Features

Features

• How to sell a small business in the IT services, VAR space

  Get advice on how to sell a small business in the MSP and VAR space, including determining the business valuation and finding a potential buyer.  Continue Reading

• How to mitigate risk associated with a customer's potential data breach

  Find out what steps to take to protect your business and reduce the risk associated with the inevitable data breach at a customer site.  Continue Reading

• Verticalization of cloud applications: Channel play

  Channel companies are seeing potential in the verticalization of cloud applications, in which cloud ERP, CRM services are adapted for verticals.  Continue Reading

• KPIs: Monitoring VAR business metrics for a better bottom line

  Find out how your peers are monitoring their VAR business metrics, identifying trends and making operational changes to improve the bottom line.  Continue Reading

• Using AuditPol to audit Windows users and set policies

  Solution providers may find value in the AuditPol utility for auditing and organizing Windows users, setting policies and configuring settings such as user privileges.  Continue Reading

• Forming a vSphere upgrade strategy: Upgrading vCenter Server and ESX, ESXi

  During the vSphere upgrade process you will need to upgrade your customer’s vCenter Server, ESX and ESXi hosts and virtual machines. Get the best upgrade methods in this chapter excerpt.  Continue Reading

• Creating, viewing and installing Oracle Solaris 10 into a domain

  Check out the proper commands to create a guest domain, view its devices and install Oracle Solaris 10 into it while monitoring the domain's activity.  Continue Reading

• Configuring, implementing Logical Domains in Oracle Solaris 10

  Learn what separates Logical Domains from other hypervisors and use this excerpt to find out all the relevant information for VARs on domain implementation and configuration.  Continue Reading

• Setting up and installing applications in Windows XP Mode

  After installing Windows XP Mode on Windows 7, you will need to set it up properly. Follow the steps in this chapter excerpt to perform tasks such as installing applications.  Continue Reading

• Enabling VMware HA, DRS: Advanced vSphere features

  Learn how to configure vSphere features such as VMware HA and DRS that will ease VM management if a host failure occurs and help balance resources in your customer's environment.  Continue Reading

• VSphere Fault Tolerance requirements and FT logging

  To provide continuous availability for a VM in case of a host failure, you'll need a strong understanding of VSphere Fault Tolerance (FT) requirements and FT logging.  Continue Reading

• Working with configuration files in Linux systems

  Learn how to find and edit configuration files in your customers' Linux systems by using the shell commands provided in this chapter excerpt.  Continue Reading

• Linux/UNIX directories and shell commands for VARs

  The Linux/UNIX directories and shell commands listed in this chapter excerpt will be valuable to solution providers trying to customize their customers' Linux environments.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 R2 editions and Hyper-V licensing FAQ

  Knowing the capabilities of all Windows Server 2008 R2 editions and how they pertain to Hyper-V licensing will prevent issues from popping up when selling Windows Server 2008 R2.  Continue Reading

• How to use nsswitch.com to find Linux system information

  In this chapter excerpt, learn to find information in your customers' Linux systems by using nsswitch.conf to search for information types, including netgroups or networks, and method searches such as dns or nis.  Continue Reading

• Linux DHCP server and client: Configuration and deployment

  DHCP offers several benefits that you can't get from storing network configuration information in local files. Learn the best practices for a successful Linux-based DHCP server and DHCP client configuration and deployment.  Continue Reading

• Parallel processing: Using parallel SQL effectively

  Using parallel processing only makes sense for your customers in specific situations. Find out when to use parallel SQL with the Oracle databse to avoid excessive usage.  Continue Reading

• Using parallel SQL with Oracle parallel hint to improve database performance

  Enhance customers' Oracle database performance by using parallel SQL with an Oracle parallel hint, enabling a SQL statement to be simultaneously processed by multiple threads or processes.  Continue Reading

• Parallel execution: Determining SQL suitability, benefits

  When deciding whether SQL is suitable for parallel execution, consider the factors listed in this chapter excerpt, such as the execution time needed for SQL statements.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Management Shell, Queue Viewer: Message tracking tools

