Data center ops, monitoring and management
Data center operations are the fundamental workflows that keep a data center operating. Monitoring and management of data center resources comprise the most central data center ops. Learn more about data center software and best practices for monitoring and managing devices and equipment across the data center.
Top Stories
-
Tip
13 Nov 2023
Rocky Linux vs. AlmaLinux: Which is better?
Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux are new distributions created after Red Hat announced the discontinuation of CentOS. These distributions plan to be 1-to-1 compatible with RHEL. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Nov 2023
8 Linux distributions to replace CentOS
Red Hat's discontinuation of CentOS is causing individual users and companies to look elsewhere for an RHEL-compatible OS. Look into compatibility and migration tools to decide. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Apr 2018
How IBM's data science team quickens users' AI projects
In this Q&A, IBM's Seth Dobrin discusses the rising user interest in machine learning and AI projects and the help inexperienced users need to launch those projects. Continue Reading
-
Answer
13 Apr 2018
Should my organization consider systems management services?
IT staff have a lot on their plate, so outsourcing systems management to a third party might be appealing. But organizations must choose a reputable provider that meets their needs. Continue Reading
-
News
30 Mar 2018
Ireland's data centers are strategic connection hubs for Interxion
Interxion's Dublin-based data center business continues to grow as an increasing number of American and European companies see Ireland as a strategic connection hub. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
29 Mar 2018
Organizations don't have to pick private or public cloud
Organizations don't necessarily have to decide between using a public or private cloud. For some companies, the answer is both. For others, it's neither. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Feb 2018
IBM Power9 servers seek market inroads to AI, cloud
IBM follows up its first Power9 server with a raft of systems designed to appeal to a wider array of markets -- most notably, AI and cloud deployments. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Jan 2018
Three requirements for a hybrid cloud computing deployment
As the hybrid cloud computing approach gains steam, organizations will need to pay close attention to cross-cloud connectivity and management, plus microservices. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Oct 2017
With Btrfs file system gone in RHEL 8, look at alternatives
In the XFS, Ext4, Btrfs and ZFS comparison, Linux users will say goodbye to Btrfs in RHEL 8. Learn more about your options and what can fill the gaps once development halts. Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 Oct 2017
How to choose a live kernel patching extension
Ksplice and kpatch offer similar live kernel patching services on a Linux system, but differences between function-level services and technical support showcase their differences. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Sep 2017
Install Ubuntu Core successfully with these steps
An Ubuntu Core installation can often prove tricky for IT teams. Use these step-by-step instructions to properly install the platform for a more secure Docker environment. Continue Reading
-
Answer
21 Jun 2017
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
-
Answer
05 Apr 2017
How can I prevent data loss during a Linux distribution upgrade?
It's important to prevent data loss during a Linux OS upgrade. How can partitions or disk drives help IT teams meet that goal? Continue Reading
-
Tip
17 Jan 2017
Use a Linux file system journal for data integrity, performance
Understand the three different file system journaling modes for Linux, as well as which mount option provides the best levels of data protection and performance. Continue Reading
-
Feature
30 Dec 2016
Compare the best Linux distros for enterprise servers
Any of the popular Linux distributions can run on enterprise servers, but here's how to decide which is best for you. Compare SUSE, Red Hat, Oracle and Ubuntu Linux OSes. Continue Reading
-
Tip
12 Dec 2016
Consider these Linux I/O scheduler options for storage performance
To optimize Linux performance, IT teams should examine the I/O scheduler currently in use, and evaluate alternatives, such as deadline and Completely Fair Queuing. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Sep 2016
Manage Btrfs snapshots with the SUSE Snapper utility
Learn how to use Btrfs snapshots with Linux utilities, such as Snapper and GRUB2, to revert back to previous states in the event of a configuration mishap. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
08 Aug 2016
Test your knowledge of useful Linux commands with this quiz
Think you're an expert on useful Linux commands for network and server management? Try your hand at this Linux command quiz to see how much you know about 10 Linux utilities and their use cases. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Jun 2016
Five tools to enable Linux automation, monitoring and backup
When it comes to Linux data center tools, there is no shortage of options. For automation, backup and monitoring, consider these five Linux tools first. Continue Reading
-
Tip
16 Jun 2016
Six helpful Linux networking commands to monitor connectivity
There are plenty of useful Linux tools to help in the event of a network connection failure. Here are six of the top commands to stay ahead when trouble occurs. Continue Reading
-
Answer
06 Apr 2016
How do I convert CPU hours to MIPS for mainframe capacity planning?
