Tutorials

Description:

In this tutorial, we will learn what the IOSTAT command and how to use it. With the iostat command, you can see how busy your system's input/output devices are by comparing the amount of time they are active to their average transfer rates.
The iostat command makes reports that can be used to change how the system is set up so that the input/output load is more evenly spread across the physical discs.

How to install iostat command in Linux

Prerequisites: To install the iostat command you must be either super user or a normal user with SUDO privileges. 

The iostat command does not come pre-installed with Linux distributions, but it is part of the default package. This means that the package manager of the Linux distribution can be used to install it.

In Fedora/ Redhat/ Centos:

 # yum install sysstat -y 

In Ubuntu/ Debian:

 # apt install sysstat -y 

How to use IOSTAT command:

To generate the default or basic report using iostat, you can simply type iostat in your terminal and hit enter

# iostat 

The iostat command makes reports that are divided into two sections: the CPU Utilization report and the Device Utilization report.

CPU Utilization report: The CPU Utilization Report shows how well the CPU is working based on different parameters. Here's what these parameters mean:

• %user: CPU utilization in percentage that was used while running user processes.

• %nice: CPU utilization in percentage that was used while running user processes with nice priorities.

• %system: CPU Utilization in percentage that was used while running kernel.

• %iowait: Show the percentage of time that the CPU or CPUs were idle during which the system had an outstanding disk I/O request.

• %steal: Show the percentage of time spent in involuntary wait by the virtual CPU or CPUs while the hypervisor was servicing another virtual processor.

• %idle: Show the percentage of time that the CPU or CPUs were idle and the system did not have an outstanding disk I/O request.

Disk Utilization Report:

The Device Utilization Report is the second report that is made by the iostat command. The device report gives information about statistics for each physical device or partition. On the command line, you can enter statistics to be shown for block devices and partitions.
If you don't enter a device or partition, statistics are shown for every device the system uses, as long as the kernel keeps statistics for it.

In this report too, it show the report on different parameters. Here's what these parameters mean:

• Device: This column gives the device (or partition) name as listed in the /dev directory.

• tps: The number of transfers per second that were sent to the device. If tps is high, it means the processor is working hard.

• KB_read/s: Indicate the amount of data read from the device

• kB_wrtn/s: Indicate the amount of data written to the device

• kB_dscd/s: It displays the rate of data discarded by the CPU per second

• kB_read: It displays the amount the data read

• kB_wrtn: It displays the amount the data written

• KB_dscd: It display the amount the data discarded

You can find the other useful paramethers you can find in the output related to iostat command.

• rps: Indicates the number of read transfers per second.

• Krps: here, K represent is kilo which means 1000. So it defines as above but of value of 1000.

To display the report only for CPU Utilization:

# iostat -c 

To display the report only for Disk Utilization:

# iostat -d 

To display a continuous device report at two-second intervals.

# iostat -d 2

If you want to generate n reports in a given time, use the below format to execute the command

iostat interval-time numbers_of_time

For example, to generate 6 report for every 2 seconds, but for only devices

# iostat -d 2 6 

To generate a report for a specific device.

# iostat sda # or any other device

To generate a report for a specific device with all its partition.

# iostat -p sda # or any other device

In conclusion, you have learned that what is IOSTAT command and how to use it.

With businesses moving to the cloud, it's no surprise that hybrid cloud solutions have gained popularity in recent years. The hybrid cloud offers a combination of public and private clouds that provide flexibility and control over data, applications, and infrastructure. However, like any technology solution, hybrid cloud implementation comes with its own set of advantages and challenges.

Advantages of Implementing a Hybrid Cloud Solution

1. Scalability and Flexibility

One of the primary advantages of a hybrid cloud solution is its scalability and flexibility. It allows businesses to scale resources up or down as per their needs, whether it's adding or removing resources in a public or private cloud environment. With the ability to balance workloads across different environments, businesses can ensure optimal performance and cost-efficiency.

2. Cost-Effective

Implementing a hybrid cloud solution can be cost-effective for businesses as it allows them to use public cloud services for non-critical workloads and private cloud services for mission-critical workloads. By leveraging the public cloud, businesses can avoid the high costs associated with building and maintaining their own infrastructure. At the same time, private cloud services provide greater security and control over sensitive data and applications.

3. Increased Security

The hybrid cloud solution offers increased security as businesses can keep sensitive data and applications on their private cloud, which is less accessible to external threats. At the same time, the public cloud can be used for less sensitive data and applications, where security concerns are relatively lower.

