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• 8 things to know when switching from Windows to Linux

  Switching to Linux from Windows can present new challenges for beginner Linux admins. Here are eight tips to keep in mind when adopting a Linux OS if you've only used Windows. Continue Reading

• 64-bit processor (64-bit computing)

  A 64-bit processor refers to a microprocessor that can process data and instructions in chunks of 64 bits. Continue Reading

• multicore processor

  A multicore processor is an integrated circuit that has two or more processors attached for enhanced performance and reduced power consumption. These processors also enable more efficient simultaneous processing of multiple tasks, such as with ... Continue Reading

• hot/cold aisle

  The hot and cold aisles in the data center are part of an energy-efficient layout for server racks and other computing equipment. Continue Reading

• IBM IMS (Information Management System)

  IBM IMS (Information Management System) is a database and transaction management system that was first introduced by IBM in 1968. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • hyperconverged appliance (HCI appliance)
  • shell program
  • Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL)
  • ducting (data center cooling)

  • remote hands
  • runlevel
  • brownfield (brownfield deployment, brownfield site)
  • baffle

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• computer room air handler (CRAH)

  A computer room air handler (CRAH) is a device used frequently in data centers to deal with the heat produced by equipment.Continue Reading

• ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

  ANSI (American National Standards Institute) is the primary organization for fostering the development of technology standards in the United States.Continue Reading

• real-time operating system (RTOS)

  A real-time operating system (RTOS) is an OS that guarantees real-time applications a certain capability within a specified deadline.Continue Reading

• Unix

  Unix -- trademarked as UNIX -- is a multiuser, multitasking operating system (OS) designed for flexibility and adaptability.Continue Reading

• Debian

  Debian is a popular and freely available computer operating system (OS) that uses a Unix-like kernel -- typically Linux -- alongside other program components, many of which come from GNU Project.Continue Reading

• Categories of twisted-pair cabling systems

  A twisted-pair cabling system is a cable consisting of one or several pairs of copper wires.Continue Reading

• utility computing

  Utility computing is a service provisioning model where a provider makes computing resources, infrastructure management and technical services available to customers as they need them.Continue Reading

• What to know about data center fire protection

  Protect your data center from potential fire hazards through proper mitigation, detection and suppression. Then, create a plan for recovery in the event of a fire.Continue Reading

• RAIN (redundant/reliable array of inexpensive/independent nodes)

  A reliable array of independent nodes (RAIN) is a heterogeneous cluster of compute and storage nodes connected in a fault-tolerant network topology that incorporates multiple interfaces and redundant hardware.Continue Reading

• SUSE

  SUSE (pronounced soo-sah) is a multinational company that offers enterprise-grade open source products based on Linux technologies.Continue Reading

• water cooling

  Water cooling, also called liquid cooling, is a method used to lower the temperature of computer processor units (CPUs), and sometimes graphics processor units (GPUs).Continue Reading

• Create data center electrical safety guidelines

  Compose a comprehensive electrical safety strategy and keep your data center staff safe from electrical hazards. Learn what best practices and standards you should consider.Continue Reading

• abend (abnormal end)

  An abend (abnormal end) is an unexpected or abnormal termination of an application or operating system that results from a problem with the software.Continue Reading

• capacity on demand (COD)

  Capacity on demand (COD) is a purchasing option that allows companies to receive equipment with more computer processing, storage or other capacity than the company needs at the time of purchase, and have that extra capacity remain unused and unpaid...Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud strategy blends public, private cloud benefits

  When opting for a hybrid cloud infrastructure during digital transformation, migrating applications and workloads to the cloud doesn't necessarily dictate vacating the premises.Continue Reading

• Cygwin

  Cygwin is a collection of open source tools that allows Unix or Linux applications to be compiled and run on a Microsoft Windows operating system (OS) from within a Linux-like interface.Continue Reading

• HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning)

  HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.Continue Reading

• high-performance computing

  High-performance computing (HPC) is the practice of using parallel data processing to improve computing performance and perform complex calculations.Continue Reading

• bash (Bourne again shell)

  Bash (Bourne Again Shell) is the free and enhanced version of the Bourne shell distributed with Linux and GNU operating systems.Continue Reading

• grid computing

  Grid computing is a system for connecting a large number of computer nodes into a distributed architecture that delivers the compute resources necessary to solve complex problems.Continue Reading

