Tips

Tips

• Change boot settings from a VM BIOS

  Often overlooked, a VM's BIOS is more limited than a physical machine's BIOS, but will allow you to adjust boot settings.  Continue Reading

• How to troubleshoot Android Wi-Fi connection problems

  Android hotspots can fail because of carrier limits, settings conflicts, weak signal or security controls. Here are the quickest fixes IT teams should check first  Continue Reading

• Persuading management to support the IT buying process

  What steps should you take to get your network buying needs approved by top management? One piece of advice: Learn what your manager needs.  Continue Reading

• Considerations for choosing an OpenStack distribution

  When it comes to choosing an OpenStack distribution, HP, Red Hat, Cisco and others are all viable options. But enterprises should make their decision carefully.  Continue Reading

• Check your hybrid Outlook Autodiscover performance

  IT shops with hybrid Office 365 and on-premises Exchange mailboxes need to know how Outlook Autodiscover works when mailboxes haven't migrated.  Continue Reading

• Three steps to avoid server NIC teaming problems

  NIC teaming can help reduce resource contention and improve VM performance, but don't fall victim to common mistakes when setting it up.  Continue Reading

• Time to get your cloud network architecture ready

  Enterprises need to ensure their cloud network architecture is ready for the future. Here are some concepts network managers should think about.  Continue Reading

• Three issues that hinder cloud computing API performance

  APIs can be critical to a cloud application's success. But if poorly designed, they can also be a big headache for cloud providers, developers and users.  Continue Reading

• Use a PowerShell script to force logoff an RDP session

  When end users remain logged in to an RDP session, it consumes valuable resources. Use this PowerShell script to force users to log off.  Continue Reading

• Is a hybrid WAN architecture right for you?

  Hybrid WANs have a lot of benefits, but make sure you understand how they can work in your organization.  Continue Reading

• Do managed software-defined WAN services make sense?

  By offering managed software-defined WAN services -- and potentially hastening MPLS' demise -- are providers sabotaging themselves? Our expert says no.  Continue Reading

• How CPU and memory affect application performance

  Application performance will change depending on if you want more cores, better clock speed or what you choose for memory.  Continue Reading

• Five challenges with open source cloud infrastructure tools

  Open source cloud infrastructure platforms like OpenStack offer many benefits to an enterprise -- but first, IT must clear these five adoption hurdles.  Continue Reading

• What to know before going all-in with AWS AppStream

  While a valuable service for AWS users looking to connect to different types of devices, AppStream has network and security limitations IT professionals should consider.  Continue Reading

• OPM hack two months later: What was learned?

  Network security expert Michele Chubirka shares her thoughts about June's OPM hack and what steps IT should take to fend off future attacks.  Continue Reading

• Testing cloud applications for Azure, Google Cloud

  As software development cycles accelerate, IT must more rapidly test cloud-based applications. The right tools and services can help pick up the pace.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating OpenStack vs. VMware for private cloud

  OpenStack and VMware are both viable options for hybrid and private cloud. So which one should your organization choose?  Continue Reading

• Constant and read-only PowerShell variables for admins who fear change

  Constant and read-only PowerShell variables can prevent accidental changes to a script. Here’s how they differ and how to use them.  Continue Reading

• How to run PowerShell cmdlets on remote servers

  The Invoke-Command and New-PSSession PowerShell cmdlets can make it easier for admins to manage a number of remote servers.  Continue Reading

• How to define hybrid cloud service-level agreements

  Defining hybrid cloud service-level agreements takes more forethought and planning than traditional SLAs. Here is what you should consider.  Continue Reading

• How to implement dependency injection in existing apps

  Adapting an existing app to dependency injection is worth the effort, according to an expert. Follow these tips to make the process go smoothly.  Continue Reading

• How to test mobile responsive design applications

  Two experts offer 10 tips for testing mobile responsive design applications, with or without software requirements.  Continue Reading

• Examine your computing environment before you buy flash storage

  The decision to buy flash storage can overcome many performance issues, but other areas of your computing environment could be contributing factors.  Continue Reading

• How the balloon driver helps VM performance

  Using the balloon driver in VMware Tools is a better option for reclaiming RAM from a VM; otherwise there may be a bigger performance issue.  Continue Reading

• A Windows Server 2016 Group Policy walkthrough

  Administrators who work with Group Policy will appreciate that the structure hasn't changed in Windows Server 2016, but there are new policies unique to the release worth noting.  Continue Reading

