Server Management: Server Hardware Installation and Management from Pluralsight

This course covers Objective 1 (1.1 to 1.3) on hardware installation, maintenance, and storage for the CompTIA Server+ certification. The other objectives are covered in other courses in the series.

This course is for those who want to earn the CompTIA Server+ certification, and has been updated for the 2021 objectives. In this course, Server Management: Server Hardware Installation and Management, you’ll learn to install and maintain server and storage hardware in preparation for passing the CompTIA Server+ exam. First, you’ll explore rack design and installation, including power decisions and network cabling. Next, you’ll discover a wide range of topics relating to physical servers, including chassis types available, memory, CPU, GPU, and common bus types. Furthermore, there will be a review of hot-swappable components and their importance, and then a review of the role of the BIOS / UEFI necessary for booting the server. After that, you’ll investigate the design and implement storage solutions, including local and shared storage, media types, RAID levels, and capacity planning. Finally, you’ll learn how to maintain the deployed servers, locally and remotely. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of server and storage design, installation, and configuration needed to pass the CompTIA Server+ exam objectives covered in the first domain.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Server+ Certification

Server Concepts

Storage

Rack Configuration

Server Management

Conclusion and Introduction to Server Administration

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides essential knowledge for learners aiming to pass the CompTIA Server+ exam, Objective 1

Taught by Brian Eiler and John Hales, both recognized experts in the IT industry

Covers crucial hardware installation and management topics for server administration

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Server Management: Server Hardware Installation and Management with these activities:

Organize Course Materials and Assignments

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Establish a structured study environment by organizing course materials, notes, and assignments for easy access and review.

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Create a dedicated folder or binder for course materials.
Organize materials into sections, such as lecture notes, assignments, and reference documents.
Develop a system for labeling and filing materials.
Use a digital tool or software to manage and annotate materials.

Review Server Concepts and Terminology

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Solidify your understanding of fundamental server concepts and terminology, providing a strong foundation for the course.

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Review course materials on server concepts and terminology.
Read articles or books on server architecture and virtualization.
Attend a webinar or online presentation on cloud computing basics.

Follow Tutorials on Server BIOS/UEFI Configuration

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Enhance your understanding of server BIOS/UEFI settings by following guided tutorials and practicing configuration changes.

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Search for reputable online tutorials on server BIOS/UEFI configuration.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, making configuration changes in a virtual or physical server environment.
Configure boot order, enable virtualization features, and adjust performance settings.
Save and apply the configuration changes to optimize server performance.

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Design a Rack Installation Plan

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Develop a comprehensive plan for installing server racks, ensuring efficient and secure deployment.

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Determine rack specifications, including size, weight capacity, and cooling requirements.
Design a layout for rack placement, considering airflow, cable management, and accessibility.
Document power distribution, network connectivity, and monitoring systems.
Create a detailed installation procedure outlining steps for assembling, wiring, and testing the racks.
Present the installation plan to stakeholders for review and approval.

Create a Resource Library on Server Storage Design

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Consolidate your knowledge and expand your resources by compiling a comprehensive library on server storage design best practices.

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Collect articles, white papers, and technical documentation on server storage design.
Organize the resources into categories, such as RAID, SAN, NAS, and capacity planning.
Create a digital or physical repository for easy access and reference.
Share the resource library with colleagues or the online community.

Configure Storage Arrays in a Test Lab

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Test your knowledge of storage configuration by setting up different RAID levels and storage solutions.

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Set up a test lab environment with physical or virtual servers.
Configure different RAID levels (e.g., RAID 1, 5, 10) using hardware or software RAID controllers.
Create and manage storage pools and volumes using storage management software.
Test data access performance and reliability using benchmark tools.

Practice Hot-Swapping Components in a Test Environment

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Develop confidence in replacing hot-swappable components, ensuring minimal downtime and system stability.

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Set up a test environment with redundant hot-swappable components (e.g., power supplies, fans, drives).
Simulate component failures by removing and replacing hot-swappable components while the system is running.
Monitor system logs and performance metrics to verify component functionality and system stability.
Document the procedures and lessons learned for future reference.

Attend a Server Hardware Maintenance Workshop

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Gain practical experience in maintaining server hardware, including component replacement and troubleshooting techniques.

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Identify and register for a reputable server hardware maintenance workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in hands-on exercises.
Practice troubleshooting and resolving common server hardware issues.
Learn best practices for server maintenance and preventive measures.

Career center

Learners who complete Server Management: Server Hardware Installation and Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators handle the day-to-day maintenance and operations of an organization's IT systems. They ensure the smooth running of networks, servers, databases, and other IT infrastructure. The skills and knowledge gained in this course on server hardware installation and management provide a solid foundation for a career as a Systems Administrator. By understanding the principles of server hardware, you will be better equipped to troubleshoot and resolve issues, ensuring the availability and efficiency of IT systems.

