VMs in and outside a failover cluster

  PowerShell commands save time and enable admins to migrate multiple VMs outside a Hyper-V failover cluster from one host to another, as well as VMs inside the cluster between nodes.  Continue Reading

• Avoid AWS access control mistakes to keep your cloud safe

  If you get clumsy with AWS security, you can put your whole business at risk. Be wary of these common errors, and implement best practices to secure your workloads.  Continue Reading

• Is a software test schedule at the development team's mercy?

  Does the development team determine the software test schedule? Find out why working with DevOps can alleviate some time and test constraints.  Continue Reading

• How do I build data protection policies in SCDPM 2016?

  One size does not fit all when administrators develop a protection policy for specific applications. Learn about the configuration options in System Center DPM 2016.  Continue Reading

• Follow these VM network configuration best practices

  Set up and operate a VM network using proven strategies to ensure security and performance. With a little planning, virtualization admins can avoid potential issues down the road.  Continue Reading

• Network security features available in a virtual switch

  Virtual switch security is achieved through a number of features. Virtualization admins can create and enforce policies, lock down MAC addresses and block forged traffic from VMs.  Continue Reading

• NIC teaming software enables load balancing and failover

  Load balancing and failover capabilities help optimize performance and achieve resiliency in your virtual infrastructure. Learn how NIC teaming provides both functionalities.  Continue Reading

• Navigate different network ports, from physical to virtual

  Physical network ports, virtual network ports, uplink ports and group ports all have different functions in virtual infrastructures. Learn more with this in-depth breakdown.  Continue Reading

• What's automation's role in network provisioning resources?

  IT is embracing network automation, but complications with integration disrupt the process. Using automation for provisioning resources can improve efficiency, but reduce the need for IT personnel.  Continue Reading

• What are some considerations for a public folders migration?

  Contemplating a move to Exchange Online? Be sure you know what you're in for when shifting on-premises features, such as public folders, into Microsoft's cloud.  Continue Reading

• VM networking: Physical and virtual switches explained

  In order for VMs to communicate, they must utilize VM networking technologies that enable them to emulate and access the existing physical network and provide additional features.  Continue Reading

• Which tools does NSX use for virtual network management?

  NSX uses VMware services, such as vRealize Operations Manager and VMware Integrated OpenStack, and integrates with third-party platforms for security and virtual network management.  Continue Reading

• How can cloud management apps organize data across clouds?

  If you need to pull together different data sets, cloud management apps can track information workloads across multiple clouds and present the data in a simplified way.  Continue Reading

• Which VMware NSX features handle networking and security?

  The VMware NSX network virtualization platform provides a flexible software-defined networking overlay and granular security to round out the company's software-defined data center.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of the NSX network virtualization platform?

  VMware's NSX network virtualization platform applies software-layer abstraction to networking, adds network functionality and enforces granular security policies.  Continue Reading

• How can you use perfect forward secrecy for mobile security?

  How can companies increase data protection in mobile communications environments and enhance perfect forward secrecy to safeguard user activity?  Continue Reading

• Can containerization tools aid microservices communication?

  Containerization tools have taken on a critical role in managing communication between microservices, and two Kubernetes-based tools in particular are getting the job done.  Continue Reading

• What skills do Agile testers need?

  The Agile team collaborates closely and makes a lot of changes. What does the ideal Agile tester possess in technical and people skills?  Continue Reading

• What does 2018 hold for application containerization?

  There was plenty of movement around Kubernetes in 2017, and there seems to be more to come in the year ahead. Twain Taylor makes predictions about container management in 2018.  Continue Reading

• Transition to a hybrid cloud platform from a private cloud

  Consider factors like security, platform compatibility, data usage requirements and management when transitioning from a private cloud to a hybrid cloud.  Continue Reading

• IBN: Enablement for a configuration management process?

  How realistic are claims about intent-based networking helping organizations to enhance the network configuration management process?  Continue Reading

• What Linux storage benchmarking tools are best?

  Several tools and commands can come in handy to storage admins looking to benchmark I/O performance on Linux systems. But not all benchmarking tools are created equal.  Continue Reading

• What is the best way to load test mobile applications?