For better mainframe capacity planning, how do I convert CPU hours to MIPS? And is there a way to calculate the relationship between MIPS and MSUs? Continue Reading
-
Tip
12 Feb 2016
Ten server deployment checklist considerations
Use this server deployment checklist to make sure you've covered all your bases. From power distribution outlets to available network connectivity, server deployment can be an arduous process. Continue Reading
-
Tip
04 Jan 2016
The Linux ip command makes network config easy
The Linux ip command makes monitoring a Linux network configuration easy, but you need to know what to look for. Continue Reading
-
Guide
28 Oct 2015
Data center metrics and standards guide
From energy use to server performance, data center metrics form a foundation for improving IT operations. Continue Reading
-
Answer
25 Sep 2015
How do you verify a HA server or cluster is working?
I want to ensure server high availability in my production IT environment. Is it better to test server HA and risk disruption, or trust in the systems' reliability? Continue Reading
-
News
27 Aug 2015
HP Enterprise has work cut out following split
With the split two months away, HP Enterprise needs to ensure its hardware, software and services groups work and play better together. Continue Reading
-
Answer
06 Jul 2015
Help! I deleted a Linux boot partition
I deleted a partition on my Linux system, but I still see a boot menu. How do I re-install GRUB2 and not lose data? Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Jun 2015
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
-
Tip
14 May 2015
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
-
Answer
24 Mar 2015
How do I configure vSphere HA for automatic failover?
I want to install a virtualization environment with physical servers for failover and a storage server to boot up some virtual servers in our network. How can I do this? Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Feb 2015
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
-
Answer
30 Jan 2015
Can you virtualize a NetBackup master server?
I have only seen companies deploy a NetBackup master server on a physical server. Are there any drawbacks to using a VM as a NetBackup master server? Continue Reading
-
Feature
09 Jan 2015
Big data and analytics advice from an operations pro
You don't need to employ special IT personnel for big data analytics. One company uses big data for developers to modify ads and find and adjust pain-points in a game application. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Jan 2015
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
-
Tip
23 Dec 2014
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
-
Feature
05 Nov 2014
How do you define data center size, density?
With shifts in the scale and density of data centers, one industry organization is drawing up ways to standardize how we talk about data center size and power needs. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Oct 2014
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
-
Tip
23 Oct 2014
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
-
Quiz
16 Sep 2014
How well do you know the ITIL v3 framework?
Test how well your team knows its roles and responsibilities with this ITIL quiz. It might help you handle future IT service problems. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Aug 2014
Business application hosting on-premises vs. cloud options
Is it better to look for a SaaS version of an app, put it in your own data center on existing equipment, or host it at a cloud provider for a mix of flexible scaling and IT ownership? Continue Reading
-
Feature
15 Jul 2014
Denser is better: Increased storage and server density
For storage and servers, being dense is good. Careful planning can maximize the benefits of greater computing densities while minimizing potential risks. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Jul 2014
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
-
Tip
25 Jun 2014
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
-
Tip
20 Jun 2014
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
-
Feature
12 Jun 2014
How many VMs per host is too many?
The ultimate host server welcomes hundreds of virtual machines. But that doesn't mean consolidation should outrank performance. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
05 Jun 2014
Test your Uptime Tier level knowledge
You've got a lot riding on Uptime Tier-certified data centers. Take this quiz to see how well you know Tiers I through IV. Continue Reading
-
Guide
30 May 2014
What's the best Linux OS for your enterprise data center?