• Build Linux from scratch to improve admin skills

  There's a sure-fire way to increase your knowledge about the Linux kernel and how to troubleshoot Linux servers: Build one yourself.  Continue Reading

• Why a COTS package requires testing

  Buying COTS systems doesn't necessarily mean security. Learn why COTS testing is needed.  Continue Reading

• Avoid strapped IT budgets with cloud cost optimization

  Many businesses expect cloud to be cheaper, but cost-efficiency is no guarantee. To reap cloud's financial rewards, devise a cost optimization plan.  Continue Reading

• Checklist of IT KPIs for responsive data center ops

  The right metrics, aligned with business needs, strengthen data center monitoring and capacity planning. KPIs orient IT performance to specific goals.  Continue Reading

• How to build your own virtual test lab

  A virtual test lab can give you a place to test patches and configuration changes -- and avoid the potential for downtime in the production environment.  Continue Reading

• How to integrate IT infrastructure monitoring tools

  When done successfully, performance monitoring tool integrations enhance administrative insight and productivity across a busy data center.  Continue Reading

• Comparing features, tiers and pricing of PaaS vendors

  As cloud services become more complex and customized, the harder they are to evaluate. An expert offers advice for evaluating PaaS vendors.  Continue Reading

• Horizon View Direct-Connection Plugin streamlines configuration

  The Direct-Connection Plugin lets Horizon View users connect to a virtual desktop without connecting to a Connection Server first.  Continue Reading

• Switch authentication modes during a disaster recovery

  Converting authentication modes is a rare thing admins need to address, but it must be fixed right away when it happens -- and Microsoft's documentation on it is incorrect.  Continue Reading

• Elastic Load Balancing tricks for AWS applications

  Improperly configuring Elastic Load Balancing and Auto Scaling Groups in Elastic Beanstalk can harm AWS app performance. Avoid these setup mistakes.  Continue Reading

• Two ways to manage different server operating systems

  Several tools and techniques let data center systems administrators work with multiple server OSes on one host system, and manage it effectively.  Continue Reading

• This PowerShell module takes control of NTFS permissions

  One simple install of the File System Security PowerShell Module can help manage NTFS permissions for user access to folders.  Continue Reading

• Four tips to maximize the lifespan of your flash memory storage

  The lifespan of flash memory storage is not the hot-button issue it once was, but you should perform these tasks to prolong the life of your drives.  Continue Reading

• Cache networks for better mobile application performance

  Architects find they can improve mobile application performance by leveraging caching networks and new data synchronization protocols.  Continue Reading

• Resolve a network bottleneck with these techniques

  Data center network performance problems will disappear with fixes from a simple reorganization through a strategic overhaul.  Continue Reading

• Three reasons why object storage is a good HDFS alternative

  HDFS manages data across dispersed nodes, but an object storage system that leverages commodity storage can be a compelling alternative.  Continue Reading

• IIS exploits in Windows Server and how you can fix them

  There are several flaws in IIS that can jeopardize the security of Windows servers. Here are some of the top threats and how to solve them.  Continue Reading

• Three apps in which Docker containers really shine

  Docker containers offer a variety of benefits. But apply the software to these three application types to get the biggest bang for your buck.  Continue Reading

• Take data center efficiency to the max on three-phase power

  Three-phase circuits provide considerably more power efficiency to data center equipment, but phase balancing can trip up deployments.  Continue Reading

• How virtualization can get you into software licensing trouble

  Maintaining proper software licensing in virtual environments can be a challenge. Find a strategy to cope or you could find yourself out of compliance and in hot water.  Continue Reading

• Master Linux service management on System V and systemd

  Managing services on Linux is an essential task for administrators. Learn to work with either System V or systemd.  Continue Reading

• Setting up a CloudFront distribution on AWS S3

  AWS CloudFront works with a range of other services, including EC2 and S3. Follow these steps to set up a CloudFront distribution from an S3 bucket.  Continue Reading

• What you should know about using flash to complement DRAM

  George Crump discusses emerging technology that enables using flash as memory, why it matters and its applicable use cases.  Continue Reading

• When and how to use the AWS Command Line Interface

  Sometimes a command line is needed for application management. Learn how and when to use the AWS Command Line Interface.  Continue Reading

• Eight data center technologies to test in the new year

  As the hype from 2014 dissipates, the new year rings in hot new technologies. IoE, hybrid clouds and other tech innovations make the data center run more efficiently.  Continue Reading

• How are SSD garbage collection, wear leveling and TRIM different?