  Mobile apps create a challenge for testers; no approach can cover every device. However, there are best practices for load testing mobile applications.  Continue Reading

• How does SD-WAN manage real-time network traffic performance?

  Most people have experienced poor quality when it comes to real-time network traffic, like VoIP and video. But SD-WAN can help prioritize traffic and improve reliability.  Continue Reading

• How does Data Protection Manager 2016 save and restore data?

  Data Protection Manager 2016 works with a wide range of enterprise applications, but administrators need to be aware that some backup types do not work with every program.  Continue Reading

• The case for private cloud vs. public cloud implementation

  Take security, compliance, cost and scalability into account when deciding between a private and public cloud. Also, think about the future potential of hybrid cloud adoption.  Continue Reading

• What does it mean to test APIs?

  Expert Gerie Owen explains what it means to test APIs and why it is important to ensure that applications are working at peak performance level.  Continue Reading

• What is VMware Remote Console and how do you run it?

  A vSphere administrator can use VMware Remote Console to remotely access a VM's peripherals, configuration and desktop remotely through the vSphere Web Client.  Continue Reading

• How can network management systems boost troubleshooting?

  What can IT teams do to combine network management systems and application performance management tools to boost troubleshooting in enterprise infrastructure?  Continue Reading

• How do you upgrade VM hardware, and what are the benefits?

  You can set up your infrastructure to better take advantage of new technology in just a few steps. Perform a VM version upgrade to get the most out of what you have.  Continue Reading

• What is a Helm Chart and how can it improve microservices?

  Learn about Helm Charts and how Kubernetes supports a microservices architecture. Expert Ken Milberg discusses what you need to know before delving in.  Continue Reading

• Which enterprise NVMe SSD vendor is right for me?

  Picking an NVMe drive is an important decision. Consider thermal control, proprietary software and drive architecture to make the right choice.  Continue Reading

• What are the best SDK tools for automating blockchain services?

  As blockchain matures, an ecosystem of tools continues to sprout up around it. Learn how these offerings, including the Hyperledger Fabric Client SDK, can help with a deployment.  Continue Reading

• Do users need 3D NAND flash memory?

  The population of users who need 3D NAND flash chips on their computers is limited to those who run extremely large workloads, such as big applications or multiple virtual machines.  Continue Reading

• How do I understand runtime environments?

  Whether it's C, Java or Adobe, it's important to understand the differences among runtime environments. Expert Stephen J. Bigelow outlines the various choices.  Continue Reading

• Use OpenStack Senlin, Heat templates to enable autoscaling

  As it is with other cloud platforms, autoscaling in OpenStack is important to meet changing workload demands. Here's how to enable that process with Senlin and Heat templates.  Continue Reading

• How do you use VMware ESXi logs to troubleshoot your host?

  With access to logs, you can troubleshoot your ESXi host and track issues as they crop up. You can access your logs via the console or a web browser with only a few simple steps.  Continue Reading

• What are the pros and cons of contract QA jobs?

  Contract QA jobs can pay more than staff positions, but only if you're a good negotiator. Expert Amy Reichert helps explain the differences between staff QA and contractors.  Continue Reading

• Paravirtualization advantages, disadvantages and use cases

  Despite a promising start, paravirtualization comes with significant disadvantages that limit the number of use cases that make sense for enterprise IT, but it still has its place.  Continue Reading

• Prevent hacked AWS accounts from wreaking havoc

  Security should be a top priority in public cloud deployment, but breaches are still possible. If your AWS account has been hacked, follow these steps to minimize the impact.  Continue Reading

• What are the best database services for PaaS offerings?

  When you move to PaaS for your web-based apps, remember to think about database services. Consider the benefits of moving your database to a fully supported cloud infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• What happens when you violate affinity or anti-affinity rules?

  Just because VM placement is flexible doesn't mean you should take it for granted. Affinity rule conflicts can take a serious toll on the functionality of multiple VMware platforms.  Continue Reading

• How can I guarantee the best Ceph performance?

  Ceph object storage performance is largely based on network speed, but journal disks and the right file system for object storage devices also play a role.  Continue Reading

• Is there a Ceph client to connect Windows machines?

