Data center ops, monitoring and management
Data center operations are the fundamental workflows that keep a data center operating. Monitoring and management of data center resources comprise the most central data center ops. Learn more about data center software and best practices for monitoring and managing devices and equipment across the data center.
Top Stories
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News
19 Dec 2024
VMware by Broadcom changes to continue in 2025
After a year of lawsuits, customer confusion and a restructuring of the core business, VMware by Broadcom has much to prove in 2025 to avoid future irrelevancy in the data center. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2024
Top data center infrastructure management software in 2025
DCIM tools can improve data center management and operation. Learn how six prominent products can help organizations control costs, manage energy and track assets. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Sep 2023
Consider these 6 data center cleaning best practices
Data center admins that follow cleaning best practices can extend the life span of equipment and better ensure assets don't get damaged. Use these six tips to keep data centers clean. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Sep 2023
Guide to data center migration types
Businesses that rely on physical and cloud storage need to use data migration to simplify their infrastructure and choose from three major types to accommodate specific needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Aug 2023
unified computing system (UCS)
A unified computing system (UCS) is a converged data center architecture that integrates computing, networking and storage resources to increase efficiency and enable centralized management. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Aug 2023
Cloud vs. traditional data center: Which is right for you?
Enterprises can choose to place workloads in the cloud vs. on-premises data centers, or take a hybrid approach. Check out the factors that can help make the decision. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Aug 2023
Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC)
Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC) is an eight-bit encoding scheme that standardizes how alphanumeric characters, punctuation and other symbols are interpreted by a computer's operating system (OS) and applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Aug 2023
logical partition (LPAR)
A logical partition (LPAR) is a subset of a computer's processor, memory and I/O resources that behaves much like a physical server. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Aug 2023
An introduction to quantum networks and how they work
Quantum networks hold potential for faster and more secure communication. But true quantum networks are still experimental and require more engineering and scientific research. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Aug 2023
Ubuntu
Ubuntu (pronounced oo-BOON-too) is a free, open source operating system (OS) based on Debian Linux. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
31 Jul 2023
How to configure SELinux for applications and services
Admins need to follow six steps to configure SELinux properly to run applications and services. This tutorial walks you through how to configure the security system. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
26 Jul 2023
A primer for edge infrastructure deployments
There are several questions to ask and approaches to consider regarding edge storage and infrastructure. An example of use may help your organization decide on implementation. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2023
real-time monitoring
Real-time monitoring is the delivery of continuously updated data about systems, processes or events. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jul 2023
8 benefits of data center virtualization
Organizations with virtualized data center components can save on hardware, comply easier with regulations and increase speed. Consider virtualization for your infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jul 2023
Assess the environmental impact of data centers
Data centers have faced scrutiny about their environmental impact in recent years. Assess their impact to find ways to reduce the environmental damage. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jul 2023
What is the best OS for Docker?
Admins that want to run Docker containers can choose from Linux distros, including Ubuntu Core, RancherOS and others. Compare options for Docker OSes. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jul 2023
Data center cooling challenges and how to solve them
Data centers that are not properly cooled can see equipment work inefficiently or become damaged. Learn some common cooling challenges and assess ways to solve them. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jun 2023
COTS, MOTS, GOTS and NOTS
COTS, MOTS, GOTS and NOTS are abbreviations that describe prepackaged software or -- less commonly -- hardware purchase alternatives. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Jun 2023
Reimaging, innovating, securing cloud-native at SUSECON 2023
At SUSECON 2023, SUSE announced cloud-native AI-based observability with Opni and alluded to more announcements this year. Leaders emphasized cloud-native tech and modernization. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jun 2023
Linux swappiness
Linux swappiness is a kernel parameter that determines how aggressively the Linux virtual machine (VM) swaps pages between memory and the swap space on the system's disk. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jun 2023
logical network
A logical network is a software-defined network topology or routing that is often different than the physical network. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jun 2023
Data center tiers and why they matter for uptime
Organizations should consider data center tiers of colocation providers or for their own data centers based on their uptime needs. Examine the differences among the four tiers. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jun 2023
Explore Red Hat's bring-your-own-subscription model for RHEL
Many organizations use pay-as-you-go models with public cloud providers to run their Red Hat products in the cloud. Explore how bring-your-own-subscription differs. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jun 2023
moves, adds and changes (MAC)
Moves, adds and changes (MAC) refers to a set of tasks that IT teams regularly perform to keep computing equipment up to date and aligned with user and business requirements. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2023
VergeIO's new IOfortify halts ransomware spread
Diminutive snapshots, a new alert system and code improvements empower the software of HCI vendor VergeIO against ransomware attacks in its latest release. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jun 2023
Strategies to work toward data center decarbonization
Global temperatures are rising, and organizations can do their part by decarbonizing their data centers. Examine ways to cut back on data center carbon emissions. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jun 2023
Compare two Linux security modules: SELinux vs. AppArmor
Use SELinux or AppArmor to protect Linux servers, but examine the differences between them. AppArmor is easier to use but does not give admins as much control as SELinux. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 May 2023