  While using solid-state drives in a vSphere environment can give a boost to VMs that require high performance, it's important to know how certain longevity features function in the storage hardware.  Continue Reading

• Linux network configuration turns positively wicked

  Wicked replaces a lot of old Linux network configuration commands and utilities in SLES 12, making the OS more cloud friendly.  Continue Reading

• How to address security risks posed by middleware tools

  Middleware tools can present a huge vulnerability, enough to offset their benefits. However, with some simple steps you can protect yourself and your data.  Continue Reading

• API security more critical as componentization grows

  Securing APIs is critical as componentization grows. Expert Tom Nolle suggests that an API's security attributes are as important as functional attributes.  Continue Reading

• This data center cost calculator keeps you on budget

  Calculating every data center expense can be challenging, but with the right spreadsheet -- and formulas -- you will accurately assess the total cost.  Continue Reading

• Data center maps lead IT to server treasure

  Can't find the server that needs repairs or the right reboot button when the host blue-screens? A data center map is vital when disaster hits.  Continue Reading

• Amazon Cognito offers back-end support in multi-device world

  Users working on multiple devices want access to customized app environments. Cognito creates a back end for identity management and gives those users a consistent experience.  Continue Reading

• A cloud management tools comparison guide

  With its complex nature, cloud management can get bumpy at times. Luckily, cloud management tools from VMware, Dell and others can help.  Continue Reading

• Archiving methods: Smart meta tags, archive in place and FLAPE

  Jon Toigo outlines several archiving techniques, the technologies that make them run smoothly, and explains why data classification is crucial.  Continue Reading

• OpenStack features, services creating industry buzz

  OpenStack features, including portability, security and storage are prompting vendors and IT pros alike to support the open source cloud platform.  Continue Reading

• Five tools to improve embedded software testing efforts

  Embedded software testing tools are useful for catching defects during unit, integration and system testing. Here are five such tools that can make testing easier.  Continue Reading

• Web services vs. cloud services: Are they the same?

  Learn how Web services and cloud services differ, and how working together impacts business efficiency.  Continue Reading

• App Quality Alliance compiles mobile testing criteria

  SearchSoftwareQuality.com talks to Martin Wrigley of the App Quality Alliance about smart practices and testing criteria for mobile app developers.  Continue Reading

• Where JMS 2.0 misses the mark

  JMS 2.0 added significant ease-of-use and messaging features to the popular API. Bill Claybrook looks at what's new in JMS 2.0 and what's missing.  Continue Reading

• Read and write considerations when designing APIs

  This is the third installment of a four-part series offering enterprise architects advice for designing APIs.  Continue Reading

• Hidden vulnerabilities on your IIS 8 servers

  IIS 8 isn't completely immune to security flaws. Here are some vulnerabilities you might be missing.  Continue Reading

• A data center checklist for facility design and IT ops

  Choose the right data center provider or facility now, and prevent costly errors and inadequate services later.  Continue Reading

• Create a SAN with the Linux LIO iSCSI target

  With the LIO iSCSI target service, Linux shops have an affordable SAN option that ranks up there with expensive proprietary storage solutions.  Continue Reading

• Know your data center monitoring system

  You can't depend on a building system to run the data center. Implement a BMS and a DCIM tool to monitor and predict system changes, tighten security and more.  Continue Reading

• How to secure REST API endpoints for cloud applications

  When designing APIs, developers must make good decisions about security design components that show who's using what API, when and for what purpose. This tip offers insights into the critical components for securing APIs.  Continue Reading

• Set rules with Office 365 message classification

  Message classifications are some of the handiest tools Exchange Online admins can have in their toolkits.  Continue Reading

• In-rack and in-row cooling options for any data center

  Say no to CRAC and consider more selective data center cooling options. In-rack and in-row cooling systems are efficient and optimally dispel heat.  Continue Reading

• Three ways to measure wireless network performance

  Trying to find ways to assess your wireless network performance? Here are some tools that can help.  Continue Reading

• With MPLS-TP and SDN, a simpler dynamic control plane

  MPLS-TP transforms carrier networks for packet switching, but SDN could take it a step further. Combining the technologies, engineers could reduce complexity in the dynamic control plane and gain flexible service creation.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring virtual CPU states to improve performance

  A good understanding of vCPU run, wait and ready states can help deliver more responsive VMs.  Continue Reading

• Parsing AWS CloudTrail logs for useful information

  AWS CloudTrail logs all API calls, which means it generates a lot of data. But digging for useful data among all the logs takes some work.  Continue Reading