  Learn how Exchange 2010 message tracking tools, such as Queue Viewer, allow solution providers to uncover potential mail flow issues in their customers' Exchange Server 2010 systems.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring Exchange Server 2010 : Using event logs, ExBPA

  Using the Exchange Best Practices Analyzer (ExBPA) for an Exchange health check and monitoring event logs will help keep Exchange Server 2010 at peak performance.  Continue Reading

• Hardware devices for Windows 7: Installation, management

  Ease Windows 7 management by knowing the different types of hardware devices, such as internal drives, that can be installed, and how to use Windows Update for driver downloads.  Continue Reading

• Using the Disk Management MMC to manage Windows 7 disks

  The Disk Management MMC snap-in can simplify Windows 7 management by helping with tasks, such as converting disks from basic to dynamic or creating a new striped volume.  Continue Reading

• MMC console management: Adding Windows 7 snap-ins

  From ActiveX Control to Task Scheduler, there are many Windows 7 snap-ins available. Check out the different user and configuration settings that manage a customer's MMC console.  Continue Reading

• Choosing between Red Hat Enterprise Linux backup utilities

  Determining a backup schedule and which Linux utilities, such as tar or dump/restore, to use in your customer's environment can be crucial decisions in case of a disaster.  Continue Reading

• How to save Perfmon data using Windows 7 performance monitor

  There is a great deal of performance data to sort through in Windows 7, but the performance monitor uses data collector sets to allow you to view and analyze collected data.  Continue Reading

• Windows task manager: Viewing Windows 7 processes and applications

  If applications or processes in a customer's Windows 7 operating system aren't responding, you can use the task manager to view, end and restart them.  Continue Reading

• Using system properties to configure Windows 7 options

  The system properties dialogue box in Windows 7 is split up into five tabs that let you change your customer's computer name or dual-boot settings.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 administrative tools: Creating shortcuts

  Windows 7 administrative tools such as the iSCSI Initiator may be under your radar, but you can use them to help customers more easily manage everyday tasks.  Continue Reading

• HA cluster configuration: Requirements and steps

  Consider these requirements and settings, such as admission control, prior to a HA cluster configuration and use the HA restart priority and isolation response post-configuration.  Continue Reading

• Using Microsoft Cluster Services for virtual machine clustering

  Microsoft Cluster Services are useful for the different virtual machine (VM) clustering scenarios that are available, such as cluster in a box, and help with cluster node creation.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 compatibility: Solving Hardware, software issues

  Windows 7 compatibility has improved over previous Windows versions, especially when it comes to finding and installing hardware easily, and overcoming software incompatibilities.  Continue Reading

• How to restore system state backup in Windows Server 2008 R2

  Use this chapter excerpt to find out how to perform a bare-metal recovery and system state recovery in Windows Server 2008 R2, including how to use Windows system recovery tools.  Continue Reading

• Windows server backup in Windows Server 2008 R2

  Take a look at the best practices for Windows server backup in Windows Server 2008 R2, including configuring backup settings and performing system state and bare-metal backups.  Continue Reading

• SAS-2: Benefits and drawbacks of the newest Serial Attached SCSI version

  Learn about the latest version of Serial Attached SCSI, SAS-2, including which segment of the market it holds advantages for, how it compares with Fibre Channel and SATA, and its key drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• VCenter Server installation requirements

  Properly preparing for a vCenter Server installation involves identifying hardware, operating system, database and networking requirements before implementation.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Server 2010 server roles, prerequisites, high availability

  When installing Exchange Server 2010, you need to have an understanding of server roles, prerequisites and high availability, which are all key topics in this chapter excerpt.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Server 2010 requirements: Hardware, Active Directory

  You should know the hardware and Active Directory requirements for Exchange Server 2010 before deployment, including the memory needed and global catalog server placement.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell remoting in Windows Server 2008 R2

  Learn the best methods to enabling PowerShell remoting in Windows Server 2008 R2, including using cmdlets or the Server Manager to configure PowerShell remoting.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell commands in Windows Server 2008 R2

