Domain Name System and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol are the foundation of essential network configuration and communication, especially DNS. Internal and external network access could not work as we know it without DNS, and DHCP is invaluable in provisioning temporary IP addresses for workstations and devices to utilize facility connectivity. The criticality of these services ...

Regardless of whether a new computer is a desktop, a laptop or a convertible tablet, the same actions must be repeated each time a user receives a new machine. Migration tasks range from recording computer network settings to transferring documents, bookmarks and old email. Depending upon the level of centralized automation and third-party tools employed, ...

Linux admins have a love affair with information. The more information they can gather the better. And that’s a good thing, as the more informed you are, the more apt you’ll be to make smart decisions. This applies to administration tasks, security, development and just about anything else you can imagine. You might need to ...

If you’re a Linux admin (or are just now hopping onto the Linux platform bandwagon), you have probably figured out that you’re going to need to interact with a terminal window. Even though the Linux desktop environments are all as user-friendly and robust as any on the market, when you’re dealing with a server, chances ...

Threats from malware, cryptographic infections and compromised networks have never been greater. Headlines regularly attest to such widespread problems, from infection-felled organizations to dangerous vulnerabilities in popular tools. Companies can’t protect their technological infrastructure, though, without a solid grasp of the actual equipment in play. A checklist, like the one created by Erik Eckel for ...

With proper planning and management, providing effective after-hours technical service and support can deliver a significant competitive advantage. Here are six recommendations, created by Erik Eckel on behalf of TechRepublic Premium, for effectively structuring technical service and support during non-traditional work hours. Featured text from the guide: 1. PROPERLY PRIORITIZE AFTER-HOURS SERVICE The most important ...

If you work in a small- to medium-sized office, you probably don’t give a lot of thought to Active Directory replication. After all, the replication process happens automatically without any configuration on your part. As the size of the network increases, however, replication becomes a more pressing issue. In this guide from TechRepublic Premium, you ...

Establishing connectivity between a main office and a branch office, could be likened to solving a Rubik’s Cube. At first it seems like a really simple task. But after examination, it is a much more complex undertaking. Like a Rubik’s Cube, though, it is possible to solve the branch networking puzzle with the help of ...

Most organizations rely on a virtual private network environment to enable connectivity from remote and mobile employees, providing secure access to internal networks, systems, applications and data. This policy, written by Scott Matteson for TechRepublic Premium, outlines a set of best practices for IT to deploy and secure VPNs in your organization. It also defines ...

Storage area networks provide manageable, centralized storage capacity for systems offering vast amounts of disk space via a dedicated network link. SANs can offer servers much more disk space than they might be able to utilize locally, often spanning dozens if not hundreds of terabytes of data. Because of their complexity, however, SANs are not ...

As the number of network-connected devices grows, IT needs a reliable method of keeping track of device info. Erik Eckel, writing for TechRepublic Premium, advocates using a simple checklist for quick access to the critical details. This basic list will help admins record pertinent information for items such as telecommunications gear, storage infrastructure and conference ...

Every company’s network is made up of devices that transmit and store information. This can include internal and external systems, either company-owned or leased/rented/subscribed to. To protect company data and reputation, it is essential to ensure that the network is secured from unauthorized access, data loss, malware infestations and security breaches. This must be done ...

Server deployments or migrations (replacing an existing server with a new one) require a meticulous and detailed approach. One wrong setting, missing data, a configuration error or an overlooked step can send your server deployment off a cliff. This standardized checklist, created by Scott Matteson for TechRepublic Premium, will help you complete the process efficiently ...

Whenever installing Microsoft 365 subscription services and apps on a Mac, multiple considerations come into play. There are so many elements to consider that forward-thinking IT professionals should consider employing a checklist. With proper administration, IT departments can ensure important tasks aren’t overlooked and users don’t need to return systems to the help desk for ...

No managed services provider should lock itself out of the very network switches or routers it deploys, yet such accidents occur. Network switches have become increasingly complex and sometimes route virtual local area network traffic, while routers power an ever-expanding smorgasbord of filters and services. As a result, it’s easier than ever to skip an ...