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.
Securing GRUB on Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Keep your Red Hat server safe from attackers by securing your GRUB boot loader with a password that will prevent unauthorized access to your hosts after a reboot. Continue Reading
Nagios: Balancing passive and active checks
The author of "Network monitoring with Nagios" suggests a workaround for balancing active and passive checks and explains the impact of service failures. Continue Reading
Electronic signatures in OpenOffice
How to create electronic signatures in OpenOffice 2.0. Continue Reading
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Defining event rules in Simple Event Correlation
Simple Event Correlation is an open source tool designed for reading incoming data feeds and performing actions based on user-defined rules. In this tip, we'll learn about defining different types of rules associated with events and correlation. Continue Reading
Converting Access files to OpenOffice
An office suite expert describes how to convert Access files to OpenOffice for a one-time use. Continue Reading
Dual-booting with a Linux Lenovo Thinkpad
For dual-booting with Windows, a desktop recommends installing Windows first before re-installing Linux.Continue Reading
Simple Event Correlation installation and configuration
Simple Event Correlation is an open source tool designed for reading incoming data feeds and performing actions based on user-defined rules. Learn how to install and configure this small- to medium-sized enterprise appropriate tool.Continue Reading
Triggers and mutating table errors in MySQL
Discover what can trigger mutating table errors MySQL and learn about the differences between statement and row triggers.Continue Reading
Combining OpenOffice.org text documents using master files
Using OpenOffice's master documents function allows you to make page numbering consecutive and generate a table of contents. Simplify your document dealings with this tip.Continue Reading
Troubleshooting mainframe to Linux FTP
Programming expert Mark Zelden offers some coding help to a user trying to FTP files from the mainframe to a Linux OS.Continue Reading
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Using the data pilot: OpenOffice.org Calc's answer to pivot tables
The data pilot, the OpenOffice equivalent to Excel pivot tables, is a useful feature that lets you apply functions and slice and dice data to see different parts of it in different ways. An expert demonstrates the basics of the data pilot, two ...Continue Reading
Unix to Linux: Migration steps and porting
Initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing must be considered when migrating from Unix to Linux. In this tip, an expert describes the issues involved in each of these phases and then discusses technical implementation.Continue Reading
MySQL Cluster vs. Oracle RAC
Shadow modules with PAM
Exporting data from an OpenOffice.org Base database
There is no clear-cut method for exporting data from OpenOffice 2.0's Base database, but you can learn how and get some handy shortcuts in this tip. In a snap, you'll get table data into a Writer document and turn it into a spreadsheet or delimited ...Continue Reading
Mainframe outsourcing trend beginning to reverse
For the last 15 years, the overall trend in IT has been towards outsourcing – but that trend is apparently beginning to reverse.Continue Reading
Migrating Active Directory into Linux: Many roads to Rome
Although Windows and Linux can provide similar functionality, you won't find one-to-one matching features when you are migrating an Active Directory repository to Linux. In this tip, an expert describes two methods for migrating user information ...Continue Reading
Planning your server environment
In this excerpt from TechTarget's upcoming book, "Servers and Storage," two experts discuss the support necessary for applications and clients, as well as financial implications when choosing between Windows and Linux/Unix.Continue Reading
OSSEC: The server and agent model
Get the benefit of regular alerts and status reports from configuring open source IDS/IPS OSSEC to run as a server and agent model.Continue Reading
Sybase ASE: Performance benefits of DPL and DRL
Take advantage of data page locking (DPL) and data row locking (DRL), two categories of data only locked (DOL) tables in Sybase ASE. These functions offer improved table scans, decreased logical I/O consumption and more.Continue Reading
Linux on 64-bit blades: Choosing the right servers and distributions
Mix Linux and 64-bit blades well, and you'll get super performance, stability and flexibility, says consultant Patrick Green. Here, he offers tips on how to avoid compatibility mishaps.Continue Reading
Host intrusion detection with OSSEC
Keep your corporate network secure with open source OSSEC, an intrusion detection and prevention services tool that provides host agent and file integrity agent capabilities on Windows and Linux. In this tip, a security expert provides a walkthrough...Continue Reading
PostgreSQL vs. SQL Server, Oracle: Enterprise-ready and able to compete
Why pay licensing costs and maintenance fees for proprietary databases when you can get open source RDBMS PostgreSQL for free? Discover the drawbacks and advantages to using PostgreSQL over Oracle or SQL Server.Continue Reading
Bringing data into OpenOffice 2.0's database
Getting data into OpenOffice Base isn't an intuitive process, but it is an easy one, says expert Solveig Haugland. Learn how to format data for Base, create a database for that data and bring it into Base.Continue Reading
