What is Server Management? Best Practices for Server Management and Problem Resolution

Today nearly every company relies on IT systems. At the heart of these systems lies server management, which is crucial for storing data, running software, managing emails, and hosting websites. With a dependable server, your entire IT setup can continue.

While many businesses are transitioning to cloud solutions, a significant portion still operates in a mixed setup, utilizing both cloud and on-premises servers. Hence, understanding and practicing effective server management remains essential.?

In this article, we'll look into the fundamentals of server management and highlight fundamental best practices.

What is Server Management?

Server management covers the upkeep and oversight necessary to keep your servers running smoothly. The goal is to maintain peak server performance.?

This involves handling backups, ensuring security, and managing both software and hardware components. The primary objective is to enhance server reliability and provide a secure foundation for your IT operations.?

Additionally, server management allows for easy scalability to adapt to your organization's changing requirements.

Some Basics of Server Management

Server management is a big part of IT work & it covers many tasks in the department. Let's focus on the main aspects of looking after server systems:

Hardware Management

To begin with, good server management starts with the hardware. Proper functioning hardware is essential. In this area, there are specific hardware parts that need careful attention as part of any server care plan:

CPU

The CPU acts as the main processor in a server, handling all program tasks. Since it's crucial and gets a lot of use, it's important to keep an eye on it. If a CPU is pushed too hard, it can slow down tasks or even cause the whole system to crash. There are ways to manage this: you can upgrade the CPU, increase resources from other sources, stop heavy processes, or adjust settings to reduce the CPU's workload.

CPU Temperature

Servers naturally generate a lot of heat. That's why some web server locations are chosen for their cool environments, like underground or underwater spots. If CPUs get too hot, they can stop working properly.

Servers come with cooling systems and temperature sensors. This helps in managing servers, even from a distance. If a server gets too hot, an IT expert can turn it off to check what's wrong before it becomes a major problem. Often, overheating happens when the system is under too much pressure or if the cooling equipment fails.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is like a server's short-term memory, used for quick tasks and storing temporary data. The amount of RAM affects how well a system works, especially with demanding software. If there's not enough RAM, the system might run slowly, and some programs might not work properly.

Hard Drive

Hard drives store data in servers for a long time. They keep essential information, and sometimes they help with quick data access. But if they get too full, they can slow things down.

It's important to keep an eye on how much space is left on the hard drive. It's also crucial to check the hard drive's condition regularly to avoid any big problems or threats of losing data in the future.

Software Management

Software plays a vital role in your IT setup. It's important to regularly check and update software, similar to how you'd handle hardware. Knowing your software well helps spot and fix any performance problems.

Operating Environment

It's important to control the humidity and keep the server room cool. And to keep things safe, only people with permission should get access to the servers.

Security

Keeping IT safe is crucial, especially when managing servers. To ensure safety, here are some common steps:

• Always update software and firmware.
• Use and regularly update antivirus programs.
• Set up firewalls to block unwanted network access.
• Have a clear password policy and control who can access what.
• Make sure sensitive data is encrypted, whether it's stored or being sent.
• Use security tools like SIEM for monitoring.
• Follow best practices and any security rules or standards that apply.

Data Backup

Keeping data safe and ready for use is vital for security and keeping business running smoothly. Regularly backing up data and checking those backups is key. Losing data due to problems like cyber-attacks or accidents can be damaging.

There are different ways to backup data: saving it locally, storing it in the cloud, or using specific software for servers, whether they're physical or digital.

It's not just about setting up backups, though. They should be tested regularly to make sure they work when needed. For someone managing backups for many clients or systems, having a system that lets them handle everything from one place is helpful.

Power Backup?

To avoid losing data during a power cut, it's good to have a backup power plan. There are different ways to do this, like using uninterruptible power supplies (USPs). These devices have features like surge protection and can provide emergency power to keep the server going for a bit if the main power fails.

Best Server Management Practices

Server management can save time and money by preventing unexpected breaks. Any business must get it right. Here are some top tips to improve how you manage servers:

• Use of Antivirus

Having antivirus software on servers is crucial for protection against harmful software. While many users might use different security tools, running them all together can cause problems. If not managed well, these tools might clash or cause errors. While having extra security is good, it's important to manage them correctly to make sure they work together without issues and keep the servers safe.

• Monitor Your Drivers

Drivers connect your operating system, software, and computer parts, making them crucial for any organization. They determine how your system functions. So, it's essential to keep them updated. Updating them regularly prevents conflicts and ensures smooth operations. Using outdated drivers can lead to compatibility issues, so it's vital to schedule timely upgrades.

• Periodic Patch Management

Servers can be targets for viruses and malicious software, so protecting them is crucial. Network admins should have a solid plan to keep servers safe. Regularly updating with security patches is essential to guard against known threats.

Not keeping security tools up-to-date can leave gaps in your defenses. It's important to have a clear policy about when and how updates are done to prevent these security lapses.

• Regular Backup

No business can avoid every possible problem. Sometimes, data can get lost due to various reasons. Having backup files is essential to get that data back.?

Regular backups keep your server in good shape and make sure your business keeps running without hiccups. Good backups are key for recovering from disasters and keeping the business going.

• Managing Hardware

When servers start to lag, thinking about upgrading parts is a good idea. But it's essential not to go too far. You need to make sure all your current software and services still work when making changes.?

The goal is to keep things running smoothly without any downtime. If IT experts aren't sure about the server's needs, they should run tests first. These tests will guide them on the right upgrades to choose from.

• Inventory Control

When setting up a server, some hardware can be added right away. But items like new printers or monitors might be added later on. It's crucial to keep track of all the hardware and software connected to your server.?

Knowing what's connected helps you spot potential issues early on. Keeping an organized inventory map, showing which system connects to which server, makes troubleshooting faster and more efficient.

Final Take Away

While various tools can aid in managing servers, the expense of maintaining an in-house IT team can be substantial. Therefore, considering outsourcing to specialized professionals might be a cost-effective solution for many businesses. Prioritizing effective server management is not just about technology; it's about safeguarding the consistent and efficient functioning of your business operations.