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• Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe, PCI-E)

  Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe or PCI-E) is a serial expansion bus standard for connecting a computer to one or more peripheral devices. Continue Reading

• data center services

  Data center services provide the supporting components necessary to the proper operation of a data center. Continue Reading

• converged infrastructure

  Converged infrastructure, sometimes called 'converged architecture,' is an approach to data center management that packages compute, networking, servers, storage and virtualization tools into a prequalified set of IT hardware. Continue Reading

• Use Glances to monitor your data center systems

  Glances is a real-time, Python-based performance monitor. Administrators with data centers that house multiple OSes should consider installing Glances. Continue Reading

• workload

  In computing, a workload is typically any program or application that runs on a computer. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe, PCI-E)
  • data center services
  • converged infrastructure
  • workload

  • runlevel
  • What is hyperconverged infrastructure? Guide to HCI
  • configuration management database (CMDB)
  • colocation (colo)

  View All Definitions

• An overview of containerized data centers and their benefits

  The rise in digital information is causing a shortage in data center storage space. Containerized data centers can be for permanent or temporary use.Continue Reading

• XML vs. YAML: Compare configuration file formats

  Databases use data serialization languages, like XML and YAML, to transfer data between applications. XML and YAML have different strengths; admins should know how to use each correctly.Continue Reading

• runlevel

  A runlevel is an operating state on a Unix and Unix-based operating system that is preset on the Linux-based system.Continue Reading

• What is hyperconverged infrastructure? Guide to HCI

  Hyperconverged infrastructure is a software-centric architecture that tightly integrates compute, storage and virtualization resources in a single system that usually consists of x86 hardware.Continue Reading

• configuration management database (CMDB)

  A configuration management database (CMDB) is a file -- usually in the form of a standardized database -- that contains all relevant information about the hardware and software components used in an organization's IT services and the relationships ...Continue Reading

• colocation (colo)

  A colocation facility (colo) is a data center or telecommunications facility in which a business can rent space for servers, storage devices, and other computing and networking hardware.Continue Reading

• A primer on AI chip design

  Four common AI chips -- CPU, GPU, FPGA and ASIC -- are advancing with the current market for AI chip design. Read on to see what the future holds for AI chips.Continue Reading

• logical volume management (LVM)

  Logical volume management (LVM) is a form of storage virtualization that offers system administrators a more flexible approach to managing disk storage space than traditional partitioning.Continue Reading

• hyperconverged appliance (HCI appliance)

  A hyperconverged appliance (HCI appliance) is a hardware device that provides multiple data center management technologies within a single box.Continue Reading

• shell program

  A shell program is software that provides users with an interface for accessing services in the kernel.Continue Reading

• Top 8 AI hardware companies

  Due to rapid AI hardware advancement, companies are releasing advanced products yearly to keep up with the competition. The new competitive product on the market is the AI chip.Continue Reading

• Rocky Linux vs. AlmaLinux: Which is better?

  Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux are new distributions created after Red Hat announced the discontinuation of CentOS. These distributions plan to be 1-to-1 compatible with RHEL.Continue Reading

• 8 Linux distributions to replace CentOS

  Red Hat's discontinuation of CentOS is causing individual users and companies to look elsewhere for an RHEL-compatible OS. Look into compatibility and migration tools to decide.Continue Reading

• Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL)

  An Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL) is a category ranking assigned to an IT product or system after a Common Criteria security evaluation.Continue Reading

• How to upgrade RHEL 8 to 9

  With CentOS 7 and RHEL 7 reaching end of maintenance, RHEL admins and developers must look into other OS options. Follow this tutorial to upgrade from RHEL 8 to 9.Continue Reading

• ducting (data center cooling)

  Ducting is an approach to air management that uses a series of metal or plastic pipes to carry heated or cooled air from one place to another.Continue Reading

• With CentOS going away, what should users do?