Assessing criticality levels in the data center
Not all downtime has the same impact on business performance. Facilities experts Jerry Burkhardt and Richard W. Dennis provide a model on how to assess the Criticality Levels of your data center.Continue Reading
Account locking for Linux via PAM
Discover how to configure account blocking on a Red Hat host with PAM and prevent a potential denial-of-service attack caused by repeated locking of user accounts.Continue Reading
Seven tips for optimizing shell script security
Inherent weaknesses, a complex syntax and the general lack of consideration for security make writing secure shell scripts difficult. This tip focuses on major issues in shell script security across multiple shells.Continue Reading
Accessing remote MySQL DBs in VB6
MySQL expert Scott Noyes recommends downloading ODBC to connect within your VB project.Continue Reading
DAC and MAC safety
Security expert James Turnbull describes the difference between discretionary access control and mandatory access control and which is safer.Continue Reading
Sybase: Views vs. stored procedures
Sybase expert Mich Talebzadeh describes the similarities between views and stored procedures that can lead to differences in the speed of compilation.Continue Reading
Enlarging your Sybase database
In this tip, Dr. Talebzadeh gives helpful examples of removing unwanted transactions and code for boosting your master database capacity.Continue Reading
CICS command security
I'm running z/OS 1.4 and CICS TS 2.2 for CICS. Is there any way to monitor who used CEMT and command (SET,Perform) in CICS?Continue Reading
Sybase ASE on Linux: Getting rid of database deadlocks
Avoid hot spots and heap tables in Sybase ASE, says Sybase expert Mich Talebzadeh. Find out more solutions for detonating your database deadlocks in this tip.Continue Reading
Sybase vs. Oracle: 10 reasons to use Sybase on Linux
Despite its fall from market leadership, Sybase is still a strong enterprise offering, says database consultant Dr. Mich Talebzadeh. In this tip, he gives 10 reasons why Sybase on Linux bests other databases, particularly Oracle.Continue Reading
Viewing MS Word document track changes in OpenOffice
Office suite expert Solveig Haugland walks a reader through viewing Microsoft Word document changes in OpenOffice.Continue Reading
Linux sendfile and Apache servers: How an underused feature can offset overused resources
The sendfile() system call is an underused tool that can bring surprising performance benefits for an Apache server handling large payload data transfers among multiple clients.Continue Reading
Converting SQL Server stored procedures to MySQL dynamic query
In this expert response, MySQL authority Scott Noyes explains how syntax differences between Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL will affect queries.Continue Reading
Finding rows that exist in one table but not another
In this expert response, MySQL expert Scott Noyes offers two solutions for finding rows that exist in one table but not another.Continue Reading
Using ASHRAE specs for data center metrics
Measure proper temperature and humidity using Ashrae's Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments.Continue Reading
Testing a new Linux kernel while keeping the old one
This article describes how you can test out the most recent kernel release safely by creating a dual-boot system with two Linux kernels.Continue Reading
What is PAM?
Security expert James Turnbull describes PAM and how it enables two-factor authentication.Continue Reading
The CICS transaction gateway server basics and tuning
This tip will cover some CTG server basics including a few breadcrumbs about tuning and problem determination.Continue Reading
Migrating applications from Linux/Unix to Windows (or vice versa)
If you're planning a Win-to-Lin migration, it's important to consider how factors like platform-specific and -independent apps and source-ported apps will affect your future.Continue Reading
15 reasons why Sybase will be in your future
Sybase expert Mich Talebzadeh gives fifteen reasons for why Sybase will definitely be around for years to come.Continue Reading
NFPA 75: Raised floor fire protection
Utilizing separate suppression 'zones' for both above floor and sub-floor spaces is a common practice in areas where the subfloor contains a significant hazard/fuel load.Continue Reading
Top ten considerations for data center SLAs
Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are a hot topic in any organization. Many organizations are rolling out SLAs in an attempt to match IT infrastructure availability with the business objectives of the organization.Continue Reading
Mainframe virtualization: Old friends are often best
Mainframe virtualization is more attractive than ever, according to Big Iron guru Wayne Kernochan.Continue Reading
Halon and FM-200, part two
A reader wrote in and pointed out that comparing the two technologies seemed strange, "one is almost legislated out of existence and the other is suspect." See how our expert responded.Continue Reading
Hardware requirements for MySQL 5.0
MySQL expert Mike Hillyer recommends reserving at least 100 mb of RAM for MySQL 5.0 on Linux, among other things.Continue Reading
Avoiding deadlocks in ASE
Sybase expert Mich Talebzadeh gives tips on how to avoid deadlocks in ASE, such as using stored procedures and writing transactions to acquire locks in the same order on the system.Continue Reading
What's the best way to install a wall vapor barrier?
