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Problem solve

Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.

• Wondering what to do with old servers? Recycle, reuse or virtualize

  If you're worried about what to do with old servers, there are three major options: Virtualize, repurpose or recycle. Our expert weighs in on each. Continue Reading

• How to securely dispose of data before server donation

  Here's some expert advice on preparing old systems for server donation and refurbishment. Continue Reading

• Use Windows NIC teaming to stay connected

  Sysadmins can boost throughput and achieve network resiliency through Windows Server 2012's native feature of NIC teaming. Continue Reading

• Desktop market matures but VDI challenges remain

  Tools enable companies to reduce support costs, boost security and lower energy consumption, but more is needed to overcome VDI challenges. Continue Reading

• The downsides of a software-defined infrastructure

  The data center's future might lie with a fully software-defined infrastructure, but a certain amount of technological maturity is required. Continue Reading

• Configuring a Zabbix agent for open source monitoring

  In this second installment on using Zabbix, we learn how to create a Zabbix agent to register servers that a systems administrator wants to monitor.Continue Reading

• Setting up a Zabbix monitoring environment

  Systems administrators who need to monitor nodes can use the open source monitoring tool Zabbix to gauge the network's health.Continue Reading

• Clearing up questions about 64-bit ARM processors

  Emerging 64-bit ARM processors are headed to the data center and may enable a new wave of scalable, energy-efficient enterprise-class computing.Continue Reading

• Modern server room design to fit your business needs

  Server room design has changed. So when planning one for an existing facility, make sure it meets current and future needs.Continue Reading

• Computational fluid dynamics helps cut cooling costs

  As racks get packed with denser server ratios, more data center personnel turn to computational fluid dynamics to fight escalating energy bills.Continue Reading

• Use Kickstart to automate a Red Hat Enterprise Linux OS installation

  Sysadmins who want to streamline Red Hat Enterprise Linux OS installation can use a modified Kickstart file by following these tips.Continue Reading

• New automation, virtualization tools aid VM provisioning

  Increased automation and better tools are accelerating virtualization adoption and enhancing the approaches to VM provisioning.Continue Reading

• Five things to keep in mind when planning a server refresh cycle

  Businesses are shortening server refresh cycles to benefit from more powerful and capable computing platforms.Continue Reading

• IT equipment recycling: What do you do with old servers?

  When it's time to replace old servers, make IT equipment recycling and disposal an important factor in your technology refresh decisions.Continue Reading

• What memory compression can do for VM consolidation

  Using memory compression to extend a server's effective memory space can save money and increase consolidation with little processing overhead.Continue Reading

• The server lifecycle: Is it time for that aging server to go?

  The server lifecycle of a data center may vary. Knowing yours can ease the upgrade decision and benefit the business in the long term.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

• Virtual server backup software, best practices for the data center

  The best way to learn about server virtualization backup is to try evaluation versions of software to make sure it works with your infrastructure.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

• Things to know about blade server technology before you buy

  If you're interested in blade server technology as an alternative to towers and racks, sharpen your knowledge with these facts.Continue Reading

• Use Security Enhanced Linux on SUSE for solid business security

  The SELinux framework isn't part of every Linux distribution by default, so to use Security Enhanced Linux on SUSE, you've got to do some tweaking.Continue Reading

• Look deeper into mainframe debugging techniques with the SLIP command

  Learn how to set traps with mainframe debugging tools like the SLIP command to spring traps on program errors.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

• Update legacy mainframe assembler programs to make them LE compliant

  Modernizing that old mainframe assembler program you depend on can be problematic. Here’s the best way to make them Language Environment compliant.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

• Amazon outage due to data center generator problems

  Data center generators are to blame for the Amazon outage in June. What's worse, it's not the first of its kind.Continue Reading

• Resource allocation with Linux cgroups helps optimize performance

  The Linux cgroups feature lets you make a profile to manage resources to keep your system under control.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

• How to finesse a data center service-level agreement

  Doing your homework before you sign a service-level agreement will pay off in the event of an emergency.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

• Techniques to extract and analyze CMF mainframe performance data

  Administrators can use DFH$MOLS and Rexx to process mainframe performance data then import in Excel to do the analysis.Continue Reading

• Scale-up or scale-out: What fits best in your data center?

  A growing enterprise with the need for more computing power will have to decide whether to take a scale-out or scale-up approach.Continue Reading

• FM-200 systems: What data center managers need to know

  Get the lowdown on using FM-200 systems for data center fire suppression, and whether or not they're a good choice for your company.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

• Analyze MXG mainframe performance data with Excel

  Mainframe administrators can analyze a report from the MXG software suite by importing the information in Excel.Continue Reading

• Tune the Linux Ext4 file system for optimal performance

  While Ext4 by default works fine for most people, follow these tips to tweak your servers to squeeze out even more speed.Continue Reading

• Revitalize mainframe storage performance with VSAM

  The traditional VSAM storage tactic sees renewed use as mainframe virtualization grows.Continue Reading

• Linux DRBD saves you from costly SAN deployments

  Avoid pricey storage area network (SAN) devices and synchronize data with DRBD, a powerful — and free — software component available in Linux.Continue Reading

• Get more from your data center by following iSCSI best practices

  Following these iSCSI best practices can enhance the performance and reliability of iSCSI deployments in enterprise data centers.Continue Reading

