Features

Features

• FAQ: VMware vSphere, ESX 4 and vCenter 4 installation

  These step-by-step processes for installing vSphere, ESX 4 and vCenter 4 will help you provide valuable virtualization implementation services for your customers.  Continue Reading

• Fedora 11 and RHEL init scripts and processes

  Learning Fedora 11 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) init scripts and processes will help you assist your customers when they have issues booting up their systems.  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

• Scheduling system tasks in Fedora 11 and RHEL

  Solutions providers can learn how to schedule system tasks at specific times in Fedora 11 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) by learning to use the at, batch, and cron facilities.  Continue Reading

• SSRS 2008 Report Manager architecture and scalability changes

  Managing reports, models, data sources, subscriptions and permissions will be simpler with SSRS Report Manager's new architecture changes and scalability enhancements.  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 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

• 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

• FAQ: Windows Server 2008 R2 performance monitoring

  Read through these frequently asked questions to learn about Windows Server 2008 R2 monitoring features and how to monitor system activity and create data collector sets.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Using Windows Server 2008 R2 performance reports

  Knowing how to view log data reports with the Performance and Reliability Monitor will ensure that you keep your customer's server operating system running at peak performance.  Continue Reading

• SMS 2003 to SC Configuration Manager 2007 post-upgrade considerations

  Solutions providers need to know the best methods when upgrading SMS 2003 clients as well as post-upgrade considerations, including site boundaries and the SMS SQL Monitor.  Continue Reading

• Upgrading SMS 2003 sites to System Center Configuration Manager 2007

  From accessing the initial splash screen to ensuring the installation and configuration processes are completed, every step of upgrading primary and secondary SMS sites is crucial.  Continue Reading

• SMS 2003 to System Center Configuration Manager 2007 in-place upgrade

  By running the prerequisite checker and finding out the site requirements for SMS 2003, conducting an in-place upgrade is a smooth process.  Continue Reading

• Upgrading to SQL Server 2005 and SC Configuration Manager 2007

  Use these steps to test a SCCM 2007 database upgrade, and run Upgrade Advisor to learn how to set up and prepare for a SQL Server 2005 upgrade.  Continue Reading

• SMS 2003 to System Center Configuration Manager 2007 migration

  There are a few different strategies to take into consideration when migrating from Systems Management Server 2003 to SCCM 2007, including the side-by-side and in-place approaches.  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

• Wireless networking services: An overview of cellular systems

  With more people going mobile and smartphones becoming more prevalent, offering wireless networking services to your customers can be lucrative. This book chapter explains the different kinds of wireless network systems, including the different ...  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

• SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services for high-availability deployment

  Solutions providers can use this chapter excerpt to learn about highly available Reporting Services installations and high-availability deployment considerations.  Continue Reading

• Key features in SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services editions

  Solutions providers can use this chapter excerpt to learn about the components of SQL Server Reporting Services that are available in the various SQL Server 2008 editions.  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

• Using Hyper-V Manager to create virtual machines and hard drives

  Using Hyper-V Manager to create virtual machines (VM) and hard drives while utilizing the VM Connection tool and Integration Services is crucial to new application deployment.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services for Internet deployment

  Solutions providers can use this chapter excerpt to find out about the various Internet deployment options available when using SQL Server Reporting Services.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 data center virtualization management tips

  Read about the hottest data center management topics, including the vSphere vs. Unified Computing System battle and best practices for consolidation and cost containment.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 installation steps

  Installing Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 is a complex procedure, and this chapter excerpt covers every step of the process, including how to check prerequisites.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 pre-installation tips

  This chapter excerpt gives tips on figuring out which Windows components you'll need for SCCM installation and how to upgrade the site database to SQL Server 2008.  Continue Reading

• Configuring Windows Server 2008 Server Core

  This chapter excerpt shows you how to make the necessary configuration changes in Windows Server 2008 after installation and details the best ways to install roles and features.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core changes and administration

  This chapter excerpt explains how Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core changes affect your customers' environments and how to make progress in Server Core administration.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation

  This chapter excerpt explains Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation options, how to determine your customer's need for Server Core and how to extend their software evaluation period.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 Server Core management options

  This chapter excerpt explains how to implement the Windows Server 2008 Server Core management options, including Terminal Services, TS RemoteApp, Remote Shell and MMC Snap-ins.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Upgrading to the Windows 7 operating system

  This FAQ has tips for helping customers that are considering Windows 7 upgrades and explains two different installation methods and various licensing options.  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

• 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

• How Windows 7 hardware upgrades affect licensing

  Find out how you can optimize and upgrade your customers' Windows 7 hardware without compromising Microsoft's End User License Agreement.  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

• Upgrading to Windows 7 hardware for maximum performance

  Find out how to upgrade your customers' Windows 7 hardware to meet performance demands by using ReadyBoost, changing BIOS settings, adding RAM and upgrading their hard disks.  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

