HP DL785 Error Prevention Guide - Page 6

Using a Methodology Following a set of procedures when using the server can help prevent problems, or make troubleshooting easier if problems do occur. • Use uniform naming conventions for the servers, such as names that denote server location. Uniform naming conventions help when trying to remember often overlooked details that can hold the key to resolving a crisis. • Use unique IDs or names for the devices. You can reduce the risk of components competing for the same resource if you have a list. Use the server setup utility to check for conflicts. • Make a habit of using the HP tools, resources, software, and third-party product resources to keep abreast of potential problems. You may be able to avoid problems by noting the problems of others. • Have a reliable backup plan. Schedule backups based on the server needs. If data is changed frequently, frequent backups are required. Maintain a library of backups based on your information-restoring needs. Test the backups periodically to be sure that the data is correctly stored. • Have a plan of action before the server fails, planning for failures of different hardware parts. • Check hard disk space periodically. It is recommended that hard drives have a minimum of 15 percent free space. • Scan for viruses weekly. Use the latest virus-scanning utilities available to be sure that the data is not corrupted. • Keep historical data. You cannot know that the CPU utilization has increased 50 percent if you do not know what it was initially. If you have problems, you can use the data to compare before and after scenarios. For example, you might want to know about the user, bus, and power utilization rates. • Keep a trend analysis so that you will know what to expect during certain points in time. For example, if the CPU utilization rate always increases by 50 percent during certain hours, you will know that increase is normal for the server you are tracking. Error Prevention Guide 7