With several updates to supported Linux OSes, how do you know which to run in your data center? This guide will help you make an informed decision. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Apr 2014
Linux boot options in RHEL, SLES help ailing servers
Is your server not booting correctly? Does it need crucial recovery tasks? Linux boot options with GRUB2 and systemd can help. Continue Reading
-
Tip
17 Feb 2014
Mount Global File System 2, avoid corruption in RHEL High Availability
You have a working cluster, now what? Red Hat's GFS2 will help you avoid file system corruption. Learn how to mount the default cluster file system. Continue Reading
-
Tip
17 Feb 2014
Getting started with ITIL service management
Promised cost savings, alignment with business, and operational efficiency are encouraging more organizations to take up ITIL service management. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
04 Feb 2014
Unix command line quiz
Do you know how to move a file or get a list of current users from your Unix servers? Take our Unix quiz on essential commands for system admins. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Jan 2014
Six steps to create a highly available Apache Web service
When a Red Hat cluster goes into production, you can protect it by configuring a supported high-availability service. Here's how. Continue Reading
-
Tip
17 Jan 2014
Basic Linux commands for new Linux server administrators
To manage Linux servers, administrators need a set of basic commands to view and start processes, as well as utilities that make life a little easier. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Jan 2014
Five best Linux applications for enterprises
These five applications will improve the lives of enterprise IT and business management by increasing functionality and reducing costs. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Jan 2014
RISC vs. CISC explained for data center systems
The role of RISC processors in data center equipment is hotly debated, but new RISC designs are proving that it isn't just a CISC game. Continue Reading
-
Tip
23 Dec 2013
Creating a quorum disk and fencing for Linux high availability nodes
The quorum disk and fencing on a Linux high availability cluster let its nodes know when they are operational and shut them off if they are not. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Sep 2013
How to prepare a server cluster for Linux high availability
With a Linux distribution supporting mission-critical business applications, it's time to set up Linux high-availability software. Continue Reading
-
Tip
29 Aug 2013
A new troubleshooting and management process with GRUB2 bootloader
Nearly everything changed from the GRUB bootloader to GRUB2. With major enterprise Linux distributions moving to GRUB2, it's time to get acquainted. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Aug 2013
When to use Linux memory swap to solve server performance problems
Adding physical memory may seem like the best way to solve a Linux server's memory shortage. But that's not the only way, so troubleshoot first. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Jul 2013
Analyzing and optimizing Linux power consumption with PowerTop 2
The PowerTOP tool tracks power consumption in Linux servers. You can tweak servers and applications to consume less power if you understand PowerTOP. Continue Reading
-
Answer
16 Apr 2013
Issues with SELinux preventing virtual machine from accessing files
Here's how to solve the problems when trying to access files via a virtual machine in SELinux. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Apr 2013
The basics of selecting server memory
Understanding modern memory helps IT professionals make the best choices for selecting a server memory configuration and upgrades. Continue Reading
-
Tip
10 Apr 2013
A deeper look at memory ranks, channels and types
Looking for new server memory? Learning about memory ranks, channels and types is a good step to making the right choice. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
17 Jan 2013
Quiz: The ins and outs of data center colocation services
Data center colocation services allow businesses to expand computing power without a new building. This quiz will test your colocation knowledge. Continue Reading
-
Tip
12 Jul 2012
Tweak Linux swap to improve server performance
Many administrators ignore or underutilize the Linux swap settings but making the proper adjustments will make for better system performance. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 May 2012
It’s an easy fix to clean up a GRUB error on your Linux server
A GRUB error will stop a Linux server cold, but following these steps should get you back on track. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Apr 2012
HP ProLiant servers to come with Ubuntu Server Edition
Hewlett-Packard to package Ubuntu on ProLiant servers. Linus Torvalds up for a prestigious technology prize. Red Hat embraces Microsoft Open Technologies. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Mar 2012
Setting up a mirrored Linux DRBD configuration over the network
Administrators can use the distributed replicated block device (DRBD) in Linux to set up basic data redundancy to connect the storage of multiple servers. Continue Reading
-
Tip
27 Sep 2011
Using open source tools to monitor Apache Web Server performance
Much of today’s business relies on smooth operation of Web servers. Explore these three open source tools to monitor performance, security and traffic on Apache Web servers. Continue Reading
-
Tip
12 Sep 2011
Securing an Apache Web server with SELinux
Learn how to keep your Apache Web server secure by applying basic SELinux settings, including adjusting SELinux so Apache uses nondefault settings. Continue Reading
-
Feature
18 Jul 2011
Case studies show the benefits of virtualization
These case studies demonstrate how businesses have deployed virtual machines to improve efficiency and add computing power, while also saving money. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Jun 2011