  Red Hat discontinued CentOS and replaced it with CentOS Stream. Other distributions, like Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux, provide free Linux OSes to the public.Continue Reading

• remote hands

  Remote hands is the general name for a service colocation providers offer that enables customers to delegate IT management and maintenance tasks in a colocation facility to technicians hired by the provider.Continue Reading

• How to use Vim in Linux

  This tutorial explains basic functions and commands used in Vim to complete simple tasks. Follow along to learn some beginner tips on how to install and use Vim in Linux.Continue Reading

• Top 11 Linux certifications

  Choosing among Linux certifications can seem daunting, but there are differences to all options that can help you decide which is best for you and your organization.Continue Reading

• brownfield (brownfield deployment, brownfield site)

  A brownfield deployment, in information technology, is the installation and configuration of new hardware or software that must coexist with legacy IT systems.Continue Reading

• baffle

  In data center hot aisle containment, a baffle is anything that disturbs the flow of air through a room, rack or system. A baffle changes the course of airflow or re-directs it.Continue Reading

• 7 common data center migration challenges to avoid

  Admins should consider seven common data center migration challenges upfront to save money, prevent data loss and avoid delays during the migration process.Continue Reading

• Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive

  The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive is a legislative act that the European Union adopted to address the growing amounts of e-waste that come from electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) at the end of its life.Continue Reading

• How to write an SELinux policy

  The NSA created the SELinux policy to provide security to applications. SELinux policies best suit an app under specific conditions, which can be found in this tutorial.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• assembler

  An assembler is a computer program that takes in basic instructions and converts them into a pattern of bits that the computer's processor can use to perform basic operations.Continue Reading

• job

  In certain computer operating systems, a job is the unit of work that a computer operator -- or a program called a job scheduler -- gives to the OS.Continue Reading

• Ubuntu

  Ubuntu (pronounced oo-BOON-too) is a free, open source operating system (OS) based on Debian Linux.Continue Reading

• Dell EMC VxRail

  Dell EMC VxRail is a hyper-converged appliance. Like VSPEX Blue -- the Dell EMC product that it replaced -- and other hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) systems, VxRail includes compute, storage, networking and virtualization resources in a single...Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• blade server

  A blade server, sometimes referred to as a high-density server, is a compact device containing a computer used to manage and distribute data in a collection of computers and systems, called a network.Continue Reading

• COTS, MOTS, GOTS and NOTS

  COTS, MOTS, GOTS and NOTS are abbreviations that describe prepackaged software or -- less commonly -- hardware purchase alternatives.Continue Reading

• multiprocessing

  Multiprocessing is the utilization of two or more central processing units (CPUs) in a single computer system.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Data center redundancy: The basics

  Downtime can cost businesses thousands, and redundancy is one way to minimize disruptions. Assess uptime requirements when building redundancy in data center facilities.Continue Reading

• load shedding

  Load shedding (loadshedding) is a way to distribute demand for electrical power across multiple power sources.Continue Reading

• Navigate Energy Star data center standard and certification

  Organizations can use the Energy Star data center standard and certified assets to be more energy efficient. Consider Energy Star certification to preserve capital and save energy.Continue Reading

• 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

• Understand the uses of blockchain in data centers

  Blockchain is most famous for its cryptocurrency applications, but data centers can employ it for a variety of business-related reasons -- including increased security.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

• 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

• green computing

  Green computing, also known as green technology, is the use of computers and other computing devices and equipment in energy-efficient and eco-friendly ways.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

• 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

• Fedora

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

• kernel

  The kernel is the essential foundation of a computer's operating system (OS). It is the core that provides basic services for all other parts of the OS.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

• uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

  An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that allows a computer to keep running for at least a short time when incoming power is interrupted.Continue Reading

• Data center cooling systems and technologies and how they work

  Extreme heat and cold can keep equipment from operating at peak efficiency. Explore cost-efficient and cost-effective cooling technologies and smart options for your facility.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