Challenges of Implementing a Hybrid Cloud Solution

1. Complexity

Implementing a hybrid cloud solution can be complex as it involves managing resources across different environments. Businesses need to ensure that their hybrid cloud environment is properly configured, and applications are designed to run across different clouds seamlessly. This requires skilled professionals who understand the intricacies of the hybrid cloud.

2. Integration Issues

Integrating different cloud environments can be challenging as it requires businesses to ensure compatibility between different technologies, protocols, and standards. This can result in delays and additional costs associated with re-architecting applications to make them work in a hybrid environment.

3. Data Management

Managing data in a hybrid cloud environment can be challenging as businesses need to ensure that data is synchronized across different environments. This requires businesses to implement proper data management policies to ensure that data is consistent and up-to-date across different environments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, implementing a hybrid cloud solution can offer businesses greater flexibility, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and security. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges that businesses need to be aware of. To maximize the benefits of a hybrid cloud, businesses need to have the right resources, skills, and expertise to manage and operate their hybrid cloud environment effectively.

If you're looking to implement a hybrid cloud solution, MicroHost can help you navigate the complexities of the cloud and ensure that you get the most out of your hybrid cloud environment. Visit our website at https://utho.com/ to learn more about our cloud solutions and how we can help you achieve your business goals.

Read Also: 7 Reasons Why Cloud Infrastructure is Important for Startups

The Impact of Cloud Server Downtime on Business Operations: Mitigation Strategies and Best Practices

In today's world, businesses are relying more and more on technology for their operations. Cloud servers have become an essential part of business infrastructure, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for data storage and application hosting. However, with the benefits of cloud computing come the risks of cloud server downtime, which can have a significant impact on business operations. In this article, we will discuss the impact of cloud server downtime on business operations and provide mitigation strategies and best practices to prevent or minimize its effects.

What is Cloud Server Downtime?

Cloud server downtime is the period during which a cloud server is not accessible to its users. This can happen due to various reasons, such as hardware failure, network issues, software bugs, human error, or cyber-attacks. Cloud server downtime can cause severe disruptions to business operations, resulting in lost revenue, damaged reputation, and decreased productivity.

Impact of Cloud Server Downtime on Business Operations

Lost Revenue: Downtime can lead to lost sales, missed opportunities, and dissatisfied customers. In a highly competitive market, even a few hours of downtime can cause significant revenue loss.

Damage to Reputation: Customers expect businesses to be available 24/7, and any disruption to their services can damage their reputation. This can result in customer churn, negative reviews, and reduced trust in the brand.

Decreased Productivity: Employees may be unable to access critical data or applications, resulting in delays and decreased productivity. Downtime can also cause stress and frustration among employees, leading to a demotivated workforce.

Mitigation Strategies and Best Practices

Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance of cloud servers can prevent hardware failure and ensure software is up-to-date. This includes regular backups, security patches, and monitoring for potential issues.

Disaster Recovery Plan: A disaster recovery plan outlines the steps to take in case of downtime. This includes backup and recovery procedures, testing, and regular updates.

Redundancy and Failover: Redundancy and failover systems ensure that if one server fails, another can take over seamlessly. This reduces the risk of downtime and ensures business continuity.

Monitoring and Alerting: Monitoring tools can identify potential issues before they occur and alert IT teams to take action. This includes real-time monitoring of server performance, network connectivity, and security threats.

Cloud Provider Selection: Choosing a reliable cloud provider with a proven track record of uptime and customer support can minimize the risk of downtime. This includes evaluating service level agreements (SLAs), customer reviews, and support options.

Conclusion

Cloud server downtime can have a severe impact on business operations, leading to lost revenue, damaged reputation, and decreased productivity. Mitigation strategies and best practices can minimize the risks of downtime and ensure business continuity. Regular maintenance, disaster recovery planning, redundancy and failover, monitoring and alerting, and cloud provider selection are essential components of a robust cloud infrastructure. By implementing these strategies, businesses can minimize the risks of cloud server downtime and ensure the smooth operation of their operations.

About Microhost

Microhost is a leading provider of cloud hosting solutions in India. With over ten years of experience in the industry, they offer reliable and cost-effective cloud hosting services for businesses of all sizes. Their services include cloud servers, dedicated servers, VPS hosting, and domain registration. Microhost has a proven track record of uptime and customer support, making them an excellent choice for businesses looking for a reliable cloud hosting provider.

