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Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

• Best practices for server benchmark testing

  Following the scientific method when benchmark testing a server will help reduce variables and produce accurate performance results. 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

• Server benchmarking tools and stress testing

  Admins should turn to several tools to perform benchmark testing and compare results to verify accuracy. This tip outlines the role of stress testing and lists several tools available to engineers. Continue Reading

• Mastering the Linux history command

  Learning how to take advantage of the Linux history command, as well as the Bash variant, can save Linux admins a lot of time. Discover how the command works, including shortcuts, searching and settings. Continue Reading

• The causes and costs of data center system downtime: Advisory Board Q&A

  System downtime may be unavoidable, but planning and training can help restore operations sooner and mitigate the impact on most organizations. Continue Reading

• Best practices for accurately measuring data center power consumption

  Knowing when and where to measure data center power consumption is important for calculating power use effectiveness and improving efficiency.Continue Reading

• Improving server capacity planning

  Allocating computing resources to changing workloads is an ongoing challenge, but proper server capacity planning can lead to more efficient use of a data center's resources.Continue Reading

• Using low-latency network switches to improve traffic

  Today's mixed traffic networks generate high traffic volume that can overburden network switches.Continue Reading

• X86-based private clouds offer cost savings

  x86-based private clouds offer cost savings when compared to traditional mainframe systems.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

• Using Zabbix for open source network management

  Proactive monitoring and other advanced features have contributed to the growing popularity of Zabbix as an open source network-management tool.Continue Reading

• Data center outsourcing management: A closer look at IaaS and DCaaS

  Understanding the subtle differences between Infrastructure as a Service and Data Center as a Service is key to choosing the right outsourcing management practice.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

• Optimizing Linux for SSD usage

  Default Linux settings won't allow you to take advantage of SSD performance gains. Learn four ways to optimize SSD performance on your Linux system in this tip.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

• Data center management using DCIM tools

  DCIM tools can help facilitate data center management and energy monitoring, but DCIM software does not come without its own set of challenges and limitations.Continue Reading

• 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

• Exploring the features of the XFS file system on Linux

  The XFS file system has been designed to deal with high file volumes and large files more efficiently. Find out how the file system manages these files, and when it might be appropriate to use this file system on your Linux servers instead of Ext3 ...Continue Reading

• Strategies for planning a data center move

  If you have plans to relocate your mainframe shop, remember that the best data center move strategies include careful testing and a team that's both business- and tech-savvy.Continue Reading

• Deciding when to use Linux file system barriers

  Linux file system barriers in Ext3 and Ext4 protect data written to the journal. Learn how these barriers work and in which use cases they are a benefit, and in which cases you should disable them on your Linux servers.Continue Reading

• Five tips for negotiating IT support contracts with vendors

  With IT budgets slashed, now is the time for vendor negotiation to get the most bang for your contract buck. These five approaches can help lower IT support contract costs.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

• Best practices for VM workload management, resource allocation

  Effective VM workload management practices such as setting metrics can help you achieve the most efficient workloads and avoid the mistake of over-allocating resources to a VM.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

• Bash commands for navigation, sharing, and find

  Learn how to use Bash on a Linux server to change command line navigation, switch around in directories, file first redirection, three find commands, and how to show people the command line without giving them access through rerouting.Continue Reading

• Cisco et al. push memory-dense servers; but at what cost?

  Today’s x86 servers offer impressive memory densities, but some IT shops want even more.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

• Linux security guide: Linux, open source security tools and tips

  Start hardening your Linux servers with this guide to essential tools and applications for Linux security, including SELinux, Nagios, firewalls and more.Continue Reading

• 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

• Managing CICS performance with Workload Manager

  Workload Manager is a useful tool for easily managing CICS performance on the mainframe. This tip details how CICS and WLM interact with one another and how to use WLM to manage CICS response times.Continue Reading

• 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

• How to install Webmin and ease data center server management

  In this introduction to Webmin, learn how the tool can make it easier to manage Unix and Linux servers in your data center. An expert describes how to install Webmin and get started with this free systems management tool.Continue Reading

• Linux distribution migration: Planning for efficiency

  Migrating from one Linux distribution to another to consolidate the operating systems within your data center? Learn what steps are needed for a smooth transition with support.Continue Reading

• Best practices for choosing a colocation data center

  Incorporating colocation into your IT strategy eliminates the expense of building or upgrading your own facility, but choose your colocation data center wisely, as providers vary greatly in terms of service costs, connectivity and service-level ...Continue Reading

• Using virtualization for cost-effective servers

  If it's done right, optimizing server utilization with virtualization can save data centers money.Continue Reading

• Data center disaster recovery planning

  A solid disaster recovery and business continuity strategy is crucial to protecting your organization's future in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency that causes downtime. In this guide, we've compiled our best resources to ensure ...Continue Reading