What to look for when conducting benchmark tests with PerfMon
Microsoft's PerfMon benchmark tests measure a wide range of processes and server aspects, but it can be difficult for IT professionals to understand the numbers and interpret the results. Continue Reading
-
Tip
26 Apr 2011
Creating RPM packages in Linux
RPM software management on Linux systems truly has an advantage when you create your own RPM packages. Learn how to use the enhanced vim option to automatically generate a template file after creating a new RPM file with the .spec extension. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
04 Mar 2011
Virtualization and management classroom 201 quiz
This brief quiz on server virtualization tests your knowledge of virtualization platforms, management tools and virtualized infrastructure performance. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Feb 2011
Increasing network bandwidth available to virtual machines
These three tips on increasing the amount of network bandwidth available to your VMs, including virtual network creation, can also potentially increase a host server's VM density. Continue Reading
-
Tip
18 Jan 2011
Working with Linux file system attributes
File system attributes can provide a valuable addition to the way you ensure security on your Linux server. Learn how to mount, list and change file system attributes in ext4. Continue Reading
-
Tip
03 Jan 2011
Improving IT efficiency with server virtualization technology
The Motley Fool turned to server virtualization technology as its answer to improving IT efficiency and flexibility in the wake of rampant data center growth. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Dec 2010
RHEL 6 ditches System V init for Upstart: What Linux admins need to know
System V init is fading to a memory in Linux boot systems as the new Linux disdribution releases, such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6, switch to using Upstart. Learn what is different with this boot service and how to work with it to get your Linux boot administration tasks done. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Oct 2010
Creating an inventory with nmap network scanning
Nmap network scanning generates a full system inventory, but it's only usable with the right parameters and output format. Learn how to create an nmap inventory in this tip. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Sep 2010
Setting up a syslog server in Linux
A central logging server can make it easier to manage logs. In this tip, learn how to collect and centralize syslog messages from your hosts onto one syslog server in Linux. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Sep 2010
Kerberos authentication in RHEL: Easing Windows-Linux integration
Kerberos authentication for CIFS offers easier Windows-Linux integration. In this tip, learn how Kerberos authentication works and how to set it up in Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Continue Reading
-
Tip
16 Aug 2010
Optimizing Linux swap space usage
Today's powerful servers with plenty of RAM can make swap space seem like a thing of the past, but knowing how much you need can help keep your system running smoothly. Continue Reading
-
Tip
04 Aug 2010
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 licensing for virtualization
Choosing the right Windows Server 2008 edition can save big money in a virtual data center. Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 Aug 2010
Installing the ModSecurity Web application firewall on Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Learn how to set up the ModSecurity Web application firewall on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.4 and Apache Web server 2.2.x. This firewall monitors access to Web servers to ensure that requests are valid and not malicious. Continue Reading
-
Tip
18 May 2010
Booting a Xen virtual machine from CD-ROM or DVD
If your Xen virtual machine fails, you may want to boot it from an installation disk and run the rescue program. Learn the required steps to succesfully boot a Xen virtual machine from a disk on a Linux machine. Continue Reading
-
Tip
31 Mar 2010
Common security flaws to check for on your Linux-based Web systems
Your Linux server may have Web application-related security vulnerabilities that should be checked out and repaired. These can include passwords, PHP code injection, weak file and directory permissions and outdated Apache and PHP versions. Learn what to look for and how to fix it. Continue Reading
-
Tip
23 Mar 2010
Fixing Linux I/O write performance problems
Learn how to optimize your Linux server for I/O writes by adjusting I/O scheduler settings and journaling settings along with some advice about partition set-up. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Mar 2010
Using common Linux mail clients with an Exchange Server
Begin your migration away from Microsoft Exchange by learning how to set up Linux mail clients, Evolution and Thunderbird, to talk to Exchange. Continue Reading
-
Tip
15 Feb 2010
Linux cloning over the network using netcat
Use netcat to clone Linux images over the network onto multiple servers with a series of simple Linux commands including tar, tee, and dd. This alternative to tools like Clonezilla does not require setting up a separate server. Continue Reading
-
Tip
31 Dec 2009
Linux networking: Using ip tool instead of ifconfig
If your server was configured manually, make sure the Linux network is set up with the correct IP configurations and the ip tool is being used to monitor your systems. Continue Reading
-
Tip
07 Oct 2009
Access and repair an ext3 file system with the superblock
A damaged ext3 file system is accessible and repairable, thanks to the data within either the superblock or the superblock's backup. Continue Reading
-
Tip
31 Aug 2009
Should you pay for support on all Linux servers in your data center?
