Server+ Certification

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CompTIA Server+ SK0-003 (2009 Objectives) Exam Details :

CompTIA Server+ is widely recognized certification for professionals who perform basic server support and handling issues related to server..

CompTIA Server+ tests the knowledge of advanced IT technicians, that cover server issues like disaster recovery and technology, consisting of installation, configuration, upgrading, maintenance, environment and troubleshooting.

TThe table below lists the domains measured by this examination and the appropriate extent to which they are represented.
Domain                         % of Examination
1.0 System Hardware              21%
2.0 Software                         19%
3.0 Storage                           14%
4.0 IT Environment                 11%
5.0 Disaster Recovery             11%
6.0 Troubleshooting                24%
Total                                  100%

Exam Information :

Number of Exam Parts     : One
Number of Questions       : 80
Exam Format                 : Conventional format -Linear
Exam Duration               :  90 minutes
Minimum Passing Score    :  615 on a scale of 100-900

The revised Server+ exam adds objectives about networks and networking devices, file systems, motherboards and components, electronic media storage systems, and virtualization. There are also sections on physical security, disaster recovery, and troubleshooting. The new Server+ contains several sections from A+ and Net+.

References  :

http://www.simulationexams.com/exam-details/server-plus.htm

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Server+ 2009 Exam Objectives:

1.0 System Hardware

1.1 Differentiate between system board types, features, components and their purposes.
? Dip switches / jumpers? Processor (single and multi)? Bus types and bus speeds? On board components: NICs, Video, Audio, USB, HID, Serial, Parallel? Expansion slots: PCI, PCIe, PCIx, AGP, ISA? BIOS? Riser Card / backplane? Storage connectors: SCSI, SATA, IDE, Floppy
1.2 Deploy different chassis types and the appropriate components

? Cooling: Fans, Water cooled, Passive, Active, Shroud, Ducts, Redundant cooling, Hot swappable, Ventilation? Form Factor (tower, rack, blade): Space utilization (U size, height, width, depth)? Power:  Connectors, Voltages, Phase? Redundant power? Shut off switches ? chassis intrusion? Power buttons? Reset buttons? Diagnostic LEDs? Expansion bays

1.3 Differentiate between memory features / types and given a scenario select appropriate memory ? Memory pairing? ECC vs. non ECC? Registered vs. non-registered? RAID and hot spares? Types: DDR, Fully buffered DIMM, DDR2, SDRAM, DDR3? Memory compatibility: Speed, Size, Pins, CAS Intency, Timing, Vendor specific memory? On board vs. riser card

1.4 Explain the importance of a Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) ? Vendor standards for hardware? Memory and processor compatibility? Expansion cards compatibility? Virtualization requirements

1.5 Differentiate between processor features / types and given a scenario select the appropriate processor ? Multicore? Multiprocessor? Cache levels? Stepping? Speed? VRMs? Execute disable (XD) or not execute (NX)? Hyperthreading? VT or AMD-V? AMD vs.Intel (non-compatible CPUs)? Processor architecture (RISC, CISC)? Vendor slot types? 64bit vs. 32 bit? Heat dissipation (heat sinks, fans, liquid cooling)

1.6 Given a scenario, install appropriate expansion cards into a server while taking fault tolerance into consideration.
? Manufacturer specific: Fax cards, PBX cards, Camera cards, VoIP, HBAs
? NICs? Video? Audio? Storage controller (SCSI, SATA, RAID): SCSI low voltage / high voltage (LVD/HVD), SCSI IDs, Cables and connectors, Active vs. passive termination? Port expansion cards: USB, IEEE 1394, Serial, Parallel
1.7 Install, update and configure appropriate firmware.
                    ? Driver / hardware compatibility? Implications of a failed firmware upgrade (redundant BIOS)? Follow manufacturer instructions and documentation