• GNU General Public License (GNU GPL or GPL)

  The GNU General Public License, often shortened to GNU GPL (or simply GPL), lists terms and conditions for the copying, modification and redistribution of open source software.Continue Reading

• lights-out management (LOM)

  Lights-out management (LOM) is a form of out-of-band management.Continue Reading

• Red Hat

  Red Hat is a software company that combines open source Linux operating system components with related programs into a distribution package that customers can order.Continue Reading

• CICS (Customer Information Control System)

  CICS (Customer Information Control System) is middleware that sits between the z/OS IBM mainframe operating system and business applications.Continue Reading

• motherboard tattoo

  A motherboard tattoo is a colloquial term once used to denote an ID code that is written in the basic input/output system (BIOS) of a computer to uniquely identify the computer.Continue Reading

• TCO (total cost of ownership)

  Total cost of ownership (TCO) is an estimation of the expenses associated with purchasing, deploying, using and retiring a product or piece of equipment.Continue Reading

• OLTP (online transaction processing)

  OLTP (online transaction processing) is a class of software programs capable of supporting transaction-oriented applications.Continue Reading

• single point of failure (SPOF)

  A single point of failure (SPOF) is a potential risk posed by a flaw in the design, implementation or configuration of a circuit or system.Continue Reading

• U (measurement)

  A U is a standard unit of measure for designating the height in computer enclosures and server rack cabinets.Continue Reading

• ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

  ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies.Continue Reading

• How to check your CPU in a Linux system

  You can issue commands through your Linux CLI to gather CPU information, including detailed information on cores, class, virtualization support, architecture and usage.Continue Reading

• ISO 9000

  ISO 9000 is a series of standards, developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).Continue Reading

• Linux operating system

  Linux is a Unix-like, open source and community-developed operating system (OS) for computers, servers, mainframes, mobile devices and embedded devices.Continue Reading

• Considerations for sustainable data center design

  To design a green, sustainable data center, consider methods to improve energy conservation and efficiency. Then, look into green -- or greener -- energy source alternatives.Continue Reading

• white box server

  A white box server is a data center computer that is not manufactured by a well-known brand name vendor.Continue Reading

• 7 major server hardware components you should know

  Even with software-based data center options, it's still important to know the physical components of a server. Check out these terms to refresh your memory.Continue Reading

• Learn the difference between SMP vs. MPP

  Learn the differences between the main modes of multiprocessing: SMP, AMP and MPP. Each has a distinct use case that makes it suited for different data centers and organizations.Continue Reading

• 5 considerations for proper mainframe decommissioning

  As organizations decide to retire mainframe systems, IT pros should develop a plan that addresses application migration, program replatforming, data security and hardware removal.Continue Reading

• What is server sprawl and how to prevent it?

  Server sprawl is when multiple underutilized servers take up more space and consume more resources than can be justified by their workload.Continue Reading

• technological convergence

  Technological convergence is a term that describes bringing previously unrelated technologies together, often in a single device.Continue Reading

• information technology (IT)

  Information technology (IT) is the use of any computers, storage, networking and other physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data.Continue Reading

• Explore hot and cold aisle containment for your data center

  Explore hot aisle and cold aisle containment for the data center, a practice that can reduce energy costs by helping better manage environmental factors.Continue Reading

• VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method)

  VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method) is a file management system for IBM's larger operating systems now called z/OS.Continue Reading

• wireless sensor network (WSN)

  A wireless sensor network is a group of specialized transducers with a communications infrastructure that uses radio to monitor and record physical or environmental conditions.Continue Reading

• hardware clustering

  Hardware clustering is a hardware-based method of turning multiple servers into a cluster (a group of servers that acts like a single system).Continue Reading

• How to script a Bash shell argument

  This tutorial teaches you how to add arguments to your Bash scripts, which can simplify and automate a variety of Linux tasks in the data center and eliminate hassle.Continue Reading

• supervisor call (SVC)

  In computers, especially IBM mainframes, a supervisor call (SVC) is a processor instruction that directs the processor to pass control of the computer to the operating system's supervisor program.Continue Reading

• JCL (job control language)

  JCL (job control language) is a language for describing jobs (units of work) to the MVS, OS/390, and VSE operating systems, which run on IBM's S/390 large server (mainframe) computers.Continue Reading