We have a 5,000 square foot computer room in the interior of a 40,000 square foot office, which is one floor of multi-story building. The computer room wall is 2HR rated with noise batts.Continue Reading
Installing and running Linux on IBM p5 systems
Mixing Linux with p5 architecture can help your IT shop reap rewards in support, gain the capacity to run on a 32-way system and more.Continue Reading
Overheating servers
Expert Robert McFarlane explains why servers can overheat, and offers some suggestions on how to fix it--before it costs big money.Continue Reading
Managing multiple desktops in KDE
Ever felt like you had a million applications open at once and no way to easily juggle them? Virtual desktops are the answer! In this tip, Mike McCallister explains how to use virtual desktops with KDE.Continue Reading
Running PostgreSQL in a cross-platform environment
PostgreSQL is a great open source database management tool that's compatible across platforms. This article by Robert Treat explains how PostgreSQL facilitates cross-platform development and points out various tools within PostgreSQL that help ...Continue Reading
YaST: Setting up a local SUSE Linux update server
Find out how Novell's SUSE Linux YaST utility can set up your client and server machines to collect updates as well as acting as the installation source for your desktops.Continue Reading
Pre-action dry pipe fire sprinklers versus wet pipe sprinklers
A reader wrote in wanting to know if pre-action dry pipe was still the standard in the data center. Expert Lance Harry responds.Continue Reading
Regulations for bank data centers
The most remarkable thing about spacing and zoning regulations related to the locations of banks and their datacenters is their absence. In fact, banks are likely to face more stringent codes related to the building of datacenter structures.Continue Reading
The mystery of the missing mail merge
Seeking a simpler mail merge solution for OpenOffice 2.0? This tip guides you through selecting your starting document, data source and the fields to insert.Continue Reading
Dropping a stored procedure properly
Sybase expert Mich Talebzadeh gives recommends how to drop a stored procedure properly.Continue Reading
Dual power question
We're building an existing room into a high thermal density datacenter. Our facilities HVAC rep intends to supplement the new CRAC Units with existing general house HVAC registers, to assist with managing the high heat loads. Will this arrangement...Continue Reading
CRAC units with existing HVAC
We're building an existing room into a high thermal density data center. Our facilities HVAC rep intends to supplement the new CRAC units with existing general house HVAC registers to assist with managing the high heat loads. Will this arrangement ...Continue Reading
Resolving issues with batch FTP
Expert Mark Zelden shares how to ensure batch ftp defaults are the same in test and production environments.Continue Reading
COBOL program that will run in z/OS and open in MS-Word
I want to write a COBOL program that will run in z/OS and create a sequential file that can then be FTP'd to a network drive and opened with MS-Word (MS-Office 2003) as a fully formatted Word document with page headers, tables, and paragraphs. Help?Continue Reading
Standards to run copper cables and cable up a patch panel
Are there any standards on how run copper cables and cable up a patch panel?Continue Reading
Best practices: A guide to cable management
What you will learn from this tip: This tip can help you maximize uptime by limiting bandwidth, distance, latency and congestion issues in your cable plant.Continue Reading
Deploying Linux: Should you pre-compile binaries or roll your own?
The completion of precompiled packages and maximizing machine performance are two powerful incentives for Windows admins to use Linux and compile an OSS package.Continue Reading
Quick guide: Knoppix, other tools that ease Windows-to-Linux PC moves
Get insights on software and resources for assessing the fitness of a specific hardware configuration before you commit to doing away with Windows in favor of Linux.Continue Reading
How-to: Working wonders with OpenOffice 2.0's Web Wizard
The OpenOffice 2.0 Web Wizard wowed this reviewer. Find out how to use it to open a whole new world of Web publishing without having to mess with DreamWeaver.Continue Reading
How to view XML files in z/OS after being FPTed
I want to transfer an XML file from Windows NT to a z/OS. The problem is that the file on the z/OS after FTP shows one very long record. How can I see the XML file on z/OS like I see it in an XML viewer?Continue Reading
Using DFH$MOLS with CMF performance records
For every transaction run on your system you can also see, among other things, CICS Monitoring Facility (CMF) performance records are very comprehensive and detailed. The transactions can show how much CPU it consumed under each TCB, how long it ...Continue Reading
How to get reports on OpenOffice 2.0 Base, part one
Learn how to use OpenOffice's 2.0 Base tool create a simple report and modify the report layout to your own taste and specifications.Continue Reading
Step-by-step how-to, part one: OpenOffice 2.0's new mail merge tools
OpenOffice 2.0's vastly improved Mail Merge Wizard 2.0 has the chops, and it's pretty cool, says OpenOffice expert Solveig Haugland. Find out how to use it in this step-by-step tour.Continue Reading
Invoking Web services from a batch job running z/OS
I am currently working on a POC, and we're looking for a way to invoke Web services from a batch job running in z/OS (V1R7). We know COBOL doesn't have a Web services capability, but perhaps we can invoke a Web services API from a C/C++ program or ...Continue Reading
Is it possible to share a VSAM file between CICS and batch processing for update?