2.0 Software

2.1 Install, deploy, configure and update NOS (Windows / *nix).
? Installation methods (optical media, USB, network share, PXE) o Imaging ? system cloning and deployment (Ghost, RIS/WDS, Altiris, virtualization templates)? Bootloader? File systems: FAT, FAT32, NTFS, VMFS, ZFS, EXT3? Driver installation: Driver acquisition, Installation methods, Required media? Configure NOS: Initial network, User, Device, Roles, OS environmental settings, Applications and tools? Patch management

2.2 Explain NOS security software and its features.? Software firewall: Port blocking, Application exception, ACL? Malware protection software: Antivirus, Antispyware? Basics of file level permissions vs. share permissions

2.3 Given a scenario, implement and administer NOS management features based on procedures and guidelines
? User management: Add and remove users, Setting permissions, Group memberships, Policies, Logon scripts? Resource management: ACLs, Quotas, Shadow volumes, Disk management, Performance monitoring, Baselining? Monitoring (tools and agents): SNMP (MIBs), WBEM (WMI)

2.4 Explain different server roles, their purpose and how they interact
? File and print server? Database server? Web server? Messaging server? DHCP server? Directory services server? DNS server? Application server: Update server and proxy server, Filtering server, Monitoring server, Dedicated, Distributed, Peer to peer? Remote access server? Virtualized services? NTP server? Explain the different between a workstation, desktop and a server? Server shut down and start up sequence (one server vs. multiple servers vs. attached components)

2.5 Summarize server virtualization concepts, features and considerations
? Resource utilization? Configuration? Interconnectivity? Management server? Reasons for virtualization: Cost benefits, Redundancy, Green initiative, Disaster recovery, Testing environment, Ease of deployment

2.6 Describe common elements of networking essentials
? TCP/IP: Subnetting, DNS, DHCP, Classes, Gateways, Static vs. dynamic, IP stack, Ports
? Ethernet: Types,  Speeds, Cables? VPN? VLAN? DMZ

3.0 Storage

3.1 Describe RAID technologies and its features and benefits
? Hot spare? Software vs. hardware
? Cache read/write levels (data loss potential)
? Performance benefits and tradeoffs

3.2 Given a scenario, select the appropriate RAID level
? 0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 10, 50
? Performance benefits and tradeoffs

3.3 Install and configure different internal storage technologies
? Hot swappable vs. non-hot swappable
? SCSI, Ultra SCSI, Ultra320 (termination), LUNs
? SAS, SATA
? Tape
? Optical: DVD, DVD-R, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, Blu-Ray
? Flash
? Floppy (USB)
? Controller (firmware levels)
? Hard drive (firmware, JBOD)

3.4 Summarize the purpose of external storage technologies
? Network attached storage
? Storage area network
? Tape library
? WORM
? Optical jukebox
? Transport media: iSCSI, SATA, SAS, SCSI, Fiber Channel

4.0 IT Environment

4.1 Write, utilize and maintain documentation, diagrams and procedures
? Follow pre-installation plan when building or upgrading servers
? Labeling? Diagram server racks and environment topologies
? Hardware and software upgrade, installation, configuration , server role and repair logs
? Document server baseline (before and after service)
? Original hardware configuration, service tags, asset management and warranty
? Vendor specific documentation: Reference proper manuals, Websites, Support channels (list of vendors)

4.2 Given a scenario, explain the purpose of the following industry best practices
? Follow vendor specific server best practices: Documentation, Tools, Websites
? Explore ramifications before implementing change ? determine organizational impact
? Communicate with stakeholders before taking action and upon completion of action
? Comply with all local laws / regulations, industry and corporate regulations? Purpose of Service Level Agreement (SLAs)
? Follow change control procedures
? Equipment disposal

4.3 Determine an appropriate physical environment for the server location
? Check for adequate and dedicated power, proper amperage and voltageo UPS systems (check load, document service, periodic testing)o UPS specifications (run time, max load, bypass procedures, server communication and shut down, proper monitoring)
? Server cooling considerations ? HVAC, Adequate cooling in roomo Adequate cooling in server racko Temperature and humidity monitors

