What is Server Maintenance?

What is Server Maintenance

Server maintenance is the practice of keeping server software updated and running so computer networks can operate as planned and avoid downtime or data loss. Routine maintenance will keep the server running as it should and will assist in avoiding a complete or partial network collapse. It includes tasks such as reviewing the server’s performance, guaranteeing that automated system monitoring services are correctly installed and set up, discovering possible security risks, and backing up data regularly.

If you have the knowledge to maintain your servers, with some time, you can get the most out of your investment and considerably extend their lives. Servers can easily be maintained to decrease server disruptions.

How Do Servers Work?

A server is an independent computer that delivers data and other types of services to one or many other computers on a particular network. The primary benefit to a server is that it enables concentrated management and overseeing of network access and data, and servers may have power, hard drives, and processor expendabilities that are usually unavailable in a PC.

Types of Servers:

File Servers: A centralized storage system for files and data, that are accessible by client computers

Web Servers

Stores and shares websites online; a lot of individuals and smaller companies lease or rent web server space from another company, but for larger companies that take on a lot of traffic, a committed web server is the right choice.

Remote Desktop (Terminal) Servers

Remote Desktop Servers (commonly called a terminal server) offers secure remote access for office and branch of activity applications to employees and/or contractors from one primary server, rather than having each client’s computer running software. making deploying software and adding additional employees very expandable and economical.

Domain Controller

A server that reacts to security authentication requirements, such as logging in, identifying permissions, and the like.) within a given network. A domain is a concept in which a user can be given access to several files, folders, network locations using a single username and password combo and can stop specific users from the access of other private files.

Server Maintenance Commonly Requires:

monitoring server log files
testing hard disk space
examination of security features
update critical service packs and software updates
examination of folder permissions
looking over server logs for security alerts or indications of computer hacking efforts
checking network temperature applications
guaranteeing acceptable excess of systems
security software patch installations
update antivirus software on each computer on the network
executing routine in-depth back-ups to guarantee that critical data can be recovered from storage in case of a failed system

Server Maintenance Success Steps:

1. Verify that backups are working.
Prior to making any changes to the server database and its system, make sure that you have a backup prior to doing any update and your backups are working in order. Be sure that you’ve selected the correct backup and correct location.

2. Monitoring disk usage.
Maintain that your disk storage is clean and do not use the server system as an archive. Delete old e-mails, logs, and software versions that aren’t in use. Having a small data imprint means quicker recovery. Overlook your disk usages when its partition reaches 100%, the server could stop working and database data and tables could be corrupt and/or lost.

3. Check RAID Alarms.
Check your RAID status; every server should utilize RAID. A single disk failure could cause a system to totally fail.

4. Update Your OS.
Make sure to always update the system if you’re using Linux since such OS releases routinely update and keeping up with these updates can be challenging. To circumvent this problem, you could use automated patch management devices and have monitoring set to alert as a system is out of date. If you’re updating your server manually, you could overlook vital security updates. When you can’t automate your updates, create a schedule for updating your system. This will hinder your system from getting hacked.

5. Update the Control Panel.
If you’re using a hosting Cpanel make sure to also update it too. This will make your system-up-to-date and fix known issues relating to hosting.

6. Inspect application updates.
Update your web applications, if you’re using CMS or an open source program for the web application especially programs such as WordPress.

7. Monitor remote management tools.
Maintain the remote server through remote console, remote re-boot, and remote rescue modes, these are vital tools for managing remote servers.

8. Monitor hardware errors.
Hardware issues aren’t uncommon but produce big problems, so you might review the log for any hardware problems such as disk read errors or network failure.

9. Monitor server utilization.
Examine the server’s disk, CPU, RAM, and network application.

10. Examine user accounts.
If there have been staff changes, canceled clients, or other types of user changes, you’ll want to delete these users from the system. Storing older sites and users is both a security and legal danger.

11. Change passwords.
Change your passwords every 6 months to a year, particularly if you’ve given passwords out to others for maintenance.

12. Monitor system security.
Regularly review your server’s security utilizing remote auditing tools.

Source: “Server Maintenance A Practical Guide.” Hypertec Direct, 21 July 2020, hypertecdirect.com/knowledge-base/server-maintenance/.

Find Server Maintenance & Security Services in Phoenix, AZ

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 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 server maintenance services.