A load balancer is an essential tool in any business’s IT infrastructure. It ensures that traffic is distributed evenly across servers, helping to prevent performance bottlenecks that can lead to outages. As such, it’s important to configure and manage your load balancer correctly. Here are five tips for doing just that. 

Must Read : 6 Benefits of Deploying a Load Balancer on your server.

1. Monitor Your Servers Closely

To ensure peak performance from your load balancer, you need to monitor the servers it's connected to. This means monitoring all of the server's resources (CPU usage, memory utilization, etc.) on a regular basis so that you can quickly identify any potential issues and address them before they cause major problems. 

2. Know Your Traffic Patterns

Load balancers are most effective when they're configured according to specific traffic patterns. So, take some time to study the traffic coming into your website or application and adjust your configuration accordingly. Doing so will allow you to optimize your setup for maximum efficiency and minimize potential outages due to unexpected spikes in traffic or other irregularities. 

3. Use Autoscaling When Possible

Autoscaling is a great way to ensure that your load balancer always has enough capacity to handle incoming traffic without bogging down the system or causing outages due to overloading resources. Not only does it help save on costs by allowing you scale up or down as needed, but it also makes sure that users always have access to the services they need when they need them most. 

4. Utilize Automated Monitoring Tools

Automated monitoring tools can be used in conjunction with your load balancer configuration in order to detect any issues before they become serious problems and make sure everything is running smoothly at all times. The more data you collect from these tools, the better informed decisions you'll be able make when it comes time for maintenance or upgrades down the line. 

5. Keep Backup Systems In Place

Nothing lasts forever, including your load balancer configuration and hardware setup – which is why having backup systems in place is so important! This could mean anything from having multiple failover systems ready in case of an emergency or simply keeping redundant copies of all configurations and settings so that you can quickly restore service should something go wrong with the primary setup. 

A load balancer can be a powerful tool for managing traffic on your website or application. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your load balancer is properly configured and able to handle the traffic demands of your users. If you do not have a load balancer in place, we recommend considering one as part of your infrastructure.

There are many benefits of using cloud servers compared to physical servers. Cloud servers are more scalable and flexible and provide better performance. They are also more secure and offer better uptime. 

Here are some of the key benefits of using cloud servers:-

• Cloud servers offer scalability and flexibility, allowing businesses to easily adjust their storage and computing power as needed. 

• Cloud servers provide cost savings, as there is no need for expensive hardware or maintenance costs. 

• Cloud servers offer improved security measures, with built-in backups and disaster recovery plans. 

• Cloud servers allow for remote access and collaboration, making it easy for teams to work together from anywhere.

• Cloud servers have a high uptime, ensuring reliable and consistent performance.

• With cloud servers, software and system updates are automatic and seamless. 

• Cloud servers offer enhanced accessibility, as information can be accessed from any device with internet connection. 

• Cloud servers provide the ability to test and develop new applications without impacting the current system.

• Cloud servers offer improved disaster recovery capabilities, as data can be easily restored in the event of a security breach or natural disaster. 

• Cloud servers allow for better data management and organization. 

• Cloud servers offer enhanced collaboration opportunities with partners and clients. 

• Cloud servers provide improved agility and responsiveness to changing business needs. 

• Cloud servers offer increased cost-effectiveness for businesses, as they only pay for the resources they use. 

• Cloud servers allow businesses to focus on their core competencies, rather than managing IT infrastructure.

• Cloud server technology is constantly evolving and improving, offering even more benefits for businesses.

As India's first cloud platform, Microhost offers all of these benefits and more. With top-notch security measures, 24/7 support, and a user-friendly interface, Microhost is the premier choice for your cloud server needs. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help your business succeed in today's digital world.

Also Read: 7 Reasons Why Cloud Infrastructure is Important for Startups

Cloud Infrastructure is Important for Startups, and many factors contribute to a startup's success; one of the most important is having a strong infrastructure. Have you ever wondered why some startups succeed while others fail?

That's where cloud infrastructure comes in. Cloud infrastructure can provide startups with the scalability, flexibility, and reliability they need to grow and thrive. Here are seven reasons why cloud infrastructure is so important for startups:

1. Scalability

One of the biggest challenges for startups is predicting future growth. Will your user base double in the next six months? What about next year? Trying to forecast that kind of growth can be difficult, and if you underestimate it, you could end up with an infrastructure that can't handle the demand.