4.4 Implement and configure different methods of server access
? KVM (local and IP based)
? Direct connect
? Remote management: Remote control, Administration, Software deployment, Dedicated management port

4.5 Given a scenario, classify physical security measures for a server location
? Physical server security: Locked doors, Rack doors, CCTV, Mantraps, Security personnel
? Access control devices (RFID, keypads, pinpads): Biometric devices (fingerprint scanner, retina)
? Security procedures: Limited access, Access logs, Limited hours
? Defense in-depth ? multiple layers of defense
? Reasons for physical security: Theft, Data loss, Hacking
? Secure documentation related to servers: Passwords, System configurations, Logs

5.0 Disaster Recovery

5.1 Compare and contrast backup and restoration methodologies, media types and concepts
? Methodologies (full, incremental, differential): Snapshot, Copy, Bare metal, Open file, Databases, Data vs. OS restore, Rotation and retention (grandfather, father, and son)? Media types: Tape, Disk, WORM, Optical, Flash? Backup security and off-site storage? Importance of testing the backup and restoration process

5.2 Given a scenario, compare and contrast the different types of replication methods ? Disk to disk? Server to server: Clustering, Active/active, Active/passive? Site to site? Site types: Cold site, Hot site, Warm site, Distance requirements

5.3 Explain data retention and destruction concepts
? Awareness of potential legal requirements
? Awareness of potential company policy requirements
? Differentiate between archiving and backup

5.4 Given a scenario, carry out the following basic steps of a disaster recovery plan
?Disaster recovery testing process
? Follow emergency procedures (people first)? Use appropriate fire suppressants
? Follow escalation procedures for emergencies
? Classification of systems (prioritization during recovery)

6.0 Troubleshooting

6.1 Explain troubleshooting theory and methodologies
? Identify the problem and determine the scopeo Question users/stakeholders and identify changes to the server / environmento Collect additional documentation / logso If possible, replicate the problem as appropriateo If possible, perform backups before making changes
? Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious)o Determine whether there is a common element of symptom causing multiple problems
? Test the theory to determine cause o Once theory is confirmed determine next steps to resolve problemo If theory is not confirmed re-establish new theory or escalate
? Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and notify impacted users
? Implement the solution or escalate as appropriate o Make one change at a time and test/confirm the change has resolved the problemo If the problem is not resolved, reverse the change if appropriate and implement new change
? Verify full system functionality and if applicable implement preventative measures
? Performa a root cause analysis
? Document findings, actions and outcomes throughout the process

6.2 Given a scenario, effectively troubleshoot hardware problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods
? Common problems: Failed POST, Overheating, Memory failure, Onboard component failure, Processor failure, Incorrect boot sequence, Expansion card failure, Operating system not found, Drive failure, Power supply failure, I/O failure
? Causes of common problems: Third party components or incompatible componentso Incompatible or incorrect BIOSo Cooling failureo Mismatched componentso Backplane failure
? Environmental issues: Dust, Humidity, Temperature, Power surge / failure
? Hardware tools: Power supply tester (multimeter), System board tester, Compressed air, ESD equipment

6.3 Given a scenario, effectively troubleshoot software problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods
? Common problems: User unable to logon, User cannot access resources, Memory leak, BSOD / stop, OS boot failure,  Driver issues, Runaway process, Cannot mount drive, Cannot write to system log, Slow OS performance, Patch update failure, Service failure, Hangs no shut down, Users cannot print
? Cause of common problems: Malware, Unauthorized software, Software firewall, User Account Control (UAC/SUDO), Improper permissions, Corrupted files, Lack of hard drive space, Lack of system resources, Virtual memory (misconfigured, corrupt), Fragmentation, Encryption, Print server drivers/services, Print spooler
? Software tools: System logs, Monitoring tools (resource monitor, performance monitor), Defragmentation tools

