Server Maintenance: Everything You Need To Know | Jones IT (2024)

Servers are sturdy machines that are designed to run non-stop and handle a large amount of network traffic. Once a server is set up, it can run on its own with little to no human input. And this is the reason why it is often assumed that the faultless functioning of servers is a given. But such an assumption can be a costly and time-consuming affair for organizations.

Servers perform a variety of functions including email exchange server, database server, web server, FTP server, etc. They manage, store, process, and provide access to data and applications, enabling the normal functioning of day-to-day operations and services. If a server goes down, it costs the organization tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs but more importantly in loss of business and reputation.

Regular server maintenance extends the server’s useful life span and greatly reduces the chances of costly damages resulting from server crashes. Therefore, it is vital that you properly care for servers to ensure optimal server performance and avoid potential business risks.

Server maintenance involves a wide range of activities, both physical and virtual. The tasks range from software and firmware updates to hot-swapping drives and replacing fans. While some maintenance checks need to be performed once a month or a week, many need to be performed daily as well as in real-time.

To keep up with the maintenance tasks and schedules, it’s advisable to create a detailed server maintenance plan. The frequency of maintenance checks also depends on the age of the machine, risks, and its criticality for business operations.

Here’s a breakdown of typical server maintenance checks based on the frequency of the checks:

• Real-Time Server Checks

Server health and performance are typically monitored in real-time. The data points you need to monitor depend on the functions of the server. Each implementation such as web servers, email servers, application servers, and database servers has its own set of health and performance parameters.

Here are some examples of real-time checks for servers:

• CPU usage,

• Memory availability,

• Disk capacity,

• CPU and overall server temperature,

• Health of RAID volumes,

• Load factors including the number of open network connections.

• Most of these parameters are monitored using a server monitoring tool, which can also send automated alerts making maintenance effortless.

• Daily Server Checks

Daily server monitoring mostly includes server security checks. Here are some examples of daily checks for servers:

• Virus scanner’s database review,

• Security logs review,

• Check for software updates and patches,

• Check for vulnerability statements from software and hardware vendors,

• Review event logs for errors and warnings.

• Weekly Server Checks

You should perform weekly checks on items that do not suddenly change and so do not warrant daily checks. Weekly server checks typically include the following:

• Verify that the backups are working,

• Disk usage,

• Review unused accounts,

• Review temporary privileges and access,

• Review and delete outdated temp files.

• Monthly Server Checks

Monthly checks include items that have a low probability of occurrence, as well as those parameters that need to gather sufficient data before action can be taken. Monthly server checks usually include:

• Database fragmentation check,

• Application optimization,

• Check fans and power supplies

• Check server room air conditioning

• Check dust collection and overall cleanliness

What Are The Types Of Server Maintenance Strategies?

Server maintenance strategies can be classified based on the following philosophies:

1. Preventive Maintenance

The goal of preventive maintenance is to reduce the risks of failure and performance degradation. It is carried out according to the predetermined criteria and at planned intervals. Such maintenance greatly reduces the disruption to business operations due to server faults.

2. Corrective Maintenance

The goal of corrective maintenance is to restore normal server operations following the detection of an issue or anomaly. This strategy is used when the cost of downtime and repair is expected to be lower than the cost of maintenance, which is rarely the case. Although corrective maintenance appears cost-effective, it will ultimately be catastrophic for the business in the event of sustained downtime.

3. Risk-based Maintenance

The goal of risk-based maintenance is to ensure high levels of performance, reliability, and security in a cost-effective way. In this strategy, a maintenance program is created after analyzing server performance and health data in conjunction with the operational and process condition of the server. All of the gathered data is viewed in the context of the threat landscape, the risk appetite of the organization, and its business needs.

Here’s a list of server maintenance best practices to help you

1. Regularly check and update the server operating system and applications to ensure security and performance

2. Monitor server performance and usage to identify and address potential issues

3. Implement a backup and disaster recovery plan to protect against data loss

4. Keep the server hardware clean and in good condition

5. Use server monitoring tools to track server performance and identify potential issues

6. Understand and troubleshoot common server errors and issues, such as connectivity problems, high CPU or memory usage, and system crashes

7. Use logs and event reports to identify and troubleshoot issues

8. Use remote access tools to remotely diagnose and fix issues

9. Consider hiring a server administrator or consulting with an IT professional to create a preventive maintenance plan.

To help you keep track of all the checks necessary for maintaining a server, here’s a handy checklist you can use. This is a sample checklist so remember to update it as per your specific server application and needs.

Hardware Checks

1. Check that the main and redundant power supplies are firmly connected

2. Check that the fans are working properly

3. Check the air conditioning unit is working properly

4. Check the cleanliness of the server rack and room

5. Check that all cables are securely connected at both ends

6. Check that the cables are not under unnecessary physical strain

7. Check that the cables are in good condition

8. Check for disk read errors

9. Check for driver and firmware updates

10. Run system consistency checks

System Checks

1. Verify the backups and recovery are working

2. Check for OS and application updates

3. Check remote management tools

4. Check disk usage

5. Check CPU usage

6. Check RAM usage

7. Check Network utilization

8. Review user accounts

Security Checks

1. Check server room access logs

2. Check firewall configuration and rules

3. Check for unnecessary open network ports

4. Check for unnecessary services and operating system components

5. Check for changes to admin users/groups membership

6. Review logs for suspicious activity

7. Review all security notifications and alerts

8. Perform a malware scan

9. Check for threat and vulnerability alerts from OEMs

Conclusion

We cannot reiterate it enough, your servers are vital to the daily operations of your organization. Making timely investments in the health and integrity of your server goes a long way in ensuring smooth and unhindered business operations.

Are you looking for assistance to maintain and troubleshoot your organization’s server? Reach out to us by clicking the button below for assured and effective server maintenance and security.

Get Server Maintenance Support

Hari SubediMarketing Manager at Jones IT

Hari is an online marketing professional with a focus on content marketing. He writes on topics related to IT, Security, Small Business, and Mindfulness. He is also the founder and managing director of Girivar Kft., a business services company located in Budapest, Hungary.