Differences between Green Globes vs. LEED for data centers
Consider Green Globes and LEED certifications when building green data centers. Learn the differences in how the assessments are done, the costs and documentation needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 May 2023
load shedding
Load shedding (loadshedding) is a way to distribute demand for electrical power across multiple power sources. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 May 2023
Learn about the Azure Stack HCI benefits for admins
The hyper-converged infrastructure offering promises to reduce the headaches associated with running virtualized workloads on hardware sourced from multiple vendors. Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 May 2023
Nutanix lays out vision for multi-cloud PaaS
Organizations face challenges with complexity across IT infrastructure. Nutanix aims to simplify with a PaaS platform that extends across many locations. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 May 2023
Network Configuration Protocol (NETCONF)
The Network Configuration Protocol (NETCONF) is an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) network management protocol that provides a secure mechanism for installing, manipulating and deleting the configuration data on a network device such as a firewall, router or switch. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 May 2023
watt
A watt (symbolized W) is the standard unit of power or radiant flux in the International System of Units (SI). It is derived from the SI base units kilogram (kg), meter (m) and second (s), all of which are constructed from the standard's defining constants. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2023
Make mainframe operations efficient with these strategies
Mainframes affect organizational bottom lines. An expert outlines some key strategies to maintain reliability while keeping mainframe operation costs in check. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2023
How to use ChatGPT for mainframe application management
ChatGPT can help IT admins manage mainframe applications by converting, optimizing and improving code. Also, it can create checklists and provide advice for mainframe management. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 May 2023
A primer on quantum computing storage and memory
Quantum computing storage and memory are quite different from traditional storage. The implications for storage capacity, for example, are extraordinary. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 May 2023
Aruba Atmosphere '23 emphasizes agility matters
HPE Aruba Networking positioned its Atmosphere conference as looking at what comes next, but the subtext was all about agility as the company tightens its integration. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 May 2023
edge data center
An edge data center is a small data center that is located close to the edge of a network. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 May 2023
10 companies building quantum computers
Many companies big and small are building quantum computing capabilities in the software and hardware space. Here's what some offer and what they're building for the future. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 May 2023
What's involved in cloud repatriation cost calculation?
The costs associated with cloud repatriation go beyond the migration itself. IT managers must account for any new hardware, backup requirements and available skilled personnel. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 May 2023
TCPView
TCPView is a Windows network monitoring utility that shows a graphical representation of all currently active TCP and UDP endpoints on a system. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 May 2023
C shell
C shell (csh) is a Unix shell that provides a command-line user interface (UI) to interact with an operating system (OS). Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2023
5 steps for mainframe migration
The complicated task of migrating time-tested mainframe environments calls for careful assessment, attention to technical details and thorough project planning. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2023
Understand top public cloud repatriation use cases
Cloud technology can pose billing, management and compliance issues. Here are five reasons why repatriating cloud workloads back on premises might be a better option. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2023
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
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Definition
03 May 2023
screen scraping
Screen scraping is a data collection method used to gather information shown on a display to use for another purpose. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Apr 2023
Clos network
A Clos network is a type of nonblocking, multistage switching network used today in large-scale data center switching fabrics. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Apr 2023
IT monitoring
IT monitoring is a process that gathers metrics on the operations of an IT environment. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
27 Apr 2023
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
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Definition
26 Apr 2023
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
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Definition
24 Apr 2023
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
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Definition
19 Apr 2023
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
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Definition
18 Apr 2023
Microsoft Cloud Witness
Microsoft Cloud Witness is a quorum witness for Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC) that uses Microsoft Azure as the arbitration point. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Apr 2023
Windows NT
Windows NT was a family of operating systems (OS) developed by Microsoft for personal computers and servers. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Mar 2023
pounds per square inch (PSI)
Pounds per square inch (PSI) is the pressure that results when a 1-pound force is applied to a unit area of 1 square inch. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Mar 2023
electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Mar 2023
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
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Definition
22 Mar 2023
Virtual Machine Disk format (VMDK)
VMware Virtual Machine Disk format (VMDK) is a format specification for virtual machine (VM) disk image files. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2023
ServiceNow's latest Now Platform focuses on AI, automation
ServiceNow doubles down on AI in its latest version of its Now Platform. Code-named Utah, the new version has several AI features intended to optimize business processes. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Mar 2023
Will data centers become obsolete?
Many organizations want to simplify or scale down their data centers -- but they won't disappear. Admins can examine as-a-service options and cloud to offload some applications. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Mar 2023
Can composable infrastructure and computational storage mix?
