Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

Data center server infrastructure and OSes

• What are the options for log management in Linux?

  Linux administrators should use syslog and systemd-journald together for smart log analysis. But there are also open source log management tools to consider.  Continue Reading

• Are hyper-converged infrastructure appliances my only HCI option?

  Preconfigured hyper-converged appliances aren't your only option anymore. Software-only and build-your-own hyper-converged infrastructure have unique pros and cons.  Continue Reading

• What Linux storage benchmarking tools are best?

  Several tools and commands can come in handy to storage admins looking to benchmark I/O performance on Linux systems. But not all benchmarking tools are created equal.  Continue Reading

• SUSE Linux Enterprise Real Time boosts app performance

  Some organizations require real-time support for critical applications that run on Linux. What are some options to achieve that on a SUSE distribution?  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Should I make a storage LUN for each server?

  In some scenarios, more than one LUN per server makes sense. In others, it's better to maintain a one-to-one ratio. So which is better?  Continue Reading

• What is the best SSD for server storage improvement?

  Should data centers use SAS- or PCIe-based on-server flash devices? What options are out there for SSDs on servers?  Continue Reading

• 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

• What can I do to gain Java skills and leave mainframe programming?

  I have two years of experience in mainframe technology, currently working as a mainframe developer. I want to change to Java technology.  Continue Reading

• Do I need another VM host server?

  Operations manager Adam Fowler explains the many factors that determine a VM host server's ability to increase its workload and whether you need to buy additional equipment for your VMs.  Continue Reading

• How expandable or configurable is a white box server?

  A white box server typically comprises standardized parts in a no-frills system configuration. Will they work with GPUs or handle upgrades well?  Continue Reading

• How should I spec our new server hardware configuration?

  We are a SaaS Web provider and operate a private cloud in a colo. We are slowly switching from VMs to containers. How do we spec the best hardware for this private cloud?  Continue Reading

• 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

• What advice would you offer on Linux for newbies?

  I am just starting out with Linux and hoping to get a job working with it in the near future. What should I do now to get ahead?  Continue Reading