• plenum

  In buildings, a plenum is a separate space provided for air circulation for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (sometimes referred to as HVAC) and typically provided in the space between the structural ceiling and a drop-down ceiling.Continue Reading

• RPM Package Manager (Red-hat Package Manager)

  RPM Package Manager (RPM), originally called the Red-hat Package Manager, is a program for installing, uninstalling, and managing software packages in Linux.Continue Reading

• MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage)

  MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage) is IBM's best-known operating system for mainframe and large servers. Released in 1974, MVS successor systems include OS/390 and z/OS.Continue Reading

• Electric plugs for each country

  Discover the electrical plugs, outlets and voltages used in different countries around the world.Continue Reading

• field-replaceable unit (FRU)

  In computer systems, a field-replaceable unit (FRU) is a circuit board or part that can be removed and replaced without having to send the entire product or system to a repair facility.Continue Reading

• ISAM (Indexed Sequential Access Method)

  ISAM (Indexed Sequential Access Method) is a file management system that allows records to be accessed either sequentially or randomly.Continue Reading

• epoch

  In a computing context, an epoch is the date and time relative to which a computer's clock and timestamp values are determined.Continue Reading

• raceway

  A raceway is an enclosed conduit that forms a physical pathway for electrical wiring and protect wires and cables from heat, corrosion, water intrusion and other environmental threats.Continue Reading

• GNOME (GNU Network Object Model Environment)

  GNOME (GNU Network Object Model Environment, pronounced gah-NOHM) is a graphical user interface (GUI) and set of computer desktop applications for users of the Linux operating system.Continue Reading

• twisted pair

  Twisted pair is the ordinary copper wire that connects home and many business computers to the telephone company. (Continued...)Continue Reading

• boot loader (boot manager)

  A boot loader, also called a boot manager, is a small program that places the operating system (OS) of a computer into memory.Continue Reading

• scalability

  Scalability is the ability of a computer application or product (hardware or software) to continue to perform well when it (or its context) is changed in size or volume in order to meet a users need.Continue Reading

• Mathematical symbols

  This table contains mathematical symbols and links to definitions of what they represent and how they are used.Continue Reading

• high availability (HA)

  High availability (HA) is the ability of a system to operate continuously without failing for a designated period of time.Continue Reading

• Programmable processor technology for next-gen data centers

  The right processing technology can benefit your data center. Learn about advancements in CPU technologies, recent vendor offerings and important market trends.Continue Reading

• Private cloud certificates to build up your tech skills

  Private cloud deployments require a variety of skills to run smoothly on any infrastructure. Expand your technical knowledge with training from Amazon, Google, Dell EMC and HPE.Continue Reading

• Why and how to adopt a data-centric architecture

  Data has become one of the most valuable assets in the enterprise. IT teams must make changes -- both culturally and technically -- to ensure their strategy reflects that.Continue Reading

• Get a template to estimate server power consumption per rack

  Admins can struggle with power consumption estimation as infrastructure gets more complex. The kW-per-rack metric can help provide an accurate calculation of server power use.Continue Reading

• Main factors that can guide your UPS selection process

  To choose the right UPS, be sure to figure out business needs, power supply size requirements and how long your backup systems must last during downtime.Continue Reading

• workload

  In computing, a workload, typically, is any program or application that runs on any computer.Continue Reading

• Your primer to colocation pricing and rack space rightsizing

  Even with structured pricing methods, there's a lot to consider when making colocation infrastructure purchases. Account for future hardware needs and spend flexibility.Continue Reading

• colocation (colo)

  A colocation facility, or colo, is a data center facility in which a business can rent space for servers and other computing hardware.Continue Reading

• Colocation pricing guide: Understanding data center costs

  Colocation facility costs can include anything from power fees and bandwidth service charges to connectivity expenses, change fees and support costs.Continue Reading

• 9 considerations for a colocation data center selection checklist

  Use this data center selection checklist to make fair and comprehensive comparisons between colocation data center providers before making a decision.Continue Reading

• What is database refreshing?