6.4 Given a scenario, effectively diagnose network problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods
? Common problemso Internet connectivity failureo Email failureo Resource unavailableo DHCP server mis-configuredo Non-functional or unreachableo Destination host unreachableo Unknown hosto Default gateway mis-configuredo Failure of service providero Can reach by IP not by host name
? Causes of common problems: Improper IP configuration, VLAN configuration, Port security, Improper subnetting, Component failure, Incorrect OS route tables, Bad cables, Firewall (mis-configuration, hardware failure, software failure), Mis-configured NIC, routing / switch issues, DNS and/or DHCP failure, Mis-configured hosts file
? Networking tools: ping, tracert / traceroute, ipconfig / ifconfig, nslookup, net use / mount, route, nbstat, netstat

6.5 Given a scenario, effectively troubleshoot storage problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods
? Common problems: Slow file access, OS not found, Data not available, Unsuccessful backup, Error lights, Unable to mount the device, Drive not available, Cannot access logical drive, Data corruption, Slow I/O performance, Restore failure, Cache failure, Multiple drive failure
? Causes of common problems: Media failure, Drive failure, Controller failure, HBA failure, Loose connectors, Cable problems, Mis-configuration, Improper termination, Corrupt boot sector, Corrupt file system table, Array rebuild, Improper disk partition, Bad sectors, Cache battery failure, Cache turned off, Insufficient space, Improper RAID configuration, Mis-matched drives, Backplane failure
? Storage tools: Partitioning tools, Disk management, RAID array management, Array management, System logs, Net use / mount command, Monitoring tools

Please note that CompTIA exam objectives are subject to change without notice. Please check CompTIA officical website for latest exam objectives

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The Server+ 2005 (SK0-002) objectives are given below:

Domain  % of Examination
1.0  General Server Hardware Knowledge  30%
2.0 Installation  11%
3.0 Configuration  13%
4.0 Upgrading  13%
5.0 Proactive Maintenance  6%
6.0 Environment  3%
7.0  Troubleshooting and Problem Determination  18%
8.0 Disaster Recovery  6%
Total 100%

Domain 1.0 General Server Hardware Knowledge

1.1  Know the characteristics, purpose, function, limitations, and performance of the
following system bus architectures.  
?  PCI Bus Mastering
?  PCI Hot swap
? PCI-Express
? PCI-X
? Hierarchical PCI Bus
?  Peer PCI Bus
?  I2O ? Intelligent Input-Output
?  Hot Plug PCI
?  PCI Expansion Slots
? PCI Interrupts
? EISA

1.2  Know the characteristics of adapter fault tolerance.  
? adapter load balancing
? adapter teaming
1.3  Know the basic purpose and function of the following types o
?  Server types include:
o  Server as a Gateway
o  Server as a Router
o  Server as a Bridge
o Firewall Server
o Proxy Server
o Database Server
o Client/Server
o Application Server
o Mail Server
o FTP Server
o SNA Server
o RAS Server
o  File and Print Server
o Fax Server
o DNS Server
o WINS Server
o DHCP Server
o Web Server
?  Description of the following hardware types, including module types, basic spec,
limitations and requirements (especially power and cooling)
o Blade servers
o Tower servers
o Rack-mount servers

1.4  Know the function of the following application server models.
? Dedicated Application
? Distributed Application
?  Peer to peer application

1.7  Know differences between different ATA (IDE) solutions, their advantages,
limitations, and specifications.
? ATA 33
? ATA 66
? ATA 100
? ATA 133
? Serial ATA
? SATA
?  SATA II (SATA II v1.2)
? Ultra DMA
? Cabling and connectors
?  Master/slave/cable select (CSEL)
? Jumper settings