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Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test computer hardware components, including servers, storage devices, and network equipment. They play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of IT infrastructure. The comprehensive coverage of server hardware in this course, including topics such as rack design, hot-swappable components, and storage solutions, provides valuable insights into the intricacies of computer hardware engineering. By gaining a deep understanding of server hardware, you will be well-positioned to pursue a successful career in this field.

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Server Engineer

Server Engineers specialize in the management and maintenance of server systems, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. This course on server hardware installation and management provides a comprehensive foundation for a career as a Server Engineer. By gaining expertise in server hardware, storage solutions, and server maintenance, you will be well-equipped to design, implement, and manage server infrastructure that meets the demands of modern businesses.

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IT Support Specialist

IT Support Specialists provide technical support to users, resolving hardware and software issues, and ensuring the smooth functioning of IT systems. The hands-on knowledge gained in this course on server hardware installation and management will be instrumental in your success as an IT Support Specialist. By mastering the skills of server maintenance and troubleshooting, you will be able to effectively diagnose and resolve server-related issues, providing timely and efficient support to users.

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Data Center Technician

Data Center Technicians are responsible for the operation and maintenance of data centers, ensuring the physical security and environmental control of mission-critical IT equipment, including servers and storage systems. The knowledge gained in this course on server hardware installation and management, particularly in areas such as rack configuration, power management, and cooling systems, is highly relevant to the role of a Data Center Technician. By understanding the intricacies of server hardware and its management, you will be well-prepared to contribute to the efficient and reliable operation of data centers.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators design, implement, and manage computer networks, ensuring the secure and efficient transmission of data. This course on server hardware installation and management provides valuable insights into the hardware infrastructure that underpins network operations. By understanding the principles of server hardware, you will be better equipped to configure and manage network devices, troubleshoot network issues, and ensure the overall performance and reliability of network infrastructure.

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IT Consultant

IT Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to organizations on IT strategy, architecture, and implementation. This course on server hardware installation and management can be a valuable asset to aspiring IT Consultants. By gaining a deep understanding of server hardware and its management, you will be better equipped to assess and recommend server solutions that align with the specific needs of your clients. It will also enable you to provide strategic advice on server hardware procurement, deployment, and maintenance.

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Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design and manage cloud computing solutions, ensuring scalability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. This course on server hardware installation and management provides a foundation for understanding the underlying hardware infrastructure that supports cloud computing. By gaining expertise in server hardware, storage solutions, and server maintenance, you will be better equipped to design and implement cloud solutions that meet the demands of modern businesses.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials, to explain complex technical concepts and procedures. This course on server hardware installation and management can be beneficial to aspiring Technical Writers who specialize in IT documentation. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of server hardware and its management, you will be better equipped to write accurate and informative documentation that guides users in the effective use and maintenance of server systems.

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Computer Technician

Computer Technicians provide support and maintenance for computer systems and networks. This course on server hardware installation and management can be a valuable asset to your career as a Computer Technician. By gaining hands-on experience in server hardware installation and maintenance, you will be better equipped to diagnose and resolve server-related issues, ensuring the smooth operation of computer systems and networks.

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Information Technology Teacher

Information Technology Teachers educate students about computer science, programming, and IT concepts. This course on server hardware installation and management can be a valuable addition to the skillset of an Information Technology Teacher. By gaining a deep understanding of server hardware and its management, you will be better equipped to teach students about the fundamentals of server technology and its role in modern computing.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors assess the security and compliance of IT systems and processes. This course on server hardware installation and management can provide valuable insights for aspiring IT Auditors. By understanding the principles of server hardware and its management, you will be better equipped to evaluate the security and compliance of server systems, ensuring that they meet the regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software and hardware products to ensure they meet quality standards. This course on server hardware installation and management can be beneficial to Quality Assurance Analysts who specialize in testing server systems. By gaining hands-on experience in server hardware installation and maintenance, you will be better equipped to test and evaluate server products, ensuring their reliability and performance.

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Computer Security Analyst

Computer Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course on server hardware installation and management provides valuable insights into the hardware infrastructure that supports computer systems and networks. By understanding the principles of server hardware and its management, you will be better equipped to design and implement security measures that protect server systems from potential threats.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and manage network security systems to protect networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course on server hardware installation and management provides a foundation for understanding the hardware infrastructure that supports network security systems. By gaining expertise in server hardware, storage solutions, and server maintenance, you will be better equipped to design and implement network security solutions that meet the demands of modern businesses.

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