Server Maintenance

Server maintenance is the process of keeping server software up to date and functioning in order for a computer network to perform properly and without downtime or data loss. Regular maintenance will keep the server functioning smoothly and prevent a complete or partial network breakdown. It includes checking the server’s performance, ensuring that automatic system monitoring utilities are correctly installed and configured, identifying potential security threats, and regularly backing up data.

You can get the best performance out of your server and considerably extend its life if you know how to manage it. It just takes a little time. Servers may be simply maintained to reduce downtime.

The Function of Servers

A server is a computer that runs on its own and offers data and other services to one or more other computers in a network. The fundamental advantage of a server is that it enables for centralized management and monitoring of network access and data, as well as power, hard disk, and processor redundancy that are often not accessible in a PC.

Servers come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

A file server is a central storage location for files that client computers can access.
A domain controller is a server that handles network security authentication requests (such as logging in, validating permissions, and so on). A domain is a notion that allows a person to gain access to several files, folders, and network locations using a single login and password combination, while also preventing certain users from accessing other private data.
Instead than having each client computer running software, a Remote Desktop Server (or Terminal Server) allows secure remote access to office and line-of-business applications to employees or contractors via a centralized server. This makes software deployment and personnel expansion more scalable and cost-effective.
Web server: A web server is a computer that stores and distributes websites over the Internet; many people and small businesses rent web server space from other businesses, but for large businesses with high traffic, a dedicated web server makes sense.

In most cases, server maintenance necessitates the following:

Examining the log files on the server
Determining the amount of available hard drive space
Inspecting the permissions of folders
Apps for network temperature monitoring
Ensuring acceptable system redundancy
Inspecting the security features
Patching your security software
Looking through server logs for security alerts or evidence of attempted computer hacking
Antivirus software should be updated on all network computers.
Service packs and software updates that are crucial
Performing complete backups on a regular basis to ensure that critical data can be recovered from storage in the event of a system breakdown

Steps to Success in Server Maintenance:

1. Double-check that your backups are operating.

Before making any modifications to your server’s database or system, be sure you’ve taken a backup and that your backups are working properly. Make sure you’ve chosen the proper backup and the right place.

2. Examine your disk use.

Don’t use your server system as an archiving system and keep your disk storage clean. Remove any outdated emails, logs, or software versions that are no longer in use. Faster recovery equals a lower data footprint. Keep an eye on how much space you’re using on your hard drive. Your server may cease running if your partition reaches 100%, and database tables and data may get corrupted and lost.

3. Keep an eye on RAID alarms.

Keep an eye on your RAID status; RAID should be used on all servers. A single disk failure can bring the entire system down.

4. Update your operating system.

If you use Linux, you should always update your system because such operating systems release regular updates, and staying on top of these updates might be tough. You can solve this problem by using automatic patch management solutions and setting up monitoring to notify you when a system is out of current. You may miss vital security upgrades if you update your server manually (or not at all). If you can’t automate your updates, set up a timetable to keep your system up to date. This will keep hackers out of your machine.

5. Make sure your Control Panel is up to date.

If you use a hosting cpanel, make sure it’s up to date as well. This will bring your system up to date and resolve any known hosting issues.

6. Make sure the application is up to date.

If you’re utilizing a CMS or an open source tool for your online application, especially popular ones like WordPress, make sure to update it.

7. Examine remote management software.

Maintaining your remote server via remote console, remote reboot, and remote rescue mode are all necessary tools for remote server administration.

8. Look for hardware issues.

Hardware issues are normal, but they can be a major problem, therefore check the log for any hardware issues such as disk read errors or network failure.

9. Examine the server’s consumption.

Examine the use of your server’s disk, CPU, RAM, and network.

10. Go over each user’s account.

You’ll want to remove these users from your system if you’ve had staff changes, client cancellations, or other user changes. Storing old sites and users is a legal and security risk.

11. Passwords should be changed.

Passwords should be changed every 6 to 12 months, especially if you’ve given them out to others for maintenance.

12. Verify the system’s security.

Use a remote auditing tool like Nessus to check the security of your server on a regular basis.

Wired IT Group is a full-service information technology (IT) vendor, based in Phoenix, AZ. Our team is capable of designing, installing, and maintaining all of your IT solutions from network management, server maintenance, network systems to security systems, and low voltage cabling we have you covered. Call us today at 480.210.8799 for more information about our managed IT services.