With cloud infrastructure, you only pay for the resources you use, so it's easy to scale up or down as your needs change. That gives you the flexibility to respond quickly to changes in user demand, without having to over-provision your infrastructure and waste money on unused resources.

2. Flexibility

Another challenge for startups is the need to be agile and respond quickly to changes in the market. With a traditional infrastructure, it can take weeks or even months to provision new resources or make changes to your existing setup. That's not ideal when you need to move fast to stay ahead of the competition.

Cloud infrastructure provides the flexibility you need to make changes quickly and easily. If you need to add new servers or storage, you can do it in minutes instead of weeks. And if you need to reduce your capacity, you can do that just as easily. That means you can respond quickly to changes in the market and keep your startup agile.

3. Reliability

Startups need to be able to rely on their infrastructure to keep their business running smoothly. Downtime can cost you money, so it's important to have an infrastructure that is reliable and always available.

With cloud infrastructure, you can take advantage of the same high-availability features that are used by some of the largest companies in the world. That means your startup can have the same level of reliability and availability, without having to invest in expensive hardware and software.

4. Cloud infrastructure is Cost-effective

A traditional infrastructure can be costly to set up and maintain. Startups often don't have the capital to invest in their own data center, so they have to lease space from a third-party provider. That can be expensive, and it can limit the amount of control you have over your infrastructure.

With cloud infrastructure, you only pay for the resources you use, so it's more cost-effective than a traditional infrastructure. And because you don't have to invest in your own data center, you can use that money to invest in other areas of your business.

5. Security

Startups need to be able to protect their data and applications from cyberattacks. With a traditional infrastructure, you have to manage your own security, which can be a challenge if you don't have the resources or expertise.

With cloud infrastructure, you can take advantage of the security features that are provided by the provider. That means you don't have to worry about managing your own security, and you can focus on other aspects of your business.

6. Compliance

Startups need to be able to comply with industry regulations. With a traditional infrastructure, you have to manage your own compliance, which can be a challenge if you're not familiar with the regulations.

With cloud infrastructure, you can take advantage of the compliance features that are provided by the provider. That means you don't have to worry about managing your own compliance, and you can focus on other aspects of your business.

7. Support

When you're running a startup, you need to be able to get help when you need it. With a traditional infrastructure, you have to manage your own support, which can be a challenge if you're not familiar with the technology.

With cloud infrastructure, you can take advantage of the support that is provided by the provider. That means you don't have to worry about managing your own support, and you can focus on other aspects of your business.

Microhost is a cloud infrastructure provider that offers all of these features to startups. We make it easy for startups to get started with cloud infrastructure, and we offer the tools and resources they need to be successful. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your startup.

The Impact of Cloud Server Location on Latency and User Experience: Factors to Consider

In today's fast-paced digital world, users expect fast and reliable access to their favorite websites and applications. As such, the location of cloud servers plays a crucial role in determining the quality of the user experience. In this article, we'll explore the impact of cloud server location on latency and user experience and the factors to consider when choosing a server location.

Factors Affecting Latency

Several factors can affect latency, including the physical distance between the user and the server, the number of hops required to reach the server, network congestion, and the server's processing speed. However, the physical distance between the user and the server is the most significant factor. The farther away the user is from the server, the longer it will take for data to travel back and forth, resulting in higher latency.

Impact on User Experience

Latency can have a significant impact on the user experience, particularly for applications that require real-time interactions, such as online gaming, video conferencing, and financial trading. Even minor delays can be frustrating and disruptive, leading to a poor user experience and lost revenue for businesses.

Choosing a Server Location

When selecting a cloud server location, several factors should be considered, including the location of the target audience, the proximity of other servers in the network, and the reliability of the network infrastructure. For businesses with a global audience, it may be necessary to have servers located in multiple regions to provide optimal performance for users worldwide.

Additionally, some cloud service providers offer content delivery networks (CDNs), which distribute content across multiple servers worldwide, reducing latency and improving user experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the location of cloud servers can have a significant impact on latency and user experience. By strategically choosing a server location, businesses can provide their users with a fast and reliable experience, leading to increased customer satisfaction and revenue.

About Microhost

Microhost is a leading cloud service provider in India, offering a wide range of cloud hosting solutions, including VPS, dedicated servers, and cloud storage. With state-of-the-art data centers located in India, Microhost provides businesses with high-speed connectivity and low latency, ensuring fast and reliable access to their applications and websites. To learn more about Microhost's cloud hosting solutions, visit https://utho.com/.

