Tips

Tips

• Build a data center shutdown procedure to prepare for the worst

  A data center shutdown checklist helps IT teams focus on backup, testing and system verification before pulling the plug and losing valuable information.  Continue Reading

• Compare benefits of a blade server architecture vs. hyper-convergence

  To determine if a series of blade servers is the right call for more condensed compute in your data center, evaluate its benefits compared to hyper-convergence.  Continue Reading

• Optimize mainframe processor performance with vertical polarization

  To increase mainframe processor capacity and speed, IBM turned to vertical polarization. Learn how to take advantage of it through a feature called HiperDispatch.  Continue Reading

• When moving servers to a colocation facility, planning is key

  Moving servers off premises to a colocation facility can be a daunting task. Use these best practices to minimize downtime to ensure a seamless transition.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Before leaving a system administrator job, don't burn any bridges

  Leave on good terms from your system administrator job to avoid burning bridges and to keep a good reputation in the industry. Here are some things to consider before your move.  Continue Reading

• Three interface options for remote server monitoring, management

  Remote server management interfaces, such as IPMI, iDRAC and iLO, give data center admins a central location to monitor fan speeds, power supply status, temperature and more.  Continue Reading

• Three types of mainframe monitoring tools to track performance

  Mainframe users face a variety of options when it comes to system monitoring tools. Determine if a real-time, near-time or post-processor tool is the best fit for your IT needs.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Construct a winning data center project plan

  Before embarking on new data center projects, such as an upgrade or move to the cloud, clearly define all goals and expectations -- and not just for IT.  Continue Reading

• 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

• New IT roles to put on your hiring radar

  The shifting nature of the IT industry doesn't just influence new technology; it's spawning some noteworthy changes in IT staffing, especially around big data and cloud.  Continue Reading

• Tips to ace tough IT operations interview questions

  Few things career-wise are as nerve-wracking as job interviews. Knowing what to expect going into that first meeting for a Web or app administrator role can quell some uneasiness.  Continue Reading

• Draw up a data center network diagram you'll actually use

  Creating a data center network diagram is time-consuming but necessary work. Keep the scope narrow and know the priorities of your diagram to save time and energy.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined applications and infrastructure explained

  The inner mechanics of today's software-defined applications and infrastructure reveal an interconnected web of isolated components and scalable resources, supervised by automated management.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• The three tiers of hyper-converged architectures

  Hyper-converged architecture delivers storage in a bundle, but there are several components involved. George Crump discusses the three pieces of hyper-converged systems.  Continue Reading

• Data center humidity recommendation falls dramatically

  An ASHRAE study's conclusions are disproving the conventional wisdom around data centers' relative humidity levels.  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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Does data center size matter in virtualization, DCIM decisions?

  Are you big enough to take advantage of DCIM or virtualization for the power and cost savings? When it comes to certain moves, size is an advantage.  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

• 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

• 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

• DevOps and Agile IT save mainframe training from skills quagmire

  The problem isn't that new hires aren't familiar with the complex, custom daily tasks of mainframe ops. The problem is that you're still doing them.  Continue Reading

• 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

• What data center Tier levels can and cannot tell you about uptime

  When it's time to go colo, it's important to know what level of facility uptime you need, as well as the data center operator's specific procedures.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Creating a reliable and fast SAN network design with iSCSI

  There are three tenets of designing an iSCSI network correctly. Proper iSCSI deployment yields affordable and reliable network access for the SAN.  Continue Reading

• TCP offload's promises and limitations for enterprise networks

  TCP offload products free up limited CPU resources in network-intensive data centers. But TCP offload is no panacea and can introduce more problems.  Continue Reading

• Major changes in data center fire suppression standards NFPA 75 and 76

  Fire standard changes can add a lot of work and expense to a data center operator's job, but the updates to NFPA 75 and 76 address real safety risks.  Continue Reading

• No faults here: Advanced techniques to attain more reliable servers

  A new generation of reliability features can keep busy servers running in the face of serious fault conditions.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Physical building properties to evaluate during server room design

  Does your server room have space to grow? What's the best mechanical system for it? Start with these questions to develop a good server room design.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Programming thread-safe mainframe applications with the CICS ENQ command

  Thread safety in mainframe applications means better vertical integration. Take full advantage with the CICS ENQ command.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Do you have the IT skillset for these five hot data center jobs?

