Problem solve
Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.
Problem solve
Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.
'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
Signing Linux RPM files using a Gnu Privacy Guard key
Signing Linux RPM packages assures users of the package that the RPM has not been tampered with. Learn how to create a Gnu Privacy Guard key and sign your RPM packages. 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
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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
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
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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
Turning to 2U, 4U servers in virtualized data centers
As managers virtualize their data centers, they often turn to larger 2U and 4U servers for better performance. But these form factors can also pose challenges for administrators.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
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 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
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
Comparing various network cable types for your data center
Choosing the right network cable type is a big part of an effective data center cabling infrastructure, and quantity and quality are key points to consider when choosing.Continue Reading
Tips on implementing a data center cabling infrastructure
Unravel a cabling mess with these tips on implementing an effective data center cabling infrastructure. An expert shows you how to decide between three different cabling methods.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
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
Addressing data center power failure and its root causes
Data center downtime is most often a result of human error. But with proper capacity planning and battery selection, among other steps, a data center power failure can be averted.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
Doing business with Apache OFBiz: Open source ERP solution
Many large sucessful enterprises use Apache OFBiz as their ERP solution. Find out how to get started with this open source tool for your e-business.Continue Reading
Addressing data center power path issues and common failure points
The loss of power in the data center is often troublesome and unexpected, but knowing these common failure points and ways to mitigate power path issues can ease the burden.Continue Reading
Configuring load balancing with Linux Virtual Server
Using Linux Virtual Server, learn how to configure load balancing to help avoid busy servers and achieve optimal resource utilization on your Linux system.Continue Reading
Truths and reasoning behind mainframe modernization
Mainframe modernization offers a host of benefits, including cost savings and preserving investments in legacy applications, but is it the best strategy for your IT department?Continue Reading
Nagios notifications: Setting up alerts in the network monitoring tool
In this tip on the open source network monitoring tool Nagios, learn how to set up custom configurations that can send Nagios notifications to admins at any time of the day.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
Mainframe problem analysis: What's the worst that could happen?
In this mainframe humor observation, an overconfident programmer gets more than he bargained for when he takes his shot at analyzing a TSO problem.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
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
Building massively distributed applications with Hadoop
Hadoop has become the de facto solution for distributed data processing. Learn about how this open source project from the Apache Software Foundation creates reliable, scalable, distributed computing, and its four subprojects: Hadoop Common, HDFS, ...Continue Reading
SELinux tutorial: Introduction to Linux kernel security
SELinux may seem too complex for some administrators who instead disable the useful Linux kernel security tool. Learn how SELinux works, including how subjects and objects work and security policy settings.Continue Reading
SAN technology considerations for data center virtualization
While storage area networks (SANs) are key in a virtualization rollout, one company found that problems can arise when an initial SAN deployment isn't properly planned.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
Setting up MindTouch document management on a Linux system
MindTouch is an open source document management system alternative to SharePoint and other commercial software. In this tip, learn how to set up MindTouch on a Linux server, using CentOS 5.5 as the example system.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
Optimizing SUSE Linux performance for VMware environments
Learn how to optimize Suse Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) on VMware by optimizing VMware and SUSE. For better performance, switch to VMware's paravirtualization disk driver and adjust I/O settings in SUSE along with changing the journal settings.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
Red Hat Enterprise Linux security mechanisms: SELinux, iptables and more
When setting up Red Hat Enterprise Linux on your data center servers, you need to make security decisions. Learn about security options for RHEL including SELinux, iptables firewall, TCP Wrapper and application security use considerations.Continue Reading
Data center EPO vulnerability fixed in 2011 National Electrical Code
Data centers are no longer required to put the big red kill-switch on exit doors, thanks to a committee that convinced the NFPA to revisit its data center EPO regulation.Continue Reading
Is it time for a data center hardware refresh?
