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• vendor lock-in

  Vendor lock-in is a situation in which a customer using a product or service cannot easily transition to a competitor's product or service. Continue Reading

• edge data center

  An edge data center is a small data center that is located close to the edge of a network. Continue Reading

• Tips to use the Cockpit web consoles

  Admins that use Cockpit to manage Linux servers can use the web consoles to add users, build firewalls and perform other tasks. Use these web consoles to oversee your servers. Continue Reading

• screen scraping

  Screen scraping is a data collection method used to gather information shown on a display to use for another purpose. Continue Reading

• How to install Cockpit for Linux

  Linux admins will need to use some of these commands to install Cockpit and configure firewalls. Admins can also connect to one or more servers through Cockpit via these steps. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • What is a shell script and how does it work?
  • What is MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage)?
  • What is a real-time operating system (RTOS)?
  • What is infrastructure (IT infrastructure)?

  • What is a data center administrator (DCA)?
  • What is ITIL? A guide to the IT Infrastructure Library
  • What is continuous modeling (data center continuous modeling)?
  • What is National Electrical Code (NEC)?

  View All Definitions

• data center as a service (DCaaS)

  Data center as a service (DCaaS) is the provision of off-site physical data center facilities and infrastructure to clients.Continue Reading

• Energy Star

  Energy Star is a government-backed labeling program that helps people and organizations save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by identifying factories, office equipment, home appliances and electronics that have superior energy efficiency.Continue Reading

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

  Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, more commonly known as LEED, is an environmentally oriented building certification program run by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).Continue Reading

• mainframe (big iron)

  A mainframe (also known as 'big iron') is a high-performance computer used for large-scale computing purposes that require greater availability and security than a smaller-scale machine can offer... (Continued)Continue Reading

• 4 PowerShell modules every IT pro should know

  Find out how to use four of the most popular PowerShell community modules in the PowerShell Gallery to help better manage your data center and automate certain tasks.Continue Reading

• IBM Roadrunner

  Roadrunner was a supercomputer developed by IBM at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.Continue Reading

• pizza box server

  The term 'pizza box server' refers to the shape of a computer server enclosed in a rectangular and horizontally- arranged chassis and often installed in a rack with similar servers.Continue Reading

• job scheduler

  A job scheduler is a computer program that enables an enterprise to schedule and, in some cases, monitor computer 'batch' jobs (units of work).Continue Reading

• Use Cockpit for Linux remote server administration

  Linux admins can use Cockpit to view Linux logs, monitor server performance and manage users. Use the tool to help admins manage servers, regardless of experience level.Continue Reading

• statistical mean, median, mode and range

  The terms mean, median, mode, and range describe properties of statistical distributions.Continue Reading

• heartbeat (computing)

  In computing, a heartbeat is a program that runs specialized scripts automatically whenever a system is initialized or rebooted.Continue Reading

• Fedora

  Fedora, also known as Fedora Linux, is a popular open source Linux-based operating system (OS).Continue Reading

• crontab

  Crontab is a Unix command that creates a table or list of commands, each of which is to be executed by the operating system (OS) at a specified time and on a regular schedule.Continue Reading

• Words to go: 6 key data center sustainability metrics

  When organizations go green in their data center, they will have to measure the facility's efficiency and environmental impact. Use sustainability metrics to get started.Continue Reading

• Everything you need to know about Linux man pages

  Admins who aren't familiar with a command can use Linux man pages for better understanding. This tutorial outlines how to access Linux manuals and the value they provide.Continue Reading

• data center infrastructure efficiency (DCiE)

  Data Center Infrastructure Efficiency (DCiE) is a metric used to determine the energy efficiency of a data center. The metric, which is expressed as a percentage, is calculated by dividing IT equipment power by total facility power.Continue Reading

• Quantum data centers might be the way of the future

  Quantum computing has lots of potential for high compute applications. But the technology is still in the early stages, so it may be a while before more data centers adopt it.Continue Reading

• Learn different data lake vs. data warehouse uses

  Data lakes and data warehouses both store big data. When choosing a lake or warehouse, consider factors such as cost and what insights or analytics you need to gain from the data.Continue Reading

