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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
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
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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
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
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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