'Composable' and 'computational' are often said in the same breath, but how exactly are they related -- or not? While there are differences, a combination could serve enterprises. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Mar 2023
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
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Definition
28 Feb 2023
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
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Tip
28 Feb 2023
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
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Definition
28 Feb 2023
statistical mean, median, mode and range
The terms mean, median, mode, and range describe properties of statistical distributions. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Feb 2023
sudo (su 'do')
Sudo is a command-line utility for Unix and Unix-based operating systems such as Linux and macOS. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2023
Get familiar with who builds 5G infrastructure
Organizations that build 5G data centers may need to upgrade their infrastructure. These 5G providers offer products like virtual RAN options, wireless access routers and others. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Feb 2023
10 important components of SDN controllers
SDN controller features include modularity, APIs, clustering and GUIs. Read more in this chapter excerpt from 'SDN-Supported Edge-Cloud Interplay for Next Generation Internet of Things.' Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Feb 2023
heartbeat (computing)
In computing, a heartbeat is a program that runs specialized scripts automatically whenever a system is initialized or rebooted. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Feb 2023
boot
To boot (to boot up, to start up or booting) a computer is to load an operating system (OS) into the computer's main memory or random-access memory (RAM). Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Feb 2023
Fedora
Fedora, also known as Fedora Linux, is a popular open source Linux-based operating system (OS). Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Feb 2023
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
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Feature
08 Feb 2023
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
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Definition
03 Feb 2023
virtual address
A virtual address is a binary number in virtual memory that lets a process use a location in primary storage (main memory) or, in some cases, secondary storage. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2023
outsourcing
Outsourcing is a business practice in which a company hires a third party to perform tasks, handle operations or provide services for the company. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2023
Use ISO 50001:2018 as a guide for green data centers
Data centers use a lot of energy, and it can be difficult to navigate how to reduce energy use. ISO 50001:2018 provides guidance to create energy-saving plans and use targets. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
25 Jan 2023
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
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Definition
20 Jan 2023
anonymous FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
Anonymous File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a method for allowing users to access public files from a remote server or archive site without requiring them to identify themselves to the server or site. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jan 2023
interrupt request (IRQ)
An interrupt request (IRQ) is a signal sent to a computer's processor to momentarily stop (interrupt) its operations. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Dec 2022
friendly name
A friendly name is a term used to refer to a device, application file, certificate or other IT asset instead of its technical name. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Dec 2022
plane (in networking)
A plane is an integral component of telecommunications architecture and networks. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Dec 2022
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
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Answer
20 Dec 2022
NOC vs. data center: What's the difference?
Network operations centers and data centers are two facilities organizations use to store IT devices and manage operations. But they differ significantly in terms of purpose and operations. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Dec 2022
Classical vs. quantum computing: What are the differences?
Classical and quantum computers have many differences in their compute capabilities and operational traits. Know their differences to help prepare data centers. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2022
How to fix Active Directory account lockouts with PowerShell
With more apps and credentials to juggle, users can get blocked from their accounts after too many login attempts. Learn to use PowerShell to find and fix these issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2022
Compare these PowerShell front-end GUI tools
These offerings provide portals to avoid security issues and other stumbling blocks that hamper organizations from providing more wide-ranging use of PowerShell. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Dec 2022
normal distribution
A normal distribution is a type of continuous probability distribution in which most data points cluster toward the middle of the range, while the rest taper off symmetrically toward either extreme. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2022
Use NFPA data center standards to help evade fire risks
A fire in a data center can damage equipment, cause data loss and put personnel in harm's way. Look to NFPA fire protection guidelines to hedge your risk against data center fires. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Nov 2022
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
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Definition
22 Nov 2022
ambient temperature
Ambient temperature is the air temperature of any object or environment where equipment is stored. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Nov 2022
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
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Definition
09 Nov 2022
east-west traffic
East-west traffic, in a networking context, is the transfer of data packets from server to server within a data center. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2022
16 PowerShell commands for network troubleshooting
These 16 Windows PowerShell cmdlets, including Get-NetIPAddress and Test-Connection, help network administrators troubleshoot their network environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Nov 2022
Kusto Query Language primer for IT administrators
Administrators who use Microsoft cloud services, such as Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft 365, can learn how to pull information from those products with KQL queries. Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2022
HPE updates ProLiant servers bundled with GreenLake license
HPE added another software and service option with the new ProLiant servers featuring GreenLake, improved security software and Nextpoint services. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Oct 2022
A primer on CXL technology uses
The Compute Express Link, an open source memory interconnect, is gaining traction. Take a deep dive into why it's important and how it improves performance. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Oct 2022
Consider ethical technology issues with data center growth
Authors Harry Lewis and Ken Ledeen discuss ethical issues organizations should consider when expanding data center, data collection and technological capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2022
How to perform an AD group membership backup and restore
You can fix some problems with Active Directory with a few clicks, but things get difficult when they involve many layers of group membership. Here's a few ways to avoid trouble. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Oct 2022
Tips to build a data center airflow management strategy
Airflow in data centers is crucial for equipment health. While the hot aisle/cold aisle is popular, examine other options like side-to-side airflow and top-of-rack switches. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Oct 2022
How to avoid common GPO backup and restore problems
Group Policy Objects help admins maintain control of the enterprise environment, but it takes some planning to understand how to properly protect and recover GPOs to avoid trouble. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2022
DPUs vs. SmartNICs: What storage admins need to know
To determine whether a SmartNIC or DPU is right for their organization, admins must understand the capabilities of different kinds of NICs and DPUs. Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2022
ServiceNow buys Era Software to unify observability strategy
ServiceNow's acquisition of Era Software looks to strengthen the company's position in the observability market and make digital transformation projects easier to implement. Continue Reading