  Use this chapter excerpt to learn about PowerShell commands for Windows Server 2008 R2, as well as other PowerShell uses, features, enhancements and command types.  Continue Reading

• Using PowerShell ISE and alias cmdlets

  This chapter excerpt details what PowerShell ISE can offer solutions providers, including command and script panes, and how to use alias cmdlets to administer new aliases.  Continue Reading

• Using Remote Desktop Services Manager, RDS CAL

  Solutions providers can use the Remote Desktop Services Manager and its tab options to view user information and get expert advice on identifying and adding a RDS CAL.  Continue Reading

• Adding Remote Desktop Services and RemoteApp programs

  There are factors that solutions providers need to consider when adding Remote Desktop Services, such as which role services to use, and steps to follow to add RemoteApp programs.  Continue Reading

• Remote Desktop Services: Server and client requirements

  In this article, you'll learn about Remote Desktop Services server and client requirements and how to retrieve information on the RDS server using the Performance Monitor tool.  Continue Reading

• New virtual machine management using VMM, PowerShell

  Use this chapter excerpt to get tips for new virtual machine management, including how to add a managed host to Virtual Machine Manager by using PowerShell scripts.  Continue Reading

• Virtual machine migration via Windows PowerShell scripts

  These Windows PowerShell scripts will help solutions providers to ensure that the process for both single and multiple virtual machine migrations will be completed quickly.  Continue Reading

• Using Windows PowerShell scripts for task automation

  Solutions providers will find that executing Windows PowerShell scripts for task automation will make jobs, such as creating virtual machines or consolidating old servers, easier.  Continue Reading

• VSphere virtual machine migration tools: vCenter converter

  Using virtual machine migration tools such as vCenter Converter will make converting customers' virtual machines to vSphere a smooth process for solutions providers.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 system monitoring: Resource Monitor, Performance Monitor

  Help your customers get a handle on PC resource usage and bottlenecks with two built-in Windows 7 system monitoring tools: Resource Monitor and Performance Monitor.  Continue Reading

• IT systems management: The production acceptance process

  This chapter excerpt on IT systems management explains how solutions providers can benefit from production acceptance and details the steps to effective implementation.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 system diagnostic reports: Using Performance Monitor

  Using the Performance Monitor, solutions providers can view Windows 7 system diagnostic reports to resolve performance issues and prevent problems before they occur.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Windows 7 hardware and performance issues

  Solutions providers need to be aware of the top methods for troubleshooting Windows 7 hardware and performance issues, including how to properly deal with error messages.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Windows 7 errors

  Use this FAQ when troubleshooting Windows 7 to get answers to commonly asked questions on Windows 7 errors and dealing with hardware problems.  Continue Reading

• Resolving a Windows 7 crash or freeze

  This FAQ helps solutions providers give users the best assistance when Windows 7 issues arise, such as the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), crashes and random freezes.  Continue Reading

• Choosing between kernel virtualization methods

  Take a look at the different kernel virtualization methods presented in this chapter, including the pros and cons of shared kernel virtualization and the OpenVZ kernel.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Windows 7 system maintenance tools

  Our expert answers commonly asked questions about maintaining Windows 7 using Remote Assistance, determining which maintenance tools are most useful and how often they should run.  Continue Reading

• Performing an automated Ubuntu install using preseeding

  When performing an automated Ubuntu install, preseeding is an integral part of the process. Learn the different variables and settings necessary for a basic preseed configuration.  Continue Reading

• Understanding run-level scripts in Fedora 11 and RHEL

  Solutions providers can use run-level scripts in Fedora 11 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) to start certain services and execute various commands.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring VMware vSphere performance using alarms

  Find out how to create and manage alarms using vCenter Server and learn the steps to configuring vCenter Server for email and notifications.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring vSphere performance with vCenter Server performance graphs

  vCenter Server's performance graphs provide solutions providers with detailed information on vSphere performance, including CPU, memory, disk, network and system data.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring vSphere CPU and memory usage