• Efficiently managing z/OS WLM

  IBM's z/OS Workload Manager (WML) is designed for the best response time, but it doesn't always result in balanced workloads. This tip delves into z/OS WLM efficiency.Continue Reading

• Installing Ubuntu 9.10 and the Eucalyptus enterprise cloud computing platform

  Learn how to install Ubuntu 9.10 server edition with Eucalyptus enterprise cloud and set it up to manage applications on AWS or other infrastructure services. Features of the Ubuntu store, including available operating system images and the use of ...Continue Reading

• Finding the best capacity planning tool for your data center

  A capacity planning tool can benefit data centers by collecting data, managing virtual machines and preventing bottlenecks. Keep these considerations in mind when choosing and implementing a capacity planning tool.Continue Reading

• Linux ext4 file system: Performance and compatibility

  The ext4 file system is now shipped with the most popular Linux distributions, but when should you use it and how do you optimize performance? Learn when to use the ext4 file system and how to set up your Linux system for maximized compatibility and...Continue Reading

• Designing a Linux virtual network for KVM virtualization

  Determine how to configure the virtual and physical network cards for optimal performance on a Linux network with KVM hypervisor. The best use of individual network cards and virtual network cards depends on the I/O of the virtual machines on the ...Continue Reading

• Data center efficiency: Which tactics are worth the cost?

  Which data center energy-efficiency tactics are worth the effort? Which data center energy-efficiency measures do not return on investment? This tip illustrates how much you can expect to save on various green IT improvements.Continue Reading

• Developing a successful mainframe migration strategy

  A successful mainframe migration strategy requires careful planning to avoid disruption to end users. This tip discusses best practices for migrating, regenerating or replacing mainframe applications.Continue Reading

• Server hardware cost comparison: Is virtualization cheaper?

  Server virtualization's popularity is on the rise, but the cost of hardware for virtualization can be surprisingly high. In this tip, an expert compares the costs of eight small physical servers versus one large, 16-core machine running server ...Continue Reading

• How to install and get started with OpenQRM

  Learn how to install and use OpenQRM, a free and open source pluggable framework for automatic application deployment, management, and monitoring. It supports a range of virtualization tools and works with Nagios and Puppet.Continue Reading

• Linux command line tools: The top 50

  The most popular and useful Linux command utilities and programs, like sudo, chmod, exec, rpm, to name a few.Continue Reading

• 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

• Lower disaster recovery costs with open source replication tools

  Lower the cost of disaster recovery replication with open source DR tools like Rsync and distributed replicated block device, or DRBD.Continue Reading

• Data center operations and maintenance best practices for critical facilities

  This tip discusses best practices associated with the operations and maintenance (O&M) processes for data center facilities, including the physical aspects of critical infrastructures, staffing considerations, and appropriate O&M processes, tools, ...Continue Reading

• 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, ...Continue Reading

• Air flow management strategies for efficient data center cooling

  To achieve efficient data center cooling, you must reduce your facility's air flow waste. In this tip, an expert outlines air flow management strategies and best practices that can improve data center air flow, including the installation of blanking...Continue Reading

• Using CICS dump tables to manage problems in online systems

  The CICS dump table feature, which maintains tables for transaction and system dumps, can be useful for diagnosing and managing problems in online systems when the information you need isn't available through default channels.Continue Reading

• Data center air-conditioning fans blow cost savings your way

  It may not be your first thought, but design and speed control of data center air-conditioner fans can generate significant savings.Continue Reading

• 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...Continue Reading

• Using z10 HiperDispatch for vertical CPU management

  The new HiperDispatch feature for the IBM z10 mainframe manages CPU vertically instead of horizontally. This new feature could boost performance on large transactional workloads.Continue Reading

• Improving data center cooling capacity with chilled water plants

  With a chilled-water plant, you can improve your data center cooling capacity and possibly prevent more drastic measures, such as having to build a new facility.Continue Reading

• Business continuity planning consultants: Are they worth the money?

  When embarking on business continuity planning for your data center, the first step is deciding who will lead the process. In-house personnel may be qualified, but if not a consultant is what you need.Continue Reading

• Essential tools for mainframe operation and management

  Working on the mainframe can be slow and tedious, but there are tools that can improve your mainframe efficiency. Robert Crawford shares his favorite tools: cut and paste, HSSF, SAS, MXG and REXX.Continue Reading

• intelligent power management (IPM)

  Intelligent Power Management (IPM) is a combination of hardware and software that optimizes the distribution and use of electrical power in computer systems and data centers. While the installation of IPM involves up-front cost and ongoing ...Continue Reading

• intelligent power management

  Intelligent Power Management (IPM) is a combination of hardware and software that optimizes the distribution and use of electrical power in computer systems and data centers. While the installation of IPM involves up-front cost and ongoing ...Continue Reading