1.8  Know the features and benefits of fibre channel hardware.  
? Storage arrays
? Disk drives
? Adapters
?  Cables, connectors, GBICs, SFP GBICs
?  Single ? and Multi-mode
?  1 Gbit, 2 Gbit, 10 Gbit
? bus lengths
?  point-to-point vs. switched vs. LOOP

1.9  Know the features and benefits of iSCSI and FCIP.
? Storage arrays
? Adapters
? Cables, connectors
?  1 Gbit, 2 Gbit, 10 Gbit
? bus lengths

1.10  Know the features and capabilities of the following RAID levels, when they apply,
and how each relates to fault tolerance or high availability: (non-proprietary).
? RAID 0
? RAID 1
? RAID 3
? RAID 5
? RAID 5+1
? RAID 0+1
? RAID 1+0
? RAID 5+0
? Zero Channel RAID
?  Differences between hardware RAID and software RAID and the advantages of one
over the other.

1.11  Know the characteristics of hot swap drives and hot plug boards.

1.12  Know the features, advantages, and disadvantages of multiprocessing.

1.13  Know the attributes, purpose, function, and advantages of clustering, scalability,
high availability and fault tolerance.

1.14  Understand the processor subsystem of a server.
? Multiprocessing systems
o  What they are
o  How they differ from dual-processor systems
? 64-bit Server Environments
o  What they are
o  Why and when they are important
o  What are the different architectures

1.15  Know the basic specifications of and differences between SAN and NAS.
?  Block and file

Domain 2.0 Installation

2.1  Conduct pre-installation planning activities.
? Activities include:
o  Plan the installation.
o  Verify the installation plan.
o  Verify hardware compatibility with operating system.
o  Verify power sources, space, UPS and network availability.
o  Verify network protocols, naming conventions, domain names.
o  Verify that all correct components and cables have been delivered.

?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  How to get drivers and BIOS updates
o  Cables and connectors required
o  UPS sizes and types
o  Server power requirements
o  Power issues (stability, spikes, etc.)
o  BTUs for the UPS and associated equipment
o  Server storage issues (rack requirements, rack sizes)
o  Uses of the common server types (desk server, rack mount server, vs. blade
server) and the pros and cons of each

2.2  Install hardware using best practices.
? Hardware includes:
o Boards
o Drives
o  Processors and power modules
o Memory
o Internal cable
o Internal fans
?  Installation activities include:
o  Mount the rack installation (if appropriate)
o  Cut and crimp network cabling
o  Install UPS (depending on environment)
o  Verify SCSI ID configuration and termination
o  Install external devices (e.g. keyboards, monitors, subsystems, modem rack,
etc.)
o  Verify power-on via power-on sequence
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  Physical infrastructure requirements (e.g., proper layout of equipment in the
rack, adequate air flow, etc.)
o  SCSI cabling, termination, and hot plug configuration
o  Basic understanding of network cabling and connector types
o Cable management
o KVM implementation
o  Rack mount security

?  Characteristics of common network interface protocols
o Ethernet
o Fast Ethernet
o Gigabit Ethernet

2.3  Develop the server management plan (in-band and out-of-band management).


Domain 3.0 Configuration

3.1  Check/upgrade BIOS/firmware levels (system board, RAID controller, hard drive,
etc.).

3.2 Configure RAID.
? Activities include:
o  Use manufacturer?s tool to configure the array
o  Testing (simulate a failure)


?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  Familiarity with OCE
o  Characteristics of fail over and spare drive types (i.e., cold, hot, warm,
dedicated and global)
o  Characteristics, purpose, and function of RAID cache including when to turn
off write caching
o  How to calculate storage capacity
o  Functionality of RAID controller battery

3.3 Install NOS.


3.4  Configure external peripherals.
? Peripherals include:
o Ups
o Backup device
o  Data storage subsystems
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  Proper layout of equipment
o  Requirements of the server installation environment (UPS, network
availability, space, power)
o  SCSI cabling and termination
o Fibre channel cabling
o  Know available cable types for peripheral devices
? Firewire
? USB
? Serial ATA

