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.
Expanding CICS security on the mainframe
While CICS security is generally adequate in terms of locking down resources, there are some instances where the existing resources may be used differently or non-CICS components might seek to be secured. Find out how to improve your protection. ... Continue Reading
Making Sybase database upgrading easier with 'A Practitioner's Guide to upgrading to Sybase ASE 15'
Learn more about the nuances of the upgrade to Sybase ASE 15 in this Q&A with a veteran Sybase expert and author of 'A Practitioner's Guide to upgrading to Sybase ASE 15.' Continue Reading
Novell drops NetWare support: What do millions of users do?
Novell's NetWare support is ending and millions of users must choose a new OS with comparable services. This tip outlines possible strategies for replacing NetWare. Continue Reading
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Fixing Linux I/O write performance problems
Learn how to optimize your Linux server for I/O writes by adjusting I/O scheduler settings and journaling settings along with some advice about partition set-up. Continue Reading
Using common Linux mail clients with an Exchange Server
Begin your migration away from Microsoft Exchange by learning how to set up Linux mail clients, Evolution and Thunderbird, to talk to Exchange. Continue Reading
Analyzing Linux write performance problems with iotop
Write performance on a Linux system may be causing a performance problem, and iotop shows you how the write processes are affecting I/O and storage. The iotop Linux command is more informative than top for determining the cause of the Linux server ...Continue Reading
Patching running Linux kernels on servers with no reboot using Ksplice Uptrack
Ksplice Uptrack keeps Linux servers up-to-date with recent kernel security patches without rebooting, saving time and reducing down-time for mission critical production servers. Learn how the tool works and hear about a Linux-based hosting provider ...Continue Reading
Will a transformerless UPS work for your data center?
In recent years, the popularity of the transformerless UPS has begun to rival that of transformer-based systems. But is the transformerless UPS as reliable and efficient of a choice for your data center?Continue Reading
Narrowing down GTF trace output
The General Trace Facility (GTF) in MVS is useful for identifying problems, but narrowing down GTF trace data can be daunting. This tip offers a how-to on narrowing down GTF trace output to simplify debugging.Continue Reading
Creating a simple backup solution for Linux with rsynch, SSH, and cron
To create simple backups for Linux workstations, you can use rsynch with an SSH connection to a server and automate cron. Learn how to set-up your Linux system to automate your backups using tools available with every Linux distribution.Continue Reading
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How the vSwitch impacts the network in a virtualized data center
Though a vSwitch, or virtual switch, is very similar to a physical switch, larger virtualized data centers should be aware of how vSwitches can impact the network in terms of management, configuration and more.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
Porting applications from Unix to Linux
To port applications to Linux start with an in-depth discovery process, examining Unix application compatibility and determining whether they're compatible with Linux. The hardware platform and operating system distribution also need to be ...Continue Reading
Linux cloning over the network using netcat
Use netcat to clone Linux images over the network onto multiple servers with a series of simple Linux commands including tar, tee, and dd. This alternative to tools like Clonezilla does not require setting up a separate server.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
Using ITIL v3 service transition lifecycle to bring IT services into production
The ITIL v3 service transition lifecycle aims to help IT organizations seamlessly introduce new releases into production. This tip discusses ITIL v3 service transition implementation and how these ITIL processes can aid new service releases.Continue Reading
Dealing with CICS/MQ trigger interface quirks
Despite its simplicity, the CICS/MQ trigger interface has its share of quirks, such as messages left in queues and uneven workload distribution. An expert shares fixes for common CICS/MQ message triggering problems in this tip.Continue Reading
Configuring GRUB 2: Tweaking the boot procedure in Ubuntu Server 9.10
Configuring the new version of GRUB in Ubuntu Server 9.10 has changed. Learn how to install, apply changes to default settings and gain insight in the configuration files in /etc/GRUB.d/*.Continue Reading
Getting started with OpenVAS
OpenVAS is an open source network security scanner, and version 3.0.0 has useful features for your Linux system. Learn how to install and set-up OpenVAS in your data center from source on a Linux server.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
Second look at HPC: Is retail ready for supercomputing?
Five years ago, IT pundits said nontraditional supercomputing customers, specifically retailers, would soon buy high-performance computing, or HPC, for business intelligence. Did those predictions come true?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
Linux networking: Using ip tool instead of ifconfig
If your server was configured manually, make sure the Linux network is set up with the correct IP configurations and the ip tool is being used to monitor your systems.Continue Reading
Finding password weaknesses in your Linux systems
Getting through the security of your Linux systems might be easier than you think. Prevent unauthorized access by searching out unexpected password weaknesses.Continue Reading
Does IBM's mainframe business constitute a monopoly?