• An introduction to the ARM server

  High scalability and extreme efficiency may allow the ARM server to compete with traditional server architectures.Continue Reading

• The realities of PUE and PUE v2

  PUE calculations are getting more accurate, but require more caution and common sense when drawing comparisons.Continue Reading

• Why monitoring data center power consumption is vital

  Monitoring data center power consumption is the first step to reducing energy expenses, but many facilities still lack key monitoring capabilities.Continue Reading

• Understanding and using IMS SOAP Web services

  SOA message exchange works with IMS transaction processors to keep mainframes on the leading edge of service delivery.Continue Reading

• Five questions on data center outsourcing

  Understanding selection criteria and opportunities for leverage can help you get the best deal with data center outsourcing providers.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

• CICS mainframe storage protection

  Mainframe storage protection can help prevent storage overlays that can corrupt data or wreck a CICS region.Continue Reading

• Setting up Ubuntu Server 11.04 for iSCSI storage

  Learn how Ubuntu Server 11.04 can be set up as an iSCSI storage server using simple Linux command line operations.Continue Reading

• Preventing virtual resource oversubscription with capacity management

  Identify the symptoms of resource oversubscription, and learn capacity management strategies to prevent it.Continue Reading

• Strategies for mainframe application modernization

  Mainframe application modernization, re-engineering or distributed integration can maintain support for business-critical applications.Continue Reading

• Data center design tips: What you should know about ASHRAE TC 9.9

  Following the data center design and cooling standards recommended by ASHRAE TC 9.9 will help IT professionals improve facility safety and efficiency.Continue Reading

• Five questions on data center virtualization

  Data center virtualization is mature and reliable, offering significant benefits to businesses that deploy it.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

• Preparing for network virtualization

  Network virtualization may demand LAN upgrades and configuration changes to achieve optimal performance.Continue Reading

• Aisle-lighting tips for data center design

  Lighting is an often-overlooked aspect of data center design, but a little bit of preplanning can make hardware, labels and color-coded wires much more visible.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

• 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

• Safeguarding Linux HA server integrity with STONITH

  Designing an approach to automatically shut down a failing node is an important step in protecting data and system 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

• Best practices for setting up RAID groups

  Setting up RAID groups is a simple process, but admins should know the pros and cons of various RAID levels and take steps to prevent common problems.Continue Reading

• Evaluating mainframe system monitoring tools

  There are many system monitoring tools available for mainframes. This tip can help administrators analyze and choose the tool that fits their needs.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

• 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

• 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

• Advantages and drawbacks to public cloud services

  Public cloud providers can help an organization save money, but it can be hard for some IT professionals to overlook the disadvantages associated with outsourcing services.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

• Addressing the EPO switch and data center downtime

  An EPO switch can be a major liability, potentially leading to accidental downtime, but electrical code doesn’t require all data centers to have a big red button.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

• Seven things you should know about mainframe systems

  Vendors are continuing to invest in mainframe platforms, but should you do the same? Find out why mainframe systems still deserve some serious consideration.Continue Reading

• Managing Red Hat from a graphical environment over SSH with PuTTY

  Red Hat Enterprise Linux administration can be conducted through a GNOME graphical interface. Learn how to remotely use these tools over an SSH connection using PuTTY.Continue Reading

• Power management technology for the green data center

  HP, IBM and APC are making initiatives to improve power measurement and facilitate green data center developments.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

• 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

• How to improve KVM performance by adjusting KSM

  KVM Virtualization on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 is optimized for hosting environments with many virtual machines by using kernel samepage merging. But, disabling KSM can provide better performance in a smaller virtualized Linux system.Continue Reading

• Comparing the advantages of zshell over bash shell in Linux

  Linux admins interested in using zsh instead of bash shell will learn what is similar and what is different. Zshell offers new features for tab completion and typo correction and others that would be much more complex in bash.Continue Reading

• 'Free' data center cooling: Methods and challenges

  While air- and water-side free cooling aren't options in every climate, data center managers can improve data center energy efficiency by simply using outside temperatures.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

• 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

• Identifying and resolving network performance issues

  Monitoring network performance using tools, such as the VMware esxtop utility, can help to identify dropped packets and network interface card teaming problems.Continue Reading

• Getting work onto zIIP processors

  IBM zIIP processors are a great idea in theory, but there are quite a few obstacles to overcome when managing zIIP workloads.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

• Blade servers: An introduction and overview

  Blade servers add muscle to demanding workloads and virtual data centers, but they also pose some concerns, including power consumption and management complexity.Continue Reading

• Choosing the right server for mission-critical applications

  Planning ahead when selecting a server for mission-critical applications can help you recognize virtualization opportunities and identify potential points of failure.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

• The data center humidity conundrum

  There are several measures for data center humidity, including relative humidity and dew point temperature, and knowing which ones to use can extend hardware life.Continue Reading

• Using Vagrant with Puppet to create VirtualBox hosts

  Vagrant integrates with Puppet and Chef to automate configuration management to build VirtualBox hosts. Linux systems admins can use this technology for quickly creating development hosts and production hosts.Continue Reading

• The problems with code reuse

  Reading this set of guidelines before considering code reuse could facilitate system management and reduce performance errors.Continue Reading

• Setting up a centralized Linux log server

  One of the many benefits of using Linux as a central logging server is that you can set up logging via syslog. Syslog allows messages to be sent over the network to a centralized log host, which is the ideal scenario for managing logging.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

• 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