  Use this chapter excerpt to learn how to create real-time graphs for virtual machines, CPU consumption and memory usage.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring vSphere performance with command-line tools

  Use this chapter excerpt to learn about VMware's command-line utilities that can help solutions providers with monitoring customers' performance and resource usage.  Continue Reading

• Setting Windows 7 environment variables

  This chapter excerpt can teach you how to use Windows 7 environmental variables to locate your customers' system files and folders.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 command-line tools and programs

  Learning how to use Windows 7 command-line tools and programs can help solutions providers perform maintenance, configuration and diagnostic tasks for customers.  Continue Reading

• Installing and managing Hyper-V on Windows Server 2008 Server Core

  Follow the necessary steps to install Hyper-V on Windows Server 2008 Server Core and learn how to remotely manage your customers' Hyper-V environments.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2008 hardware and software requirements

  Solutions providers can use this chapter excerpt to learn about the various hardware and software requirements for SQL Server 2008 in 32-bit and 64-bit environments.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring Hyper-V performance and utilizing System Center VMM

  See the benefits of monitoring Hyper-V performance and utilizing System Center Virtual Machine Manager, including centralized management and organized placement of virtual machines.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Windows 7 hardware requirements and compatibility

  Use this FAQ to learn about Windows 7 hardware requirements and notebook compatibility factors, and find out when you should recommend 32-bit vs. 64-bit architecture.  Continue Reading

• Installing, configuring and testing a UPS for Windows 7

  This chapter excerpt teaches you how to choose a UPS for multiple Windows 7 workstations and provides step-by-step processes for UPS installation, configuration and testing.  Continue Reading

• WIndows 7 dual monitor not working? Read these tips

  Use this chapter excerpt to get rules, tips and troubleshooting advice for setting up dual monitors in Windows 7 and adding a secondary display adapter.  Continue Reading

• Adding and removing Windows 7 hardware

  Use this chapter excerpt to become an expert on adding PnP and non-PnP hardware. You'll also get tips on providing drivers for hardware, troubleshooting and removing hardware.  Continue Reading

• Key concepts for server, storage and client virtualization

  This chapter excerpt explores the different aspects of IT virtualization, such as server, storage and client virtualization, and covers virtual servers and virtual data storage.  Continue Reading

• Optimizing Windows 7 application performance

  Reading these application performance optimization tips will help you launch and install applications efficiently while optimizing Windows 7 to run programs more effectively.  Continue Reading

• Improving Windows 7 performance by optimizing the hard disk

  Examining hard disk specifications, including speed and seek time, or learning to enable write caching or disable compression can help you achieve optimal Windows 7 performance.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 virtual memory performance optimization

  In order to ensure virtual memory performance optimization in Win 7, you need to consider page file customization techniques, location, size, how to split a page file and more.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 performance monitoring tools

  Use updated tools such as Performance Monitor, Resource Monitor or Task Manager to focus on specific performance aspects and capabilities while enhancing and measuring system performance.  Continue Reading

• Common SaaS problems that occur after implementation

  There are still a few problems you can run into after implementing Software as a Service and this list can help you prepare clients for connection or software application issues.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 SaaS implementation considerations

  Once you go through this list of the top 10 considerations for implementing Software as a Service (SaaS), you will be ready to tackle SaaS implementation head on. These tasks are meant to ensure that there are no surprises in the implementation ...  Continue Reading

• Configuring virtual networking for Microsoft Hyper-V

  In this chapter excerpt from "MCTS: Windows Server Virtualization Configuration Study Guide: (Exam 70-652)," you'll learn about the various tools that can help with virtual networking configuration tasks.  Continue Reading

• Using the Ubuntu Linux system monitor tool

  Learn how to use the Ubuntu Linux system monitor tool with this chapter excerpt from "Ubuntu Linux Secrets."  Continue Reading

• Ubuntu Linux installation and hard drive setup guide

  Learn how to set up a client's hard drive for proper Ubuntu Linux installation with this chapter excerpt.  Continue Reading