• How to check an IP address in Linux

  In a Linux system, IP addresses correspond with a public or private network. This tutorial outlines how to find public and private IP addresses with Linux commands.Continue Reading

• Learn what SDN data center controllers do in a network

  In a software-defined network, SDN data center controllers are a crucial component. Consider factors such as performance and compatibility when examining controller options.Continue Reading

• ambient temperature

  Ambient temperature is the air temperature of any object or environment where equipment is stored.Continue Reading

• hot spot/cold spot

  A hot spot/cold spot is an undesirable, tightly focused local temperature variation, which often occurs when data center equipment is improperly cooled.Continue Reading

• ISO 50001 (International Organization for Standardization 50001)

  ISO 50001 (International Organization for Standardization 50001) is a voluntary standard for designing, implementing and maintaining an energy management system.Continue Reading

• How to use file server reporting in FSRM

  File server reporting within File Server Resource Manager can help admins identify problems and then troubleshoot Windows servers. This tutorial outlines how to generate reports.Continue Reading

• Bourne shell

  The Bourne shell is the original Unix shell -- command execution program, often called a command interpreter -- that was developed in 1979 at what at the time was Bell Labs.Continue Reading

• data integrity

  Data integrity is the assurance that digital information is uncorrupted and can only be accessed or modified by those authorized to do so.Continue Reading

• raised floor

  A raised floor is a data center construction model in which a slightly higher floor is constructed above the building's original concrete slab floor, leaving the open space created between the two for wiring or cooling infrastructure.Continue Reading

• How to implement file classification in file servers

  File classification with File Server Resource Manager enables admins to classify and organize data. This tutorial shows how to implement and manage file classifications.Continue Reading

• Spine-leaf (spine-leaf architecture)

  Spine-leaf, or leaf-spine, is a two-layer network topology composed of spine and leaf switches.Continue Reading

• computer room air conditioning (CRAC) unit

  A computer room air conditioning (CRAC) unit is a device that monitors and maintains the temperature, air distribution and humidity in a data center, network or server room.Continue Reading

• Create file server screens and quotas in FSRM

  File Server Resource Manager can help data center admins keep track of what files get stored on their servers and how much space users take up. Learn to use key FSRM features.Continue Reading

• data center management

  Data center management refers to the set of tasks and activities handled by an organization for the day-to-day requirements of operating a data center.Continue Reading

• economizer

  An economizer is a mechanical device that reduces the amount of energy used to cool a data center or other buildings.Continue Reading

• z/OS

  Introduced in 2000, IBM z/OS is a 64-bit mainframe operating system (OS) developed by IBM for its family of enterprise z/Architecture mainframe computers.Continue Reading

• GNU/Linux

  GNU/Linux is a Unix-like operating system made up of different OS components and services that create the Linux OS.Continue Reading

• ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)

  ASHRAE was formed in 1959 by the merger of the American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHAE), founded in 1894, and the American Society of Refrigerating Engineers (ASRE), founded in 1904.Continue Reading

• Evaluate 5G networks vs. 4G for data centers

  5G networking requires organizations and data centers to support IoT, while 4G requires increased machinery. Learn more about the differences between 5G and 4G for data centers.Continue Reading

• green data center

  A green data center is a repository for the storage, management and dissemination of data in which the mechanical, lighting, electrical and computer systems are designed to maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact.Continue Reading

• Break down types of data center storage

  Data centers should consider alternate varieties of storage for different uses. Explore hybrid storage arrays, virtual storage, cloud storage and on-premises architecture.Continue Reading

• power usage effectiveness (PUE)

  Power usage effectiveness (PUE) is a metric used to determine the energy efficiency of a data center.Continue Reading

• Data center temperature and humidity guidelines

  ASHRAE maintains a recommended list of humidity and temperature level standards for data centers. Discover how to keep your data center environment in tiptop shape.Continue Reading

• power distribution unit (PDU)

  A power distribution unit (PDU) is a device for controlling electrical power in a data center.Continue Reading

• data center infrastructure management (DCIM)

  Data center infrastructure management (DCIM) is the convergence of IT and building facilities functions within an organization.Continue Reading