• Top 10 server virtualization management and performance tips

  Use these tips to compare Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware vSphere, and get information on adding value to server virtualization projects and services.  Continue Reading

• Measuring green data center energy efficiency

  This chapter excerpt explains the importance of measuring your customers' data center efficiency and outlines the key elements to measure, including energy usage and carbon.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Windows 7 issues using online resources

  This list of reputable online resources helps you quickly troubleshoot Windows 7 problems. You'll also find tips on using System Restore and System Recovery Options.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Windows 7 problems by determining the root cause

  Here's a series of questions to ask when you're troubleshooting Windows 7 that will get you to the source of the issue.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 troubleshooting tools and tips

  Use this chapter excerpt to learn about Windows Diagnostic Infrastructure troubleshooting tools and to learn about disk diagnostics, resource exhaustion detection 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Optimizing Windows 7 startup performance for energy efficiency

  Are you looking for tips to optimize your Windows 7 startup in order to conserve energy? Find out how to improve startup performance, reduce BIOS checks, upgrade drivers and more.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 tips for creating Software as a Service business opportunities

  Now, more than ever, this economy is forcing VARs to adapt to their surroundings. These tips will help you generate business using the Software as a Service model.  Continue Reading

• Migrating to a Software as a Service environment

  The transition to Software as a Service (SaaS) isn't always a smooth one. Knowing the dos and don'ts of SaaS migration and implementation is essential when using SaaS offerings to meet clients' needs.  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

• 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 pitfalls when implementing Software as a Service

  Reading about the common issues that occur when implementing Software as a Service can save you time and money. Find out what these pitfalls are and how you can avoid them.  Continue Reading

• Scenarios for meeting customer network design requirements

  Test your skill at fulfilling customer network design requirements and prepare for the CCDA exam with chapter 17 from 'CCDA Official Exam Certification Guide, 3rd ed.' by Bruno & Jordan.  Continue Reading

• Running performance analysis after server virtualization

  After virtualization, you'll need tools to analyze server performance and predict data. This chapter excerpt helps you develop a performance overview and response time forecast.  Continue Reading

• Using continuous database integration and a database 'sandbox'

  There can be huge benefits to implementing automated and continuous database integration. See how a local database 'sandbox' can be useful when making database changes.  Continue Reading

• How to automate database integration

  This chapter excerpt follows a step-by-step approach for automating database integration and details how it is used to address challenges such as data changes. Go through the steps in this excerpt and learn best practices for continuous database ...  Continue Reading

• Designing an optimal Layer 3 for Cisco network service architectures

  This chapter from 'Authorized Self-Study Guide: Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures, 2nd ed.' examines a select number of topics on both advanced IP addressing and select design issues with Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Enhanced Interior ...  Continue Reading

• Next-generation network convergence: Transforming the business model

  Service providers need to establish a strong return on investment (ROI) as they build out their converged IP networks. Creating a network transformation plan will enable service providers to maximize the value offered by next-generation networks. ...  Continue Reading

• Top 10 resources on new Windows Server 2008 features

  This Windows Server 2008 cheat sheet has tutorials, a study guide, tips and advice that help you become an expert on Windows Server 2008 features.  Continue Reading

• Designing data centers for energy efficiency

  This section of the chapter excerpt explains how to improve efficiency when planning out your data center by considering design features such as floor layout, server configuration and floor vent tiles.  Continue Reading

• Benefits of using server consolidation for energy efficiency

  This chapter excerpt shows how server consolidation can eliminate server sprawl, increase utilization and reduce operating costs.  Continue Reading

• Upgrading to energy-efficient servers

  This chapter excerpt has information on consolidating servers, using power management tools and choosing energy-efficient servers and power supplies.  Continue Reading

• Designing basic campus and data center networks

  This chapter from "Designing for Cisco Internetwork Solutions (DESGN)" (Authorized CCDA Self-Study Guide) (Exam 640-863), 2nd Edition, introduces general campus switching and data center design considerations. Learn campus design considerations, ...  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Cloud-based computing applications and services

  In this podcast, expert Greg Schulz discusses the value of offering cloud computing applications and services to clients.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Using cloud computing services opportunities to get more business

  Expert Greg Schulz tells you how to create a sustainable cloud computing environment and how to use cloud computing to drive new business opportunities.  Continue Reading

• Configuring remote administration for Microsoft Hyper-V

  In this chapter excerpt from "MCTS: Windows Server Virtualization Configuration Study Guide: (Exam 70-652)," you'll learn how to configure Hyper-V for remote access.  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

• News from Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2009 in New Orleans

  Get all the news affecting Microsoft channel partners from the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference in New Orleans, including articles, blogs and videos.  Continue Reading

• Determining a SharePoint Server 2007 upgrade migration plan

  There are many options for a SharePoint 2007 upgrade migration plan, and author James Pyles gives advice on how to choose one migration route over another.  Continue Reading