You've probably heard the buzz about edge computing lately, but what is it, and how does it differ from traditional cloud computing? In this article, we'll explain edge computing in plain language, and give you some examples of how it's used.

What is Edge Computing?

Edge computing is all about processing data as close to the source of that data as possible. Normally, data is sent to a central data center for processing and analysis, but with edge computing, that processing happens at or near the device or sensor that generated the data in the first place.

Why is Edge Computing Important?

There are a few reasons why edge computing is becoming more popular these days. First, it can help reduce the delay between when data is generated and when it's processed. This is really important for things like self-driving cars, where split-second decisions can make a big difference.

Second, edge computing can help save bandwidth, which is really helpful when you're dealing with expensive or limited connections, like in remote locations or on mobile devices.

Finally, edge computing can help keep sensitive data more secure, since it's not all sent to a central location where it could be at risk of being hacked.

Examples of Edge Computing

Here are a few examples of how edge computing can be used in different industries:

Healthcare: Real-time processing of patient data could help doctors and nurses make better decisions about patient care.

Transportation: Data from sensors on self-driving cars could be processed at the edge to help avoid accidents.

Retail: In-store sensors could be used to process data on inventory and store layout.

Microhost and Edge Computing

If you're interested in exploring edge computing for your business, Microhost can help. We're experts in cloud computing, including edge computing, and we can help you take advantage of this exciting technology. To learn more, visit us at https://utho.com/.

Introduction

In recent years, there has been a growing trend in software development towards cloud-native applications. These applications are designed specifically to run in the cloud and take full advantage of its benefits, including scalability, reliability, and cost-efficiency. However, developing cloud-native applications also presents its own set of challenges that must be overcome. In this article, we will explore the advantages and challenges of developing cloud-native applications and provide best practices for doing so.

Advantages of Cloud-Native Applications

Scalability

One of the most significant advantages of cloud-native applications is their ability to scale easily and efficiently. Cloud providers offer services such as auto-scaling and load balancing that allow applications to automatically adjust their resources based on demand. This means that cloud-native applications can handle sudden spikes in traffic without any downtime or performance issues.

Reliability

Cloud providers also offer high levels of reliability, with service level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee a certain level of uptime. Cloud-native applications can take advantage of this reliability by using services such as redundant data storage and automatic failover. This means that applications can continue to operate even if there is a failure in one part of the system.

Cost-Efficiency

Another advantage of cloud-native applications is their cost efficiency. By using cloud services, developers can avoid the upfront costs of purchasing and maintaining their own hardware. Additionally, cloud providers offer pay-as-you-go pricing models, which means that developers only pay for the resources they actually use. This can result in significant cost savings, especially for smaller businesses or startups.

Challenges of Cloud-Native Applications

Complexity

Developing cloud-native applications can be more complex than traditional applications. Cloud-native applications often use microservices architecture, which involves breaking an application into smaller, more manageable components. This can increase the complexity of the application as a whole, as each component must be designed and developed independently.

Security

Cloud-native applications can also present security challenges. With multiple components running in different environments, it can be more difficult to ensure that all components are secure. Additionally, cloud providers offer their own security measures, but it is still the responsibility of the developer to ensure that their application is secure.

Vendor Lock-In

Finally, developing cloud-native applications can result in vendor lock-in. This occurs when a developer uses a specific cloud provider\'s services to develop their application and becomes reliant on those services. If the developer wants to switch to a different provider, they may face challenges in porting their application over.

Best Practices for Developing Cloud-Native Applications

Use a Containerization Platform

Using a containerization platform such as Docker or Kubernetes can help to address the complexity of developing cloud-native applications. Containers provide a lightweight and portable way to package and deploy individual components of an application.

Implement Security Best Practices

Developers should implement security best practices to ensure that their application is secure. This includes using encryption for data in transit and at rest, enforcing

access controls, and regularly testing for vulnerabilities.

Use Open-Source Technologies

Using open-source technologies can help to avoid vendor lock-in and provide more flexibility in developing cloud-native applications. Additionally, open-source technologies often have a large community of developers contributing to them, which can result in faster innovation and bug fixes.

Conclusion

Developing cloud-native applications can provide many benefits, including scalability, reliability, and cost-efficiency. However, it also presents its own set of challenges, including complexity, security, and vendor lock-in. By following best practices such as using a containerization platform, implementing security best practices, and using open-source technologies, developers can overcome these challenges and take full advantage of the benefits of cloud-native applications.

Also Read: Best Practices for Managing and Securing Edge Computing Devices