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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
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
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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
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
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
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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
How to calculate data center cooling requirements
Data center cooling requirements are affected by several factors, including the equipment's heat output, the floor area, facility design and electrical system power rating.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
A data center -- also known as a datacenter or data centre -- is a facility composed of networked computers, storage systems and computing infrastructure that organizations use to organize, process, store and disseminate large amounts of data.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
ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is a framework designed to standardize the selection, planning, delivery, maintenance and overall lifecycle of IT services within a business.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
real-time operating system (RTOS)
A real-time operating system (RTOS) is an OS that guarantees real-time applications a certain capability within a specified deadline.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
green computing
Green computing, also called green technology, is the environmentally responsible use of computers and related resources.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
How to check your CPU in a Linux system
You can issue commands through your Linux CLI to gather CPU information, including detailed information on cores, class, virtualization support, architecture and usage.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
Discover the three major CentOS clones
Free, open source AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux and VzLinux are clones of the popular CentOS Linux distribution, which became a rolling release from IBM Red Hat.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
white box server
A white box server is a data center computer that is not manufactured by a well-known brand name vendor.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
technological convergence
Technological convergence is a term that describes bringing previously unrelated technologies together, often in a single device.Continue Reading
information technology (IT)
Information technology (IT) is the use of any computers, storage, networking and other physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data.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
VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method)
VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method) is a file management system for IBM's larger operating systems now called z/OS.Continue Reading
wireless sensor network (WSN)
A wireless sensor network is a group of specialized transducers with a communications infrastructure that uses radio to monitor and record physical or environmental conditions.Continue Reading
hardware clustering
Hardware clustering is a hardware-based method of turning multiple servers into a cluster (a group of servers that acts like a single system).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
supervisor call (SVC)
In computers, especially IBM mainframes, a supervisor call (SVC) is a processor instruction that directs the processor to pass control of the computer to the operating system's supervisor program.Continue Reading
JCL (job control language)
JCL (job control language) is a language for describing jobs (units of work) to the MVS, OS/390, and VSE operating systems, which run on IBM's S/390 large server (mainframe) computers.Continue Reading
job
In certain computer operating systems, a job is the unit of work that a computer operator gives to the operating system.Continue Reading
plenum
In buildings, a plenum is a separate space provided for air circulation for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (sometimes referred to as HVAC) and typically provided in the space between the structural ceiling and a drop-down ceiling.Continue Reading
MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage)
MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage) is IBM's best-known operating system for mainframe and large servers. Released in 1974, MVS successor systems include OS/390 and z/OS.Continue Reading
RPM Package Manager (Red-hat Package Manager)
RPM Package Manager (RPM), originally called the Red-hat Package Manager, is a program for installing, uninstalling, and managing software packages in Linux.Continue Reading
ISAM (Indexed Sequential Access Method)
ISAM (Indexed Sequential Access Method) is a file management system that allows records to be accessed either sequentially or randomly.Continue Reading
Electric plugs for each country
Discover the electrical plugs, outlets and voltages used in different countries around the world.Continue Reading
field-replaceable unit (FRU)
In computer systems, a field-replaceable unit (FRU) is a circuit board or part that can be removed and replaced without having to send the entire product or system to a repair facility.Continue Reading
epoch
In a computing context, an epoch is the date and time relative to which a computer's clock and timestamp values are determined.Continue Reading
raceway
A raceway is an enclosed conduit that forms a physical pathway for electrical wiring and protect wires and cables from heat, corrosion, water intrusion and other environmental threats.Continue Reading
GNOME (GNU Network Object Model Environment)
GNOME (GNU Network Object Model Environment, pronounced gah-NOHM) is a graphical user interface (GUI) and set of computer desktop applications for users of the Linux operating system.Continue Reading
twisted pair
Twisted pair is the ordinary copper wire that connects home and many business computers to the telephone company. (Continued...)Continue Reading
boot loader (boot manager)
A boot loader, also called a boot manager, is a small program that places the operating system (OS) of a computer into memory.Continue Reading
scalability
Scalability is the ability of a computer application or product (hardware or software) to continue to perform well when it (or its context) is changed in size or volume in order to meet a users need.Continue Reading
Mathematical symbols
This table contains mathematical symbols and links to definitions of what they represent and how they are used.Continue Reading
high availability (HA)
High availability (HA) is the ability of a system to operate continuously without failing for a designated period of time.Continue Reading