• Implementing CICS managed data tables

  CICS has an I/O buffering technique that is well-suited for small referential datasets, known as CICS managed data tables. Learn which datsets work best, and how to implement CMDTs on your system.Continue Reading

• Companies reuse data center waste heat to improve energy efficiency

  Two companies have found ways to save on energy costs by reuse data center waste heat. Quebecor now heats adjoining rooms; IBM Switzerland, a swimming pool.Continue Reading

• NYSE unplugs last mainframe and reduces cost, speeds transactions

  To reduce costs and improve trade times, the New York Stock Exchange migrated from mainframes to Linux and AIX servers. But the shift to new scripting languages posed hurdles.Continue Reading

• Sys admin recommended reading: Improve your skill set

  If your bookshelf is crowded with technical manuals, it might be time to make room for books that will help you develop as an IT professional. From social networking to statistics, valuable reading awaits.Continue Reading

• Installing a secure instant messaging server on Linux

  Did your company ban instant messaging for security reasons? Free up email resources and bring back real-time communication with this secure IM server.Continue Reading

• Disaster recovery runbook--Chapter One: Planning

  Data center disaster recovery and business continuity are necessary components to successful data center implementations and business execs would be wise to hop on this bandwagon in an increasingly electronic world. This section of our disaster ...Continue Reading

• Oracle on RHEL 5: Installation and configuration

  Install and configure Oracle 10 on RHEL 5. This tip shows how to set up a database with Oracle's Database Configuration Assistant (DBCA) and Oracle Enterprise Manager.Continue Reading

• How to manage software on Ubuntu Server with 'aptitude' and 'apt-get'

  Learn how to use the commands "apt-get" and "aptitude" to perform package management from the command line.Continue Reading

• IMS (Information Management System)

  IMS (Information Management System) is a database and transaction management system that was first introduced by IBM in 1968. Since then, IMS has gone through many changes in adapting to new programming tools and environments.Continue Reading

• CICSPlex System Manager basics

  In this brief overview of CPSM, CICS expert Robert Crawford describes the risks and rewards of using it for system management, automation and workload management.Continue Reading

• Dual booting vs. virtualization: Using Windows and Linux on the same server

  Interoperability between Linux and Windows can be achieved in two ways: one, by installing each operating system separately via dual booting -- which allows both operating systems to run on the same hardware -- and two, by running one system inside ...Continue Reading

• Mainframe change management tools ease compliance burden

  Mainframes host a bulk of the critical data important to compliance auditors, but data center managers have had to rely on brute force and aging tools.Continue Reading

• lights-out management (LOM)

  Lights-out management (LOM) is the ability for a system administrator to monitor and manage servers by remote control.Continue Reading

• lights-out management

  Lights-out management (LOM) is the ability for a system administrator to monitor and manage servers by remote control.Continue Reading

• lights out management

  Lights-out management (LOM) is the ability for a system administrator to monitor and manage servers by remote control.Continue Reading

• Mastering MySQL: Ten essential tips

  We've put together our most-read tips on MySQL to help get you started on using this open source relational database management system.Continue Reading

• Mainframe capacity planning: More than MIPS

  Capacity planning is a well understood, strategic exercise. But data center managers need to consider strategic versus tactical performance planning to keep high-priority workloads running without problems.Continue Reading

• Bastille Linux: Introduction and installation

  Bastille Linux is an automated security tool, ideal for cross-platform environments. Get started here with an introduction and instructions for installation.Continue Reading

• Managing high-volume CPU processes with Bash

  Learn how to use and modify a simple Bash script to alert you when CPU processes reach abnormally high levels.Continue Reading

• SUSE Linux administration: How to set up a cluster file system

  Setting up OCFS2 as a shared file system in a cluster environment helps when multiple nodes have to write to the same file system concurrently. Learn how to do it with SLES10.Continue Reading

• Linux/Unix commands: How to get copy, conversion power with dd

  Learn how to use dd, a Linux command for handling convert-and-copy tasks. An expert shows how to clone your hard drive, create a backup of your Master Backup Record and increase your swap space.Continue Reading

• What strategies will help organize a messy data center?

  Data center design and physical infrastructure expert Carrie Higbie offers some simple, but often neglected, strategies for organizing a messy data center.Continue Reading

• Data center cooling strategies: Overheating server prevention

  Five strategies from Syska Hennessy data center cooling experts, Christopher Johnston and Vali Sorell, for preventing servers from overheating.Continue Reading

• Study ranks cheapest places to build a data center

  In a new study focusing on the healthcare industry, the Midwest once again came on top as one of the most affordable places to build a data center.Continue Reading

• Calculating costs of data center cabling infrastructure

  In part two of our series on data center cabling decisions, data center infrastructure expert Carrie Higbie offers a cost calculator for determining TCO on a cabling project.Continue Reading