Free Linux distributions are gaining popularity, but choosing whether to adopt paid or free Linux depends on your support staff's level of expertise and the workloads you expect the Linux distro will handle. Continue Reading
-
Tip
27 Aug 2009
Troubleshooting Logical Volume Manager boot problems
If Logical Volume Manager (LVM) boots incorrectly, logical volumes are inaccessible and you can't manage server disk space. In this LVM how-to, we offer some simple steps to troubleshoot boot issues with LVM. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Jul 2009
Comparing Unix versions: AIX, HP-UX and Solaris
In this comparison of the top Unix versions, learn what distinguishes the file systems, management tools and virtualization products in Sun Solaris, Hewlett-Packard HP-UX and IBM AIX file systems. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Jun 2009
How to install and use RRDTool to speed up MRTG monitoring
When monitoring a large number of hosts or devices with the MRTG graphing tool, the system experience frequent CPU spikes. In this RRDTool tutorial, learn how to install RRDTool and convert MRTG to use RRD storage to avoid system overload. Continue Reading
-
Tip
17 Jun 2009
Troubleshooting Linux boot problems
If your Linux server fails to show the login screen at startup, you have a boot problem. Learn some tricks on how to diagnose and fix a Linux server boot problem from Grub failure to init and runlevels. Continue Reading
-
Tip
10 Jun 2009
How to install and configure MRTG, an essential sys admin tool
Multi Router Traffic Grapher (MRTG) is an essential tool that allows systems administrators to monitor and graph network traffic and more. In this tutorial, an expert explains how to install and configure MRTG on Solaris 10. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 May 2009
Capacity planning tools tutorial for Linux and Unix
Effective capacity planning is a proactive way of ensuring that your data center servers will not prematurely run out of space or horsepower. Learn the tools available to help you, both native to Linux and Unix platforms including Solaris, Red Hat, HP-UX, and the free-form products that will work with any Linux or Unix distribution. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Jan 2009
Server cluster failure considerations to maintain a fault-tolerant data center
Server clustering can help you achieve a fault-tolerant data center, but cluster failures can cause problems if your heartbeat monitoring system is on the same network as your production workload. An expert discusses the problems he encountered with VMware High Availability (HA) heartbeat monitoring and VM host failures and how his company decided to solve the problem. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Jan 2009
Manage CICS workloads with transaction classes
Using transaction classes is a great way to manage CICS workloads that come in varying or unpredictable increments. Learn how to define transaction classes, calculate a maximum active number and get examples on how to use transaction classes in this tip. Continue Reading
-
Tip
31 Oct 2008
Repairing SUSE Linux Enterprise Server using a Rescue CD
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server offers a Rescue CD for repairing the system if your hardware causes a crash at reboot. This tip shows you how to use it. Continue Reading
-
Tip
31 Oct 2008
Ensuring server time synchronization with NTP on SLES
Synchronize your SUSE Linux Enterprise Server times using NTP time server. Two servers are recommended for enterprise situations, as redundancy will save the day in case of a disaster. Continue Reading