• Agile testing methods for multiple teams

  Learn the latest Agile testing methods for converting multiple teams from a traditional process to Agile.  Continue Reading

• How to write server documentation

  A data center should be prepared for the worst, but try to avoid that at all costs. Appropriate system documentation helps avoid critical errors.  Continue Reading

• Centralized versus rack-mount UPS in telecom rooms

  How does a rack-mount UPS stack up against a central data center UPS for telecom rooms? Money doesn't necessarily mean power.  Continue Reading

• Five steps to moving mission-critical applications to the cloud

  Some enterprises see migrating mission-critical apps to public cloud as an insurmountable obstacle. But, common sense precautions can smooth the transition of even the most crucial workloads.  Continue Reading

• Storage vs. database: Moving data to the AWS cloud

  David Linthicum reviews the benefits of database choices from Amazon Web Services and the advantages of leveraging object storage like Simple Storage Service as a storage category.  Continue Reading

• Understanding the connection between AWS, DevOps

  David Linthicum explains the connection between AWS and DevOps, how it brings together development and operations to produce better applications and reduce the time it takes to improve and deploy them, and the Amazon Web Services that support it.  Continue Reading

• Accelerate dynamic content with AWS CloudFront

  Use AWS CloudFront to optimize the delivery of static content to users and to accelerate dynamic content. This makes the service more useful for non-video-related apps, such as speeding the distribution of user-generated and personalized content.  Continue Reading

• Switching cloud storage service providers comes at a cost

  Analyst George Crump explains the best way to deal with the upfront costs and security issues that come with switching cloud storage providers.  Continue Reading

• Tracking user activity with AWS CloudTrail

  AWS CloudTrail is a Web service that keeps track of AWS API calls in your account and stores logs from multiple accounts and multiple regions in the same S3 bucket. Learn to turn on AWS CloudTrail and to find and read log files.  Continue Reading

• CI success depends on quality acceptance criteria

  Successful continuous integration requires testable acceptance criteria that help to guide developers.  Continue Reading

• Attain magical five nines availability for cloud applications

  Every company seeks the magical five nines -- or 99.999% availability. If major providers can't promise it, how can you get it?  Continue Reading

• Virtual switch tweak optimizes ESXi networking

  Administrators in an ESXi environment should adjust the networking configuration to prevent slow VM migrations.  Continue Reading

• Component cloud model powers agile application development

  In the future, IT pros see cloud as a place to spin up applications to respond to problems on the fly. The component cloud model is just step one.  Continue Reading

• GENEVE primer: The answer to network virtualization interoperability?

  The GENEVE network encapsulation protocol is more flexible than VXLAN and NVGRE. Will it bring interoperability to network virtualization overlays?  Continue Reading

• How to buy: Assessing next-gen firewalls

  Is there a next-gen firewall in your future? Our How to Buy guide offers advice you need to ensure you purchase the best platform to meet your needs.  Continue Reading

• Mount file system Linux systemd's way

  Forget about /etc/fstab and autofs. There's a new Linux system around. Systemd manages mounting and automounting of file systems differently.  Continue Reading

• Don't ignore this great wireless training resource

  Online wireless support communities are a great resource for IT professionals who need their questions answered quickly.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring SQS metrics with Amazon CloudWatch

  Learn how to use Amazon CloudWatch to monitor and access metrics for a Simple Queue Service.  Continue Reading

• Three considerations to ensure data storage efficiency

  Vendors often claim their products cut out storage inefficiency, but administrators can make a difference as well with some planning.  Continue Reading

• Effective storage service management rests on well-allocated features

  Jon Toigo explains how proper management of value-added storage features can make a data center more efficient.  Continue Reading

• A few ways to configure Linux firewalld

  The method for configuring Linux servers' firewalls changed with RHEL 7 and other new distributions. Learn how to set up firewalld, and what to avoid.  Continue Reading

• Process large data sets quickly with Amazon Elastic MapReduce

  Learn how to distribute large amounts of data to Amazon S3 using the Amazon EMR cluster.  Continue Reading

• What to look for in a Tier III data center provider

  Don't believe just any sweet-talking colo provider claiming to be Tier III. Make sure you're getting what you pay for with a true Tier III data center.  Continue Reading

• Seven ways to keep your cloud storage costs under budget

  Cloud storage can be an effective place to house your data, but keeping it cost-efficient means putting in some work up front.  Continue Reading