  Integrating Ceph and Windows isn't as straightforward as connecting Ceph to Linux machines. You'll need a Ceph Gateway or SUSE Enterprise Storage to get the job done.  Continue Reading

• How do I enable file sharing on Ceph object storage?

  The open source Ceph project prioritizes efficient data storage over easy access, so companies that want to set up file sharing on their object stores must do a little extra work.  Continue Reading

• Can I replace HDDs with SSDs to support in-memory storage?

  Replacing all your HDDs with SSDs won't solve the storage issues associated with in-memory databases. Look to hyper-convergence and NVDIMMs instead.  Continue Reading

• What are VM-VM and VM-host affinity and anti-affinity rules?

  It's important to create specific rules in VMware DRS to outline how different VMs and hosts behave. What kinds of affinity and anti-affinity rules are there, and how do they work?  Continue Reading

• Should the QA process always include the business side?

  Quality assurance professionals need to start thinking about bringing business along for the ride. Expert Amy Reichert offers tried-and-true advice to get started.  Continue Reading

• What are the pros, cons of PaaS offerings from AWS, Google, Microsoft?

  Get started with exploring these PaaS offerings: AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Google App Engine and Microsoft Azure. An IT veteran summarizes their pros and cons.  Continue Reading

• How should IT manage connected devices?

  As IT teams become tasked to manage connected devices more often, what steps need to be taken to avoid performance and security-related problems?  Continue Reading

• How can a VM storage policy improve vSAN cluster redundancy?

  FTT dictates how many failures can occur in a vSAN cluster without sacrificing availability. How can you use a VM storage policy to define the amount of Failures To Tolerate?  Continue Reading

• Should I be concerned about SSD lifespan?

  HDD and RAID vendors have stirred up FUD around the lifespan of SSD drive cells, but companies considering solid-state don't have to worry about arrays wearing out.  Continue Reading

• Why some Wi-Fi jobs are best for WLAN professionals to avoid

  Some Wi-Fi jobs can become nearly impossible to complete. When engineers contend with inflated expectations or bad designs, it may be best to walk away.  Continue Reading

• Do ops skills fall into an IT engineering job description?

  What are some ways to level up from an IT operations or administration role into an IT engineering one? Will my experience in IT operations translate into engineering tasks?  Continue Reading

• How do you manually download VMware Tools ISO images?

  VMware Tools optimizes VMs within a vSphere infrastructure. Although it's typically bundled with ESXi hosts, you can also manually install VMware Tools via an ISO image.  Continue Reading

• What is Photon OS, and why would I use it in my data center?

  Due to its scalability, low cost and fast deployment, container technology is on the rise. How does VMware harness the power of containers in a vSphere environment?  Continue Reading

• The benefits and drawbacks of AWS Convertible Reserved Instances

  Reserved Instances save IT teams money on compute resources but lock them into a particular type of instance. How do Convertible RIs differ, and what are the drawbacks?  Continue Reading

• How do deduplication and compression compare to RAID erasure coding?

  RAID 5 and RAID 6 erasure coding, deduplication and compression are similar but distinct concepts that reduce data and maintain storage capacity in virtualized environments.  Continue Reading

• Should you use a private cloud chargeback model?

  The idea of chargebacks is to help organizations use private cloud resources efficiently by making departments pay for what they use, but the practice can backfire.  Continue Reading

• Configure NIC teaming with different modes in Hyper-V

  The switch independent mode uses different switches and can support both active/active and active/standby operation, while the dependent mode only uses one switch.  Continue Reading

• What private cloud implementation barriers should I plan for?

  There are many factors to consider when building a private cloud, so planning is crucial. Policy changes and hardware choices are just some challenges that may arise.  Continue Reading

• How is private cloud support divided between IT and providers?

  When companies choose a private cloud storage provider, it's important that they understand what the internal IT department is responsible for, as opposed to what the provider will support.  Continue Reading

• Follow these steps to assign vSphere permissions and roles

  Admins can use vSphere permissions to assign VM controls to different IT groups within their enterprise. Follow the networking example below to get started.  Continue Reading