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating IBM for antitrust violations to determine whether IBM's business practices constitute a monopoly. The reality, according to one expert, is that while IBM doesn't have a monopoly on business computing, ...Continue Reading
Troubleshooting Linux networking problems
Analyze and repair network problems related to your Linux system in three steps: determine if the network card is there, then check the hardware configuration and drivers. Some hardware also needs to be checked for module compatibility and tainted ...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
Coding a simple mainframe cryptography program
How do you code a System z cryptography program? Mainframe expert Robert Crawford takes you through the process of using the Integrated Cryptographic Service Facility.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
Sizing computer room air conditioners for data center energy efficiency
Choosing a right-sized computer room air conditioner (CRAC) is crucial to data center energy efficiency, but there are many variables to consider. Learn more about data center air conditioning design, maintaining humidity levels and temperature, and...Continue Reading
Access and repair an ext3 file system with the superblock
A damaged ext3 file system is accessible and repairable, thanks to the data within either the superblock or the superblock's backup.Continue Reading
Solving Linux server hangs stemming from kernel issues
When Linux kernel issues cause functional machines to hang, determining the type of hang -- interruptible or non-interruptible -- is imperative to troubleshooting the situation.Continue Reading
Should you comply with Article 645 of the National Electrical Code?
By complying with Article 645 in the National Electrical Code (NEC), data centers can bypass the most stringent requirements of Chapters 1 through 4 of the NEC. But compliance with Article 645 isn't a free pass – it comes with stricter fire ...Continue Reading
Reduce chances of hardware failure with preventive server maintenance
Data center hardware failure may occur on occasion, but proper preventive maintenance on your servers can minimize the likelihood of failure.Continue Reading
How to solve logical volume management issues
Excluding certain Logical Volume Manager (LVM) devices from startup scans and the manual activation of logical volumes are two pesky logical volume management issues. Find out how to resolve them.Continue Reading
Using cryptography on the mainframe: An amateur's guide
Cryptography on the mainframe protects sensitive data and aids organizations' compliance to security regulations such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. This tip discusses the hardware and software available for cryptography on the...Continue Reading
Red Hat bolsters Linux for mainframes, tries to catch Novell
In the Linux-on-the-mainframe market, Red Hat is catching up with Novell. If your mainframe shop is considering Linux on the IBM System z, this tip offers advice on choosing between Red Hat Enterprise Linux for Mainframe Computing and Novell SUSE ...Continue Reading
Should you pay for support on all Linux servers in your data center?
Free Linux distributions are gaining popularity, but choosing whether to adopt paid or free Linux depends on your support staff's level of expertise and the workloads you expect the Linux distro will handle.Continue Reading
How to identify and remediate data center hot spots
Data center hot spots can cause equipment failure and system outages. Find out how to identify the source of data center hot spots and how to fix the problem in this tip.Continue Reading
Troubleshooting Logical Volume Manager boot problems
If Logical Volume Manager (LVM) boots incorrectly, logical volumes are inaccessible and you can't manage server disk space. In this LVM how-to, we offer some simple steps to troubleshoot boot issues with LVM.Continue Reading
Novell vs. Red Hat: How their Linux strategies affect your data center
The leading data center Linux distributions -- Novell's SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux -- are similar, and choosing the right Linux distribution can depend more on the provider's business direction.Continue Reading
Linux provisioning automation with Cobbler
Learn how to set up and run, Cobbler, an install and provisioning server. It holds OS images and manages PXE booting, network configuration and deploys and installs them. It supports a wide variety of platforms including Red Hat, Ubuntu, Debian, ...Continue Reading
Five Linux commands you have (probably) never heard of
Learn about five of the more rarely used Linux commands (logsave, diff3, pstree, nl and split) that are useful, with a description of each command's flags and options. These commands work well for file management, tracking, and output and process ...Continue Reading
How to choose the right uninterruptible power supply for your data center
This tip discusses how to choose the right-sized uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for your data center. It also explains common mistakes in UPS sizing and why UPS power ratings can be so confusing.Continue Reading
Avoid common pitfalls when calculating data center power load
For data center pros trying to size an air conditioning system or UPS, accurately estimating data center power load is critical. But there are many common pitfalls to avoid.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
Open source mainframe software: Two perspectives
Would open source mainframe software allow systems programmers to make their systems work better and fix the mainframe pricing problem? Or would it open up shops to self-inflicted problems for IBM to fix?Continue Reading
Backing up the Linux master boot record
The Linux master boot record (MBR) contains GRUB and the partition table, and to avoid crippling boot errors, it is a good idea to make a backup of it. Learn how to backup the MBR and how this effort can pay off when troubleshooting a Linux boot ...Continue Reading
Cleaning under the raised-floor plenum: Data center maintenance basics
How do you clean under the raised-floor plenum in your data center? Find out the best practices and pitfalls for raised-floor plenum maintenance in this tip.Continue Reading
Setting up cloud computing with Eucalyptus
Cloud computing provides on demand provisioning of compute resources. Learn how to set up Eucalyptus on Ubuntu to perform your own cloud computing operations. Eucalyptus is available in source code, and packages are available for CentOS 5.3, ...Continue Reading
Comparing Unix versions: AIX, HP-UX and Solaris
In this comparison of the top Unix versions, learn what distinguishes the file systems, management tools and virtualization products in Sun Solaris, Hewlett-Packard HP-UX and IBM AIX file systems.Continue Reading
How to install and use RRDTool to speed up MRTG monitoring
