system administrator
noun Computing
"a person whom nurtures a computer system, also known as the computer mommy"
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IBM Changed UPS Vendors

Posted: March 30th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Sysadmin | Tags: , , , , , | No Comments »

Just recently, I discovered that IBM decided to quietly switch their UPS vendor from APC to Eaton (Powerware). We needed to replace a dead IBM UPS 3000 XHV (SmartUPS-3000) and so I ordered a new IBM UPS, the UPS 3000 HV (Eaton 5125). Upon receiving the UPS, I noticed that the battery and power module were rather different. So I boot up the UPS and start configuring the web management card and it hits me… this isn’t an APC UPS, it’s an Eaton! ARG! Why?!? WHY?!? :’(

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Check Your UPS Batteries!

Posted: March 30th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Sysadmin | Tags: , , | No Comments »

Every now and then it’s a good idea to check your UPS batteries, right? Sure, we all know that. But who really does it? In well run environments UPSes are monitored, internally and/or externally but in a small machine room with only a couple racks, the individual UPS systems may not be monitored. These machine rooms (closets?) might also not be frequented by people very often or may not even get a visit, ever unless something goes wrong.

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