• Uptime Institute's data center tier standards

  Data center tiers are a system created by Uptime Institute LLC to describe the availability of infrastructure resources in a facility.Continue Reading

• mechanical refrigeration

  Mechanical refrigeration, often referred to simply as refrigeration or air conditioning, is a process by which heat is removed from a location using a human-made heat exchange system.Continue Reading

• kernel panic

  A kernel panic refers to a computer error from which the system's operating system (OS) cannot quickly or easily recover.Continue Reading

• data center resiliency

  Resiliency is the ability of a server, network, storage system or an entire data center to recover quickly and continue operating even when there has been an equipment failure, power outage or other disruption.Continue Reading

• Discover disaster recovery and backup for edge networks

  Proper backup and DR at the edge requires an awareness of the specific challenges edge devices present, and appropriate plans and tooling to help ease management.Continue Reading

• Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

  Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is an enterprise Linux operating system (OS) developed by Red Hat for the business market.Continue Reading

• SMP (symmetric multiprocessing)

  SMP (symmetric multiprocessing) is the processing of programs by multiple processors that share a common operating system and memory.Continue Reading

• 8 things to know when switching from Windows to Linux

  Switching to Linux from Windows can present new challenges for beginner Linux admins. Here are eight tips to keep in mind when adopting a Linux OS if you've only used Windows.Continue Reading

• 64-bit processor (64-bit computing)

  A 64-bit processor refers to a microprocessor that can process data and instructions in chunks of 64 bits.Continue Reading

• multicore processor

  A multicore processor is an integrated circuit that has two or more processors attached for enhanced performance and reduced power consumption. These processors also enable more efficient simultaneous processing of multiple tasks, such as with ...Continue Reading

• hot/cold aisle

  The hot and cold aisles in the data center are part of an energy-efficient layout for server racks and other computing equipment.Continue Reading

• IBM IMS (Information Management System)

  IBM IMS (Information Management System) is a database and transaction management system that was first introduced by IBM in 1968.Continue Reading

• computer room air handler (CRAH)

  A computer room air handler (CRAH) is a device used frequently in data centers to deal with the heat produced by equipment.Continue Reading

• ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

  ANSI (American National Standards Institute) is the primary organization for fostering the development of technology standards in the United States.Continue Reading

• Unix

  Unix -- trademarked as UNIX -- is a multiuser, multitasking operating system (OS) designed for flexibility and adaptability.Continue Reading

• Categories of twisted-pair cabling systems

  A twisted-pair cabling system is a cable consisting of one or several pairs of copper wires.Continue Reading

• Debian

  Debian is a popular and freely available computer operating system (OS) that uses a Unix-like kernel -- typically Linux -- alongside other program components, many of which come from GNU Project.Continue Reading

• utility computing

  Utility computing is a service provisioning model where a provider makes computing resources, infrastructure management and technical services available to customers as they need them.Continue Reading

• What to know about data center fire protection

  Protect your data center from potential fire hazards through proper mitigation, detection and suppression. Then, create a plan for recovery in the event of a fire.Continue Reading

• RAIN (redundant/reliable array of inexpensive/independent nodes)

  A reliable array of independent nodes (RAIN) is a heterogeneous cluster of compute and storage nodes connected in a fault-tolerant network topology that incorporates multiple interfaces and redundant hardware.Continue Reading

• SUSE

  SUSE (pronounced soo-sah) is a multinational company that offers enterprise-grade open source products based on Linux technologies.Continue Reading

• water cooling

  Water cooling, also called liquid cooling, is a method used to lower the temperature of computer processor units (CPUs), and sometimes graphics processor units (GPUs).Continue Reading

• Create data center electrical safety guidelines

  Compose a comprehensive electrical safety strategy and keep your data center staff safe from electrical hazards. Learn what best practices and standards you should consider.Continue Reading

• abend (abnormal end)

  An abend (abnormal end) is an unexpected or abnormal termination of an application or operating system that results from a problem with the software.Continue Reading

• capacity on demand (COD)

  Capacity on demand (COD) is a purchasing option that allows companies to receive equipment with more computer processing, storage or other capacity than the company needs at the time of purchase, and have that extra capacity remain unused and unpaid...Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud strategy blends public, private cloud benefits