Is it possible to share a VSAM file between CICS and batch processing for update? If so, how difficult is it to set up?Continue Reading
Connecting to existing databases in OpenOffice.org 2.0
In OpenOffice 2.0, how do you link to the perfectly good data you've got lying around? Here's how to do it, even if your data is living in Access, and it's not that hard.Continue Reading
Vulnerability scanning with Nessus: How to run a system scan
In the second tip in our series on running Nessus in the enterprise, our contributor takes you step-by-step through the process of running a system scan. View screenshots of the Nessus interface and learn commands for the Unix Nessus GUI.Continue Reading
Can I 'call' a CICS COBOL module from a batch COBOL program?
Find out what happens when you try to make a call to a CICS COBOL module from a batch COBOL program.Continue Reading
Running Sybase without the RUNSERVER file
Sybase expert Mich Talebzadeh describes how to start a server without the benefit of the RUNSERVER file by typing out the individual commands.Continue Reading
Top 10 things to review when developing a hardware scalability plan
Developing a plan for scalability for an application is based on many complex variables and requires a detailed analysis of the applications, operating systems, and hardware platforms to be used. Here are the top 10 items to include in your ...Continue Reading
CAN vs. CVE numbers
Security expert James Turnbull explains the difference between CAN and CVE numbers assigned to vulnerabilities and bugs.Continue Reading
Managing Samba-3.0.21: The pdbedit utility, part 2
The pdbedit tool in Samba-3 is the only one that can manage account security and policy settings important to businesses that must comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. If you're migrating from Windows to Linux, or remotely managing Samba-3, ...Continue Reading
Managing Samba-3.0.21: The pdbedit utility, part 1
If you're migrating from Windows to Linux, or remotely managing Samba-3, knowing how to prepare and use Samba-3 PDC is a must.Continue Reading
HRECALL and DASD tapes
Pros and cons of DASD options
I understand that when running Linux under VM, there are several DASD options -- all SAN, all OS/390 or a mix. What are the pros and cons of each? Are you better able to manage capacity and performance if you make all of the DASD VM minidisks as ...Continue Reading
Generating UUIDs in a CICS regions
Accessing an ESDS file that's open to CICS
Advice on accessing an ESDS file that is open to CICS for update from a batch COBOL program.Continue Reading
Managing Samba: Configuration for remote management, part 1
Find out how Samba-3's configuration tools help IT admins create transparency between Windows clients and Linux servers in this tip by Samba team co-founder John H. Terpstra.Continue Reading
Views vs. Stored procedures
Sybase expert Mich Talebzadeh describes the similarities between views and stored procedures that can lead to differences in the speed of compilation.Continue Reading
OpenOffice 2.0 tips: Creating database forms
OpenOffice expert Solveig Haugland explains table relations and how to create a data entry form linking separate tables.Continue Reading
SuSE Linux vs. Red Hat Linux
Open source software and applications expert Bernard Golden describes the differences between Red Hat Linux and SuSE Linux.Continue Reading
Rootkit levels of infection and mitigation
PaX team developers Ed Tittel and Justin Korelc describe St. Jude and St. Michael intrusion detection systems as coutermeasures against hackers' exploitive use of rootkit.Continue Reading
Minimum ceiling height for a data center
What do you recommend as the minimum ceiling height in a data center?Continue Reading
What is the kVA/rack limit?
According to the latest studies, power consumption per rack is increasing. What do you think about a boundary (or limit) in kVA per rack in ...Continue Reading
What is the architecture of DB2?
Deleting the top 10 rows in a table
Find out the best way to use the SQL DELETE statement to delete rows from a table.Continue Reading
DB2's DATE data type
This article describes how IBM implemented the DATE data type for DB2.Continue Reading
What SQL can be used in a compound SQL statement?
Basic DB2 buffering and memory guidelines
A high-level trip through DB2's memory structures.Continue Reading
OpenOffice tip: Everything about envelopes
OpenOffice expert Solveig Haugland walks users through the printing, formatting, and design processes for making a custom envelope.Continue Reading