Problem solve

Problem solve

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Using CICS event monitoring points (EMPs) for tuning and debugging

  Event monitoring points (EMPs), part of the CICS monitoring facility (CMF), allow for detailed data gathering when the CMF isn't enough. With EMPs, you can insert personalized code into CMF for application-specific tuning or debugging. This tip ...Continue Reading

• Creating an installation server for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

  When installing multiple SUSE Linux Enterprise servers, using an installation server can facilitate the process. This tip details how to create an installation server for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10.Continue Reading

• Build your own iSCSI SAN appliances, save money

  An open source storage area network (SAN) is a flexible, highly redundant failover option for the budget-conscious. But consider requirements like iSCSI, DRBD and monitoring softwareContinue Reading

• Solaris system performance tuning

  Solaris 10 systems need tuning and optimization in order to give the best performance given a certain system configuration and workload. The methods mentioned here are applicable to earlier Solaris versions and some other UNIX-based operating ...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

• How to use Unix file system snapshots

  File system snapshots are a great Unix systems administration tool. Learn how to use them to copy database files with minimal downtime.Continue Reading

• Uninterruptible power supply load bus synchronization: Yes or no?

  Should you consider paying the additional cost of a Load Bus Synchronization system for your uninterruptible power supply? Data center experts Syska Hennessy weigh in.Continue Reading

• Clonezilla: Not such a monster with expert guidance

  If your system crashes, the image server Clonezilla on Ubuntu can circumvent time-consuming troubleshooting procedures during recovery.Continue Reading