3.5  Install NOS and driver updates to design specifications.
? Activities include:
o Obtain update
o  Ensure that there is a backup and recovery plan
o  Make sure that the old drivers are available for reinstallation
o Lab testing
o Installation
o Testing
?  Supporting knowledge  includes:
o  Know how to obtain OS updates
o  Why updates might be needed
o  How updates can be used
o  How to decide whether an update is necessary

3.6  Install service tools (SNMP, backup software, system monitoring agents, event
logs, etc.).
? Service tools include:
o SNMP
o Backup software
o  System monitoring agents
o Event logs
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  Identity, purpose, and function of service tools
o  How to set up SNMP
o  How system monitoring software and MIBs. are implemented on hardware
o  Purpose of event logs

3.7  Perform server baseline.
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  Purpose and types of baseline
? Processor utilization
? Page file
? Disk utilization
? Memory utilization
? Network utilization
o  Conditions under which different baselines might be useful
o  When baselines should be updated

3.8  Document the configuration.
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o Document contents:
?  What components are in the box
?  Where components are located in the box
?  What updates have been applied
? Warranty information
? Baseline
?  Server configuration information (e.g., BIOS information, RAID levels
used, what drives were put into what arrays, server network
information)
? Install date

3.9  Implement the server management plan (OS-dependent and OS-independent
components).
?  Plans typically include:
o  Server management software installation
o Availability  
o  Server change management requirements
o Security plan
o  Remote management hardware
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  Purposes and function of server management tools

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 Domain 4.0 Upgrading

4.1 Perform backup.
? Activities include:
o  Update the ERD/recovery disk (if applicable)
o Verify backup
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  When full backups might be necessary
o  How to select the appropriate type of backup
? Differential
? Appended
? Copy
? Full


4.2 Add processors.
? Activities include:

o  On single processor upgrade, verify compatibility
o Verify N+1 stepping
o  Verify speed and cache matching
o  Perform BIOS upgrade
o  Perform OS upgrade to support multiprocessors
o  Ensure proper ventilation
o  Perform upgrade checklist, including:
?  Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc.
?  Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues
?  Test and pilot
? Schedule downtime
?  Implement ESD best practices
?  Confirm that upgrade has been recognized
?  Review and baseline
?  Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues
?  Test and pilot
? Schedule downtime
?  Implement ESD best practices
?  Confirm that upgrade has been recognized
?  Review and baseline
? Document upgrade

?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  What it means to verify stepping

4.3  Add hard drives.
? Activities include:
o  Verify that drives are the appropriate type
o  Confirm SCSI termination and cabling
o  For ATA/IDE drives, confirm cabling, master/slave and potential cross-brand
compatibility
o  Verify connections on serial ATA drives
o  Upgrade mass storage
o  Make sure the RAID controller can support additions
o  Add drives to array
o  Replace existing drives
o  Integrate into storage solution and make it available to the operating system
o  Perform upgrade checklist, including:
?  Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc.
?  Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues
?  Test and pilot
? Schedule downtime
?  Implement ESD best practices
?  Confirm that upgrade has been recognized
?  Review and baseline
? Document upgrade.

?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  Available types of hard drive array additions and when they are appropriate
? Expansions
? Extensions
o  What ?hot-swappable? means
o  Difference between a RAID partition and an OS partition
o  Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation)


8 4.4 Increase memory.
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  Verify hardware and OS support for capacity increase
o  Verify memory is on hardware/vendor compatibility list
o  Verify memory compatibility
? Speed
? Brand
? Capacity
? EDO
? DDR
? RAMBUS
? ECC/hon-ECC
? SDRAM/RDRAM

o  Perform upgrade checklist including
?  Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc.
?  Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues
?  Test and pilot
? Schedule downtime
?  Implement ESD best practices
?  Confirm that upgrade has been recognized
?  Review and baseline
? Document upgrade.
o  Verify that server and OS recognize the added memory
o  Perform server optimization to make use of additional RAM (BIOS and OS
level)
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  Number of pins on each type of memory
o  How servers deal with memory pairings
o  Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation)