• Ten steps for smooth desktop virtualization deployment

  Pulling off a successful desktop virtualization deployment project means you have to first understand which virtualization method is best for your client. This 10-step plan addresses common mistakes that are made in desktop virtualization deployment...  Continue Reading

• Virtual desktop infrastructure: Five tips for improving virtual desktop performance

  Implementing virtual desktop infrastructure means that you have to switch emphasis from a client's local processing power to server processing power and network connectivity. Learn how to improve desktop performance and prevent errors before they ...  Continue Reading

• Thin clients vs. thick clients for desktop virtualization

  Find out when you should recommend thin clients or PCs (aka thick clients) to your desktop virtualization customers.  Continue Reading

• VMware ESX essentials: Fibre Channel and iSCSI

  This section of our chapter excerpt on storage from the book "VMware ESX Essentials in the Virtual Data Center" explains the differences between Fibre Channel and iSCSI as well as the configurations a client is able to use when working with VMware ...  Continue Reading

• Network virtualization explained

  Virtualization has moved beyond just server and storage capacities and now encompasses the network as well. Learn about network virtualization considerations to understand before deployment, some major opportunities in network virtualization for ...  Continue Reading

• Implement access control systems successfully in your organization

  Access control is an important step toward mitigating an organization's security risks. Learn the importance of an access control system and how to implement it successfully.  Continue Reading

• Key considerations in developing a storage area network design

  The best storage area network design for your customers will take into consideration a number of critical issues: uptime needs, scalability, security and disaster recovery. Find out how each of these factors will influence storage area network ...  Continue Reading

• Introduction to business intelligence tools and reporting

  As businesses grow and accumulate more data, the role of business intelligence reporting grows and becomes more complicated. Learn about the business intelligence tools and approaches VARs use to grow their businesses and stay ahead of the ...  Continue Reading

• Strategies for disaster recovery contingency planning

  Create strategic disaster recovery plans for your clients and protect them from data loss if a disaster should strike. This feature article introduces the second installment of our Disaster Recovery Hot Spot Tutorial  Continue Reading

• Network design documentation

  Inadequate network documentation can lead to a multitude of problems for solution providers. Learn the importance of network documentation and what network design documentation a solution provider needs from customers.  Continue Reading

• Network design considerations checklist for providers

  There are many network design considerations that every solution provider should take into account before embarking on a network design project. Knowing these trends and caveats will help you make the best network design planning and network design ...  Continue Reading

• Configuring privilege levels

  This section of the chapter excerpt focuses on supporting multiple administrative levels of router configuration.  Continue Reading

• Channel Explained: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

  VoIP has emerged as a convenient, reliable and cost-effective network option for businesses of all sizes. In this Channel Explained you'll learn how VoIP works, what to consider before deploying it in a company, and how to take advantage of the ...  Continue Reading

• What should be included in a managed services agreement?

  A well-written managed services agreement should provide a common understanding of the services to be performed by the managed services provider for the client. Learn why the managed services agreement is often the first step taken by MSPs, the ...  Continue Reading

• What are the 3 core deliverables of basic MSP offerings?

  Developing an efficient managed services offering is essential to building loyal clientele. Learn about the three core deliverables that comprise a managed services offering.  Continue Reading

• How to write an IT service-level agreement

  A service-level agreement (SLA) is a document that clearly lays out your responsibilities as a client's managed services provider. Learn how to write an SLA to protect your managed services business by avoiding confusion with customers that can lead...  Continue Reading

• Top 5 data migration tools

  Today's unprecedented rate of data growth means there's big opportunity for integrators around data migration services. Learn which tools are the best in five different categories.  Continue Reading

• Validated firewalls

  Firewalls need to be checked and validated to ensure proper function before they are put into production. This section of the chapter excerpt will deal with validating and maintaining firewalls.  Continue Reading

• Securing Windows Server 2008: Installing and turning on BitLocker

  Aaron Tiensivu covers steps for installing and turning on BitLocker in Windows Server 2008 in this chapter excerpt.  Continue Reading