Options are plentiful when you're considering whether to refresh older data center hardware, even when IT budgets are not.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
Mounting file system resources with AutoFS
AutoFS allows resources to be mounted on an as-needed basis, simplifying the management of NFS shares. This tip walks you through the process of setting up AutoFS.Continue Reading
Incorporating adiabatic humidification into your data center
Adiabatic humidification is a more energy-efficient means of providing humidity to data centers, and this tip outlines the steps to incorporating it into your data center.Continue Reading
Monitoring and optimizing host server performance
Application performance is even more important in physical servers that share multiple VMs, so ongoing monitoring and optimization of virtual host servers should be routine in any virtual data centerContinue 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
Converting XML to data structures using the CICS TRANSFORM command
This tip explains how to use the new CICS TRANSFORM command for converting XML to data structures and vice versa.Continue Reading
The pros and cons of cloud computing migration
IT managers should consider the pros and cons of cloud computing migration, and find a balance between the rewards and risks associated with moving a data center to the cloud.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
Zenity tutorial: How to automate Linux admin scripting
In this Zenity tutorial for Linux admins, learn how to set up Zenity and use its dialogs to automate scripting.Continue Reading
Using your Linux server to create an ad-hoc wireless network
In this tutorial, an expert explains how to set up an ad-hoc wireless network access point with your Linux server.Continue Reading
Uptime, TIA and BICSI: Who runs the data center design standards show?
With three major players in the game, where should you look for data center design standards? This tip discusses the similarities and differences between the Uptime Institute tier system, TIA-942 and BICSI 002-2010.Continue Reading
Common Linux security policy management gaps
Linux security is commonly overlooked in IT security policies, especially when management is out of touch with what’s happening on the ground.Continue Reading
Sharing Windows files with the Linux CIFS client
It can be surprisingly easy to share files between Linux and Windows with the Linux CIFS client. In this tip, learn how to install the Samba client and set up CIFS on Linux.Continue Reading
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
Unix overview: The latest features in AIX, HP-UX and Solaris
Each of the major Unix versions have been updated with useful new features recently. In this overview, get up to date on the features you should know about in the latest releases of IBM AIX, Hewlett-Packard's HP-UX and Oracle's Solaris.Continue Reading
Biodiesel mandates cause backup generator problems
States such as Minnesota and Oregon have passed biodisel mandates, but data center managers say improper handling of biodiesel can cause problems for backup generators.Continue Reading
The IT chargeback system in a virtual data center
Managing chargeback can be a difficult task. Multiple company departments may share server hardware in a virtual data center. Learn how to implement an IT chargeback system that charges departments for resources fairly.Continue Reading
Moving to Fibre Channel over Ethernet in the data center
High data center demands require an efficient network to move data efficiently. Learn why Fibre Channel over Ethernet may be a good networking technology option, and how to make the switch.Continue Reading
Displaying Puppet reports on Puppet Dashboard
Managing configurations with Puppet just got easier. In this tip, learn how to display your Puppet reports on the Puppet Dashboard GUI.Continue Reading
Server virtualization training and education needed for successful virtualization rollouts
Virtualization technology is still a long way from Plug-and-Play. Successful virtualization rollouts need staff with the proper education and skills, and IT admins need to understand when it's time to add staff or tinker with the training.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
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
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
The history of Unix on the PC: Exploring lesser-known variants
This tip explores the history of Unix, from its creation by AT&T in the 1960s to its present-day use on x86 hardware and PC-compatible systems. Brush up on your Unix history and learn about Unix variants that you never knew existed.Continue Reading
How to prevent and correct server cooling failures
Advanced planning can prevent server cooling failures, and good practices can help to remedy them and minimize the negative impact on your data center.Continue Reading
Calculating carbon emissions in the data center
While data center carbon measurement is in its infancy and lacks hard standards, it still may benefit IT admins to know basic methods for calculating carbon emissions as carbon legislation begins impacting data centers.Continue Reading
IBM's zPDT offers developers z/OS on the desktop
IBM's System z Personal Development Tool (zPDT) allows developers to emulate z/OS on their desktops, but could zPDT be more beneficial if it IBM made it available to a broader audience?Continue Reading
Determining the true value of a server operating system
One of the most critical decisions a network manager can make is which server operating system to deploy. Making that choice is fraught with budget limitations, corporate politics and a numerous other factors. Here, an expert discusses how to ...Continue Reading
Look to the Kyoto wheel to maximize free data center cooling
The Kyoto wheel, a heat wheel redesigned specifically for data centers, can extract the maximum benefit from free air-side cooling. By incorporating Kyoto wheels into your data center cooling strategy, you can drastically lower electrical ...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
Securely connecting Linux servers to WiFi using the command line
Connecting a Linux server to WiFi requires the use of the command line. Learn the commands and procedures for wireless networking in your Linux data center.Continue Reading
Bus track and busway power distribution: Power anywhere?