• SharePoint 2003 to SharePoint 2007 pre-migration tasks

  Author James Pyles outlines the key SharePoint 2003 to SharePoint 2007 pre-migration tasks, including verifying migration prerequisites, performing a complete back-up and running a pre-upgrade scan.  Continue Reading

• Offering network management and applications performance services

  Service providers must deploy next-gen technologies and put network management and application performance services in place if they plan to stay competitive and increase revenue as enterprises look for help from third-party providers to transform ...  Continue Reading

• Configuring SharePoint 2007: Post-installation tasks

  In this excerpt from "MCTS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Configuration Study Guide: Exam 70-630", learn how to organize administration tasks after installing SharePoint.  Continue Reading

• SearchNetworkingChannel.com blogs

  SearchNetworkingChannel.com's collection of blogs is here to help you navigate the news and opinions of all of our networking blogs, including our Changing the Channel networking reseller blog.  Continue Reading

• Email archiving SaaS cuts costly contract disputes for designer

  Email archiving Software as a service (SaaS) from MXsense delivered by a solution provider has helped an interior design contractor avoid costly disputes with suppliers and subcontractors.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Pacemaker high-availability cluster technology

  Get the answers to frequently asked questions about Pacemaker -- a high-availability cluster technology -- with this expert Project FAQ from Sander van Vugt.  Continue Reading

• NAS filer implementation: Solving three big problems

  Implementing NAS filers for a local company is a simple project. But when the job is for a global company with offices all around the world, it's a much bigger challenge. Find out how one consultant solved the NAS filer implementation problems for a...  Continue Reading

• Data center consolidation management

  Learn how to manage data center consolidation and discover three approaches for migrating applications.  Continue Reading

• Channel Spin: Analysis for storage solution providers

  In our Channel Spin tips, storage and channel expert George Crump explains what key technologies and technical issues mean for storage solution providers.  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

• FAQ: Desktop virtualization and virtual desktop infrastructure

  Learn about the pros and cons of desktop virtualization and virtual desktop infrastructure and when you should recommend these services to clients.  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

• Smart grid opportunities for solution providers

  President Obama's stimulus package includes $54 billion to update the existing electric grid. This presents multiple business opportunities for solution providers to help provide networking, security and storage to the utility companies who will be ...  Continue Reading

• Top 10 Microsoft SharePoint implementation and deployment resources

  This Microsoft Office SharePoint cheat sheet features tutorials, tips, study guides and podcasts that will help you become an expert in MOSS implementation and deployment.  Continue Reading

• Data migration services FAQ

  Learn why data migration services are becoming more important to customers, what the biggest problems are in data migration projects and why storage virtualization hasn't eased the data migration challenge.  Continue Reading

• Tips for successful technical certification testing

  Key technical certifications can boost a VARs career. Here's how to best prepare for the required tests.  Continue Reading

• Data center and IT server room cooling guidelines

  Learn the best practices for offering data center cooling solutions to customers and planning and designing their IT server rooms.  Continue Reading

• How to create an energy-efficient data center

  Learn how to create an energy-efficient data center by server virtualization, shifting application workloads and improving current power usage.  Continue Reading

• Determining energy usage in the data center

  Learn which data center energy usage information vendors should give to their clients including best- and worst-case consumption plans and metrics for energy billing.  Continue Reading

• Selling advanced VPN technology FAQ

  Lisa Phifer answers frequently asked questions about selling advanced VPN technology. Check out the best advice on selling advanced VPN technologies that can secure endpoints and ensure protection for mobile workers.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: SQL Server 2008 high-availability services

  Microsoft MVP Ross Mistry answers frequently asked questions about using SQL Server 2008 to offer high-availability services to customers.  Continue Reading

• Storage admins struggling to keep pace with data growth

  Find out how storage administrators are addressing data growth at their companies, in these video interviews from a recent Boston-area Backup School.  Continue Reading

• Cloud storage services FAQ

  Solution providers who are interested in participating in the burgeoning cloud storage services market are faced with a number of questions, covering issues such as reliability, security and which business model makes sense. Executive Editor W. ...  Continue Reading

• Software as a Service vs. desktop virtualization solutions

  Learn the pros and cons of Software as a Service and desktop virtualization as application delivery solutions. Find out which technology requires more maintenance and compare their costs.  Continue Reading

• Desktop virtualization projects: Overcoming software licensing issues

  Learn how to deal with software licensing issues in desktop virtualization projects by following the guidelines in this Hot Spot Tutorial.  Continue Reading

• Storage area network (SAN) cheat sheet

  Find our most popular tips and features on storage area network (SAN) technologies and services. Use these resources to guide customers toward the right storage area network choices.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Green IT services and virtualization technology in the data center

  Expert Greg Schulz answers questions about green IT services and virtualization technology in the data center in this FAQ and podcast.  Continue Reading