  With technologies such as cloud computing in the limelight, data center pros need to upgrade their skillsets to catch the latest wave of innovation.  Continue Reading

• Five data center upgrade strategies to modernize your facility

  These five data center upgrade strategies can revitalize older data centers and stave off expensive construction projects.  Continue Reading

• Five steps to take when the server is down

  Companies rely heavily on websites to transact business and stay in contact. Here's how to fix Web server issues and prevent future problems.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Cut-through versus store-and-forward in Ethernet switch architecture

  Switches in the data center can push frames using either store-and-forward or cut-through. Is one Ethernet switch architecture better than the other?  Continue Reading

• Three questions on ASHRAE standards for data centers

  Evolving ASHRAE standards for temperature and humidity allow data center owners to save money on power and cooling demands.  Continue Reading

• Does UPS maintenance go to IT or the facilities management team?

  The UPS is the last line of defense for keeping your data center alive, but does its care fall to the facilities management team or IT?  Continue Reading

• Setting traps with SLIP, king of the mainframe debugging tools

  How to use SLIP, one of the best mainframe debugging tools, to set traps for annoying bugs.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• How to balance three-phase power to maximize UPS capacity

  Apply these techniques to balance the three-phase power load and avoid unnecessarily buying a costly new UPS.  Continue Reading

• Proper Linux DRBD setup helps sidestep common issues

  Execute a proper DRBD setup in Linux to save money and avoid headaches.  Continue Reading

• Work from the ground up with a data center raised floor

  A raised-floor design is costly, so proper planning and installation is the key to maximize your investment.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Five questions on data center environmental monitoring

  Our expert explains how to maintain ideal conditions for your server room using data center environmental monitoring tools and techniques.  Continue Reading

• Avoiding single point of failure design flaws

  Redundancy can help a data center avoid downtime, but sometimes hidden flaws in the electrical design can still create a single point of failure.  Continue Reading

• Changing vendors: Avoiding pitfalls, IT vendor contract negotiations

  Negotiating IT vendor contract terms is crucial for protecting business continuity, physical property and intellectual assets when contracts end.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Best practices for maintaining a data center CRAC unit

  A CRAC unit failure could often have been avoided through preventive maintenance and correctly sizing cooling infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Implementing SBD STONITH in Linux HA clusters

  An SBD STONITH approach is simple to set up and is a reliable way to ensure data integrity in a Linux HA cluster.  Continue Reading

• Basic disassembly: Decoding the opcode

  Programmers can find benefit from disassembling object code–a lost art that begins with understanding the opcode.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Selecting raised floors, panels for the data center

  Choosing raised floor panels capable of supporting the weight of data center equipment cabinets requires taking a close look at strength ratings and manufacturers’ claims.  Continue Reading

• Considering a raised floor in the data center

  Tile material, strength and durability are important factors to consider when selecting and installing a raised floor in a data center.  Continue Reading

• Server refresh options: When to rent a server vs. when to buy

  Companies looking to replace old hardware must consider long-term goals and evaluate financing options when deciding whether to buy or rent a server.  Continue Reading

• When is server hardware too old?

  Modern server hardware is allowing systems to handle more jobs and last longer, easing capital expenses for many data centers.  Continue Reading

• Transaction and database management on z/OS mainframe systems

  Transaction and database management tools for mainframe systems, such as CICS, IMS and DB2, have been around for decades, but have evolved over the years to fit the needs of enterprise customers.  Continue Reading

• Data center design standards for cabinet and floor loading

  The weight of today’s racks and equipment cabinets can stress floor structures, making it crucial to consider floor loading requirements in your data center design.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Safer failover testing procedures for the data center

  Haphazard failover testing can be dangerous, but you can minimize the potential risk of data loss or corruption by following a few straightforward procedures.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for backup power maintenance

  Testing generators and inspecting batteries are just part of maintaining a backup power system that can help prevent unexpected data center downtime.  Continue Reading

• Data center management for geographically split data centers

  Geographically split data centers can reduce disaster recovery time to zero, but splitting data centers requires an intelligent network and savvy data center management.  Continue Reading

• Using DCIM tools to monitor data center power

  Although DCIM tools include many capabilities for monitoring data center power and facilitating data center management, you should know their associated costs before implementing projects.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Two forgotten but useful CICS transactions

  While CICS has evolved its system interface, the lesser-known CICS transactions ADYN and CSFE can still be useful for debugging and other tasks.  Continue Reading

• 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 ...  Continue Reading

• Managing virtual data center growth and virtualization challenges

  With careful testing, planning and management, virtual data center growth doesn't have to be an issue, even with problems that crop up with some virtualization technologies.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Making the most of server maintenance contracts

  When trying to obtain the most value from your servers, watching terms and doing homework on server maintenance contracts can save at the negotiating table.  Continue Reading

• 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