Bus track and busway power distribution in the data center is a growing trend that allows for greater flexibility and accommodation of rising power densities. This in-depth exploration of bus-type power systems will help you decide whether this is a...Continue Reading
Overcoming common Unix-to-Linux migration pitfalls
You may encounter problems when moving from Unix to Linux. Learn about hardware and application compatibility challenges and how to overcome deployment errors and how to prevent them including client testing, shell script testing, and more.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
Serializing on the mainframe with the compare-and-swap instruction
The compare-and-swap instruction is one of the mainframe's low-cost serialization options. In this tip, mainframe expert Robert Crawford explains compare-and-swap features and limitations.Continue Reading
Weighing Linux server consolidation tools
Choosing the best Linux server consolidation software for your data center hinges on factors other than cost. This tip compares Novell's PlateSpin, HP and VMware's Capacity Planner in terms of your data center requirements.Continue Reading
Linux troubleshooting fast guide
This useful reference guide to Linux troubleshooting involves everything you need to know to manage Linux in the enterprise, from addressing boot problems to recovering your Linux server.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
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
How to approach IT staffing in today's data center
Virtualization and tight budgets have changed IT staffing in modern data centers. Find out how to blend skills and technology for the best mix.Continue Reading
Running z/OS on x86: Should IBM release a mini-mainframe?
Would running z/OS on x86 with a "mini-mainframe" allow users the benefits of mainframes with the simplicity of distributed systems? In this tip, mainframe expert Robert Crawford makes the case for x86 mainframes and discusses how IBM could approach...Continue Reading
Data center transformer types and the K-Factor
The K-Factor system rates data center transformers, and the typical options are K-1, K-13 and K-20. Consider purchase price and potential cost savings when choosing a transformer.Continue Reading
Which data center power distribution voltage should you use?
As power density rises, IT departments are reconsidering which data center power voltage to use. This tip covers power distribution options and which factors to consider to make the best choice for your data center.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
Five things you didn't know Bash could do on Linux
Bash offers a lot of tools to Linux admins, and it may take you years to get a handle on all the useful ones. Learn five lesser-known Bash scripts for your Linux systems including extended globbing, cdspell shell options, improved Bash history, ...Continue Reading
Troubleshooting PGMIDERR/AEI0 ABEND in CICS Transaction Gateway
This tip delves into resolving PGMIDERR/AEI0 ABEND errors within the CICS Transaction Gateway. The solution to these errors isn't always an intuitive one, and may require several additional and lengthy steps along the way.Continue Reading
Using libguestfs to easily access Linux virtual machine file systems
Libguestfs is a library on Linux that helps you access and modify virtual machine disk images. You can then run Linux commands and troubleshoot the machine image from the libguestfs shell or host operating system. Learn how to navigate libguestfs, ...Continue Reading
Putting old data center hardware to use
After a consolidation, old data center hardware can do a lot more than just take up space in your facility. This tip explores options for putting old IT equipment to use.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
How to optimize VM placement in data centers
Move from conservative to aggressive VM placement and reap the server consolidation benefits while maintaining performance.Continue Reading
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 ...Continue Reading