4.5 Upgrade BIOS/firmware.
? Activities include:
o  Perform upgrade checklist including:
?  Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc.
?  Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues
?  Test and pilot
? Schedule downtime
?  Implement ESD best practices
?  Confirm that upgrade has been recognized
?  Review and baseline
? Document upgrade.
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  When BIOS/firmware upgrades should be performed
o  How to obtain the latest firmware
o  Be aware that most hardware companies include self-installing installation
applications for their components
o  Implications of a failed firmware upgrade
? Multi-BIOS systems
?  Firmware recovery options available
?  Backup flashing (when applicable)
?  Failed flash implies inoperable device
o  Issues surrounding multi-BIOS systems (how to properly upgrade, etc.)
o  Need to follow manufacturers flash instructions
o  Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation)

4.6  Upgrade adapters (e.g., NICs, SCSI cards, RAID, etc.).
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o Perform backup
o  Perform upgrade checklist including:
?  Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc.
?  Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues
?  Test and pilot
? Schedule downtime
?  Implement ESD best practices
?  Confirm that upgrade has been recognized
?  Review and baseline
? Document upgrade.
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  Available bus types
? PCI-X
? PCI ?Express
?  Hot swap PCI
?  PCI (bus architecture, bus speed)
? EISA
o  Implementation of hot swappable PCI in servers
o  Implications on the array of changing RAID controller types
o  Characteristics of SCSI
? Levels
? Cabling
? Termination
? Signaling
o  Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation)

4.7  Upgrade peripheral devices, internal and external. Verify appropriate system
resources (e.g., expansion slots, IRQ, DMA, etc.).
?  Peripheral devices include:
o Disk drives
o Backup devices
o Optical devices
o KBM devices
? Resources include:
o Expansion slots
o IRQ
o DMA
o SCSI Ids
o Expansion cards
? Activities include:
o  Perform upgrade checklist including:
?  Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc.
?  Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues
?  Test and pilot
? Schedule downtime
?  Implement ESD best practices
?  Confirm that upgrade has been recognized
?  Review and baseline
? Document upgrade.

?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  Potential effects on performance of adding devices
o  Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation)
o  Validation via hardware compatibility list, tips, documentation and FAQ?s.

4.8  Upgrade system monitoring agents.
? Activities include:
o  Perform upgrade checklist including:
?  Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc.
?  Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues
?  Test and pilot
? Schedule downtime
?  Implement ESD best practices
?  Confirm that upgrade has been recognized
?  Review and baseline
? Document upgrade.
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  Purpose and function of the following Management Protocols
? SNMP
? DMI
?  IPMI 1.5 & 2.0
o  Function of monitoring agents
o  Dependencies between SNMP and MIBs
o  Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation)

4.9  Upgrade service tools (e.g., diagnostic tools, EISA configuration, diagnostic
partition, SSU, etc.).
? Service tools include:
o RAID utility
o SCSI utility
o  System configuration utility
o  External storage utility
? Activities include:
o  Perform upgrade checklist including:
?  Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc.
?  Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues
?  Test and pilot
? Schedule downtime
?  Implement ESD best practices
?  Confirm that upgrade has been recognized
?  Review and baseline
? Document upgrade.
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o Most utilities are vendor specific
o  Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation)

4.10 Upgrade UPS.
? Activities include:
o Firmware updates
o Battery replacement
? Battery disposal
o  Determine physical requirements
o  Determine load requirements
o  Verify whether UPS supports hot swap replacement
o  Perform upgrade checklist including:
?  Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc.
?  Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues
?  Test and pilot
? Schedule downtime