  When opting for a hybrid cloud infrastructure during digital transformation, migrating applications and workloads to the cloud doesn't necessarily dictate vacating the premises.Continue Reading

• Cygwin

  Cygwin is a collection of open source tools that allows Unix or Linux applications to be compiled and run on a Microsoft Windows operating system (OS) from within a Linux-like interface.Continue Reading

• HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning)

  HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.Continue Reading

• high-performance computing

  High-performance computing (HPC) is the practice of using parallel data processing to improve computing performance and perform complex calculations.Continue Reading

• bash (Bourne again shell)

  Bash (Bourne Again Shell) is the free and enhanced version of the Bourne shell distributed with Linux and GNU operating systems.Continue Reading

• grid computing

  Grid computing is a system for connecting a large number of computer nodes into a distributed architecture that delivers the compute resources necessary to solve complex problems.Continue Reading

• GNU General Public License (GNU GPL or GPL)

  The GNU General Public License, often shortened to GNU GPL (or simply GPL), lists terms and conditions for the copying, modification and redistribution of open source software.Continue Reading

• lights-out management (LOM)

  Lights-out management (LOM) is a form of out-of-band management.Continue Reading

• Red Hat

  Red Hat is a software company that combines open source Linux operating system components with related programs into a distribution package that customers can order.Continue Reading

• CICS (Customer Information Control System)

  CICS (Customer Information Control System) is middleware that sits between the z/OS IBM mainframe operating system and business applications.Continue Reading

• motherboard tattoo

  A motherboard tattoo is a colloquial term once used to denote an ID code that is written in the basic input/output system (BIOS) of a computer to uniquely identify the computer.Continue Reading

• TCO (total cost of ownership)

  Total cost of ownership (TCO) is an estimation of the expenses associated with purchasing, deploying, using and retiring a product or piece of equipment.Continue Reading

• OLTP (online transaction processing)

  OLTP (online transaction processing) is a class of software programs capable of supporting transaction-oriented applications.Continue Reading

• single point of failure (SPOF)

  A single point of failure (SPOF) is a potential risk posed by a flaw in the design, implementation or configuration of a circuit or system.Continue Reading

• U (measurement)

  A U is a standard unit of measure for designating the height in computer enclosures and server rack cabinets.Continue Reading

• ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

  ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies.Continue Reading

• ISO 9000

  ISO 9000 is a series of standards, developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).Continue Reading

• Linux operating system

  Linux is a Unix-like, open source and community-developed operating system (OS) for computers, servers, mainframes, mobile devices and embedded devices.Continue Reading

• Considerations for sustainable data center design

  To design a green, sustainable data center, consider methods to improve energy conservation and efficiency. Then, look into green -- or greener -- energy source alternatives.Continue Reading

• 7 major server hardware components you should know

  Even with software-based data center options, it's still important to know the physical components of a server. Check out these terms to refresh your memory.Continue Reading

• Learn the difference between SMP vs. MPP

  Learn the differences between the main modes of multiprocessing: SMP, AMP and MPP. Each has a distinct use case that makes it suited for different data centers and organizations.Continue Reading

• 5 considerations for proper mainframe decommissioning

  As organizations decide to retire mainframe systems, IT pros should develop a plan that addresses application migration, program replatforming, data security and hardware removal.Continue Reading

• What is server sprawl and how to prevent it?

  Server sprawl is when multiple underutilized servers take up more space and consume more resources than can be justified by their workload.Continue Reading

• Explore hot and cold aisle containment for your data center

  Explore hot aisle and cold aisle containment for the data center, a practice that can reduce energy costs by helping better manage environmental factors.Continue Reading

• How to script a Bash shell argument

  This tutorial teaches you how to add arguments to your Bash scripts, which can simplify and automate a variety of Linux tasks in the data center and eliminate hassle.Continue Reading

• Electric plugs for each country

  Discover the electrical plugs, outlets and voltages used in different countries around the world.Continue Reading

• Programmable processor technology for next-gen data centers

  The right processing technology can benefit your data center. Learn about advancements in CPU technologies, recent vendor offerings and important market trends.Continue Reading