When monitoring a large number of hosts or devices with the MRTG graphing tool, the system experience frequent CPU spikes. In this RRDTool tutorial, learn how to install RRDTool and convert MRTG to use RRD storage to avoid system overload.Continue Reading
Measuring data center energy consumption in watts per logical image
While power usage effectiveness (PUE) and data center infrastructure efficiency (DCIE) are common ways to measure data center energy efficiency, concerns that these numbers can be manipulated have led one expert to propose a new data center energy ...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
Configuring YUM on Linux
YUM is a package manager for RPM systems, it is made to update groups of machines without having to update each specific RPM. Learn how to configure it using yum.conf and get some basic commands. Yum allows use of a single command to update all ...Continue Reading
How to install and configure MRTG, an essential sys admin tool
Multi Router Traffic Grapher (MRTG) is an essential tool that allows systems administrators to monitor and graph network traffic and more. In this tutorial, an expert explains how to install and configure MRTG on Solaris 10.Continue Reading
Recovering your Linux server with a Knoppix rescue disk
Learn how to recover data on your Linux server if it doesn't boot properly using Knoppix, and how to mount the Linux file systems on your server with step-by-step instructions. How to troubleshoot and interpret server data from the fdisk -l command ...Continue Reading
Top 50 universal Unix commands
Learn about the top 50 most helpful Unix commands for administrators out of the thousands that exist. Use case examples are provided, along with links to other resources.Continue Reading
The Ext4 file system: A real improvement in Linux file storage?
The Ext4 file storage system is now integrated into the Linux kernel and supported by the major distributions. Should you switch from your Ext2 or Ext3 set-up? With complete backwards compatibility, there is little reason not to make the jump ...Continue Reading
Keys to successfully running Samba in a production environment
Running Samba in a heterogenous production environment with Linux/Unix and Windows systems is critical to business. Learn best practices for configuration, backup, and support. Proper implementation of change control, keeping an updated version of ...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
A look at real-world exploits of Linux security vulnerabilities
From unprotected NetBIOS shares, null sessions in Samba, to poorly configured FTP servers, your Linux system may be open and waiting for hackers. Learn how hackers can get into your Linux servers through these weaknesses and what you can do to ...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
Preventing a data center power outage
Today's data centers run a greater risk of running out of power and experiencing outages. In this tip, an expert discusses how to monitor data center power and strategies to reduce power demand, such as virtualization, colocation, and ...Continue Reading
Understanding green IT and data center energy-efficiency regulations
With many green IT and data center energy-efficiency regulations already in place and more on the way, it's important to understand these policies and their effects on your business. In this tip, learn about current and pending IT environmental ...Continue Reading
Optimizing server energy efficiency
Reducing data center energy consumption is a hot topic in the IT industry, but server energy efficiency has only recently become a focus of discussion. Improving server efficiency means optimizing the main components that impact a server's overall ...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
TPC-E: New IT benchmarks for OLTP database servers
The Transaction Processing Performance Council (TPC) has released TPC Benchmark E (TPC-E) for online transaction processing (OLTP) database servers. TPC hopes that the new benchmark for database server performance, which is an update to TPC-C, will ...Continue Reading
Using flywheel power for data center uninterruptible power supply backup
Using flywheels for data center uninterruptible power supply backup can offer benefits over traditional power storage, including less restrictive cooling and ventilation requirements, a longer lifespan, less maintenance, and more.Continue Reading
Five common Linux security vulnerabilities you may be overlooking
Contrary to popular belief, Linux has security risks, that if not addressed can lead to malicious attacks of your system. Linux system administrators need to make security vulnerability testing a priority.Continue Reading
Using OpenSSH for secure network tunnels on Linux
SSH is secure enough to be used across nonsecure private and public Internets. Learn the basics of SSH execution and how to implement and optimize SSH tunnels with Linux. SSH tunneling features allow remote traffic to be sent through the tunnel, ...Continue Reading
Server cluster failure considerations to maintain a fault-tolerant data center
Server clustering can help you achieve a fault-tolerant data center, but cluster failures can cause problems if your heartbeat monitoring system is on the same network as your production workload. An expert discusses the problems he encountered with...Continue Reading
The pros and cons of brand-name vs. black-box servers
Are servers from brand-name manufacturers worth the cost, or do generic black-box servers offer more bang for your buck? Users should weigh price, features and support options.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
When to use SELinux: An introduction to security-enhanced Linux
Confused about security-enhanced Linux (SELinux)? Find out what it is and how and where to implement this Linux security system. Ken Milberg explains its origins and provides some good advice for implementing the system in your Linux distribution ...Continue Reading
When to use Solaris vs. Linux: Operating system comparison
When should you go with Solaris and when should you go with Linux? What about OpenSolaris – what is it exactly and where does this fit into the mix? Ken Milberg describes the advantages of the three operating systems, and suggests how each may...Continue Reading
Run CICS in batch to beat a shrinking batch window
As batch windows are getting shorter, it becomes harder to run traditional VSAM-based CICS systems. Try running CICS in batch as a low-cost solution.Continue Reading
Linux distributions ranked for speed, security, support, performance: Whirlwind Tech Tour
How do Linux distributions compare in terms of performance, support services, security and speed under different enterprise conditions? Linux experts compare Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise and Ubuntu against these criteria.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
Solve the startup error 00161 and 00163 with IBM TP600?