?  Implement ESD best practices
?  Confirm that upgrade has been recognized
?  Review and baseline
? Document upgrade.
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  Some UPS support hot swap battery replacement
o  Some UPS support smart cabling
o  What can be upgraded
? UPS MIBs
? Management card
? Management software
o  Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation)

Domain 5.0 Proactive Maintenance

5.1  Perform regular backup.
? Activities include:
o  Update the ERD/recovery disk (if applicable)
o Verify backup
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  When full backups might be necessary
o  How to select the appropriate type of backup
? Differential
? Appended
? Copy
? Full
?  Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation)

5.2  Create baseline and compare performance.
? Activities include:
o  Regular comparisons to the original baseline Verify backup
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation)

5.3  Adjust SNMP thresholds.

5.4  Perform physical housekeeping.
? Activities include:
o  Periodic checks for dust buildup
o Cable management

5.5  Monitor, maintain and follow the server management and service plan.
? Activities include:
o  Follow change management protocol

Domain 6.0 Environment

6.1  Recognize and report on physical security issues.
? Activities include:
o  Limit access to server room and backup tapes
o  Ensure physical locks exist on doors
o  Establish anti-theft devices for hardware (lock server racks)

?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  Fundamentals of server security (Importance of physically securing a server)

6.2  Recognize and report on server room environmental issues.
? Issues include:
o Temperature
o Humidity
o ESD
o Power surges
o Back-up generator
o Fire suppression
o Flood considerations

Domain 7.0 Troubleshooting and Problem Determination

7.1  Perform problem determination
? Activities include:
o Problem isolation
?  Determine whether the problem is hardware or software related
?  Use questioning techniques to determine what, how, when.
?  Identify contact(s) responsible for problem resolution
?  Use senses to observe problem (e.g., smell of smoke, observation of
unhooked cable, etc.)
?  Bringing it down to base
?  Removing one component at a time

7.2  Use diagnostic hardware and software tools and utilities.
? Activities include:
o  Perform shut down across the following OSs: Microsoft Windows
NT/2000/2003, Novell NetWare, UNIX, Linux
o  Select the appropriate tool
o  Use the selected tool effectively
o  Replace defective hardware components as appropriate
o  Identify defective FRUs and replace with correct part
o  Interpret error logs, operating system errors, health logs, and critical events
o  Use documentation from previous technician successfully
o  Locate and effectively use hot tips (e.g, fixes, OS updates, E-support, web
pages, CDs)
o  Gather resources to get problem solved:
?  Identify situations requiring call for assistance
?  Acquire appropriate documentation
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  Know common diagnostic tools
? PING
? IPCONFIG
? TRACEROUTE
? FDISK
?  Basic hard disk tools
? TELNET
o  NOS shutdown procedures
? Novell NetWare
?  Microsoft Windows NT/2000/2003
? UNIX/Linux
o  Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation)


7.3  Identify bottlenecks.
? Bottlenecks include:
o Processor
o Bus transfer
o I/O
o Disk I/O
o Network I/O
o Memory
? Activities include:
o  Run performance tool and compare against baseline
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  How to run performance tools and compare against baseline
? Processor utilization
? Page file
? Disk utilization
? Memory utilization
? Network utilization

Domain 8.0 Disaster Recovery

8.1  Read and follow the disaster recovery plan.
? Activities include:
o  Find, read, and implement the recovery plan
o  Confirm and use off site storage for backup
o  Participate in testing of disaster recovery
?  Supporting knowledge includes:
o  The need for redundancy (e.g., hard drives, power supplies, fans, NICs,
processors, UPS)
o  Ability to read and comprehend a disaster recovery plan.
o  Types of backup hardware and media
? DAT
? SDAT
? DLT
? Super DLT
?  Optical backup device
? AIT
? LTO
?  Disk to disk
?  Libraries vs. stand-alones
o  Identify types of backup and restoration schemes
? Grandfather schemes
?  Differential and incremental backups
o  Concept of hot, cold and warm sites.