  IT testing and software development constantly requires fresh data. It's easy to run a database refresh and generate new data for sandbox or production tasks.Continue Reading

• data center services

  Data center services is a collective term for all the supporting components necessary to the proper operation of data center. This includes all the implementation, maintenance and operation of a data center.Continue Reading

• Avoid server overheating with ASHRAE data center guidelines

  Finding the right server operating temperature can be tricky. ASHRAE standards provide guidance for all server classes and what factors can play into temperature readings.Continue Reading

• data center capacity planning

  Data center capacity planning ensures that an IT organization has enough facility space, power and computing resources to support average and peak workloads.Continue Reading

• 7-step pandemic return-to-work IT infrastructure checklist

  As employees return on site, ensure your HCI can handle the changes. Follow these steps for checking system hardware and storage, as well as securing software and firmware.Continue Reading

• CMDB (configuration management database)

  A configuration management database (CMDB) is a file -- usually, in the form of a standardized database -- that contains all relevant information about the hardware and software components used in an organization's IT (information technology) ...Continue Reading

• infrastructure (IT infrastructure)

  Infrastructure is the foundation or framework that supports a system or organization.Continue Reading

• Do you know how HPE GreenLake services work?

  IT infrastructure hardware and services delivered through HPE GreenLake takes the cloud Opex spending model and brings it on premises. Test your GreenLake acumen with this quiz.Continue Reading

• Figure out the differences of asset management vs. CMDB

  There is no shortage of software options for change management tools. Operational goals can help IT teams decide if ITAM or CMDB is the right choice for the organization.Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud vs. hyper-converged: Hybrid wins hands down

  When everything goes to cloud, why do you even need HCI? Who cares where server, storage, virtualization and networking are when IT adopts a 'run any app from anyplace' strategy?Continue Reading

• 9 steps to better IBM ELA negotiation results

  Get a leg up on your next IBM enterprise licensing agreement or renewal. Following these nine steps will help prepare you to meet Big Blue across the negotiation table.Continue Reading

• 6 steps for effective real-time monitoring across hybrid IT

  Infrastructure monitoring can span multiple stakeholders, data center sites and metrics. Use the five W's to establish a comprehensive monitoring strategy.Continue Reading

• Ubuntu Core tutorial: Run IoT devices on Linux

  Linux OSes offer flexible IoT device management and have no upfront costs. Get Ubuntu Core up and connect your devices with the steps in this video tutorial.Continue Reading

• Is third-party threat a viable server maintenance contract tactic?

  When negotiating server hardware and maintenance agreements with vendors, server customers can threaten to go elsewhere. But how effective is that tactic?Continue Reading

• Best practices for better server lifecycle management deals

  A buyer's playbook with granular forecasts of server refresh, upgrade, maintenance and precedent discount details strengthens your negotiation position with your server supplier.Continue Reading

• Actual sales tactics vendors use during server refresh lifecycle

  See specific examples of the strategies server vendors use in order to better prepare for sales pitches throughout the five stages of the server renewal and refresh lifecycle.Continue Reading

• What is hyper-converged infrastructure? Guide to HCI

  Hyper-converged infrastructure is a software-centric architecture that tightly integrates compute, storage and virtualization resources in a single system that usually consists of x86 hardware.Continue Reading

• How 5 stages of server lifecycle influence vendor sales tactics

  Learn about sales tactics that server suppliers like Dell EMC, HPE, Lenovo, IBM and Cisco use to try to win back market share from white box suppliers and how those affect you.Continue Reading

• A quick primer on the ANSI/TIA-942 standard

  Industry standards help organizations minimize downtime and ensure operational quality. With ANSI/TIA-942, IT teams can certify their infrastructure for mission-critical sites.Continue Reading

• The case against data center consolidation

  Having one centralized data center can bring IT benefits. Use cases such as IoT, edge computing and cloud don't necessarily work with consolidated infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Examining hyper-converged infrastructure costs and savings

  There are several factors to consider when calculating HCI costs, including licensing, storage, networking and CPU types. In addition, costs might include support contracts.Continue Reading

• hyper-converged storage

  Hyper-converged storage is a software-defined approach to storage management that combines storage, compute, virtualization and sometimes networking technologies in one physical unit that is managed as a single system.Continue Reading

• A mechanical refrigeration system primer for admins

  Mechanical cooling is a necessity to keep data centers efficient year-round. The system type you use depends on the refrigerant, number of heat exchanges and airflow requirements.Continue Reading