Posts Tagged: ‘server administration’

Some Important Techniques for Linux Server Support and Monitoring

May 22, 2012 Posted by

Linux is one of the most preferred server operating system. It often outperforms Windows and many other UNIX based operating system and thus considered to be a less expensive alternative to windows servers. This open source system is known for its hardware support properties as well. Linux server is widely used in web hosting technologies thereby paving way to a support system for Linux server.

Linux server administration and monitoring involves various techniques and procedures. Security of the web server is one of the most important tasks. Keeping all the services current will help to defend threats online. Leaving a loop hole with an outdated service will result in huge loss due to data compromise. It is better to keep the server services up-to-date so that the server is efficient enough to fight the latest threats online or offline.

It is always recommended to keep only one type of network service per machine in all possible scenarios. Network services are usually used to carry sensitive information like usernames and passwords, to any computer which claims to be within the domain. Certain network services transfer the information unencrypted which increases the risk of interception. Carefully planned network design can prevent the risk involved to an extent.

Use of secure protocols is yet another security measure which can be established. TCP wrapper service is one of the secure protocol measure applied in Linux server system. Most network services like SSH and Telnet make use of the TCP wrapper service to defend against any arriving request and a requested service. Such a wrapper service can be used to build bullying banners along with a service requested which alerts the hacker that the system administrator is watchful.

Constant server monitoring for any suspicious activity is another recommended practice. Since Linux servers are widely used in web hosting, it is important to monitor the server for uptimes. Also, the services including SSH, Telnet, FTP, HTTP, SSL, SMTP and so forth has to be working correctly to ensure that the customer don’t have any difficulty in accessing required information online. TCP/IP traffic has to be monitored to ensure congestion free information retrieval. Scheduled tasks including back-up and restoration, rebooting and shut down of the server has to be in precise schedule.

As the cost involved in server administration and monitoring rose due to increased number of services supported, outsourcing became a rewarding solution. The service providers work in a 24/7 environment which in turn helps in providing support to clients globally irrespective of the time zone barriers. Outsourcing is found to be the most cost effective solution forserver administration and monitoring. The outlay involved in hiring human resource with matching skill set, providing infrastructure required to work and managing human resource are all saved with the help of outsourcing.

Availability of skilled personal is yet another advantage of outsourcing server support. Service providers usually have dedicated work group who are passionate enough for the job they do and willing to work in shifts to match the time zone differences. It’s often quite hard to find resident professionals who have the true attitude to work in such an atmosphere. More over the dealings would be of more quality since you are the client to the service providers.