Error 00161 on an IBM TP600 may be due to a faulty CMOS battery, and 00163 may relate to your version of utility PS2 EXE.Continue Reading
Print Partitioned Data Set (PDS) sequentially
The IEBPTPCH utility on MVS can help you to print the members of a Partitioned Data Set (PDS) together in a sequential data set.Continue Reading
FTP, JCL to append several files simultaneously
Use FTP and the Job Control Language to place several files on the same directory and append them all to the mainframe.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
Comparing blades with rack servers on price, performance
Are blades or rackmount servers more cost-effective? Several experts weigh in on the factors to consider, including space constraints, power consumption, and performance.Continue Reading
Ensuring server time synchronization with NTP on SLES
Synchronize your SUSE Linux Enterprise Server times using NTP time server. Two servers are recommended for enterprise situations, as redundancy will save the day in case of a disaster.Continue Reading
Repairing SUSE Linux Enterprise Server using a Rescue CD
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server offers a Rescue CD for repairing the system if your hardware causes a crash at reboot. This tip shows you how to use it.Continue Reading
Use DFHLS2WS to expose CICS applications as a Web service
DFHLS2WS is one of the Web services assistants that allows traditional CICS applications to provide or consume Web services without significant changes and without getting into the details of SOAP or XML coding.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
Which database is best for multiple platforms: Windows, Linux and Unix
Linux expert Ken Milberg offers advice on database selection for the heterogeneous data center, and recommends Oracle based on market share, support and technical abilities.Continue Reading
The future of the mainframe in healthcare: Two scenarios
Mainframe use in the healthcare industry may look different depending out the outcome of the 2008 presidential election. Each candidate has a different healthcare system proposal that would be a change from the present system.Continue Reading
How to troubleshoot RHEL performance bottlenecks
This tip provides a step-by-step approach to application-tuning, troubleshooting bottlenecks and enhancing performance on RHEL 5 systems.Continue Reading
Data center commissioning: Data center construction runbook, Chapter 4
Selecting a data center commissioning agent may be just as important as the design firm you select. Chapter 4 of the data center construction runbook outlines the commissioning process, how to select a commissioning agent and common pitfalls to ...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
Chilled-water production optimization for data center cooling
Optimizing chilled-water production is a little-noticed practice that can reduce data center energy consumption. This article outlines optimal configuration of the water chiller system, control strategies and equipment selection, which is the first ...Continue Reading
Using External Call Interface (EXCI) to access CICS
In this CICS tip, mainframe expert Robert Crawford outlines how to use External Call Interface (EXCI) to access CICS from anywhere on the mainframe.Continue Reading
Solaris 10 Trusted Extensions vs. SELinux
Solaris 10 Trusted Extensions and SELinux are best suited to different system requirements and administrator skill sets. Our security expert explains the distinction and recommends when to implement each.Continue Reading
Using OpenSSL to create and manage certificates
Establishing an independent certificate authority with OpenSSL enables you to create public key certificates and to verify that these public keys are authentic and that email messages are secure.Continue Reading
IBM z10 mainframes and event-driven architectures: Pull the trigger
The mainframe is becoming better able to support service oriented architectures (SOAs), and therefore EDAs, than ever before. Enterprise driven architecture's (EDA) ability to offer real-time decision support will make it the next "big thing," and ...Continue Reading
Frameworks or platforms for IT infrastructure management: Are they worth it?
The utility of frameworks for IT management has been hotly debated. Are they worth it? Do they save time? Defining what frameworks actually are is the first step. Richard Ptak will drive to do just that in his first column for SearchDataCenter.com ...Continue Reading