• It is no longer necessary to connect computer by computer to review, for example, the state of use of its resources: disk space, CPU or RAM memory usage. Monitoring provides us with a centralized point where the information from the different systems is available.
• We can prioritize our interventions in those teams that monitoring has detected that require more attention.
• We have performance histories that greatly facilitate us to estimate the expansions or reductions of resources for a system. They can make it easier for us to obtain figures for SLAs .

But we are not only talking about preventive actions , but a large part of its value also lies in the detection of incidents in real time: receiving alerts(whether via email, SMS or others) in which we are notified of the unavailability of a service, allows us to provide a rapid response to these events, also facilitating the resolution of incidents. 

Imagine this situation: we receive an alert that the database service of our business ERP is not responding, the systems technicians quickly get to work on its resolution, anticipating that users may be affected by it, and having a clear focus on what the point of failure is in the event that someone reports a failure in the management application, since the alert has informed us that the database service is not available.

And how does this monitoring help us to detect security compromises ?in the elements of our infrastructure? Imagine that a server has been compromised and is now part of a cryptocurrency mining botnet. How to detect it if the server is still online and providing its services in a ‘normal’ way if we do not have an advanced security solution such as a SIEM? The monitoring of it will reflect abnormal CPU usage values, and from that moment we will act accordingly when alerted to abnormal performance. What if our on premise mail server is being used to send spam? Constant monitoring of the mail queue or the traffic of the server’s network card will allow us to detect this type of compromise. Certainly,

Traditionally we have been monitoring values ​​of RAM, CPU, disk occupancy or status of the equipment services, but the reality is that we can extend the monitoring not only to the final equipment or servers, but we can also monitor the infrastructure that supports them. , some examples of values ​​that we can and should monitor are:

• Status of VMware virtual infrastructure: space in datastores, health status of ESXi hosts, usage values ​​of ESXi hosts, existing snapshots in virtual machines,.
• Health status of storage cabinets: failed disks and other hardware errors, status of replication between cabinets (if any), status of the arrays,…
• Blade chassis hardware health status and other server range equipment .
• UPSs : load status, information on input/output voltages, environment values…
• PDUs : device status, input/output lines.
• Switches : hardware health status, traffic of the different interfaces, existence of loops,…

In addition to infrastructure monitoring, detailed monitoring of elements such as:

• Database : MySQL (sizes, expensive queries, connections…), MS SQL Server (sizes, connections, locks…), Oracle, Postgre
• Network services: active directory availability, DHCP, internal DNS,…
• Printer infrastructure: toner levels, printer hardware failures,…
• Microsoft IIS : status of pools, web applications,.

The above are just some examples, but the list of elements to monitor is very extensive. Let us also remember that in many cases this monitoring can be done using the SNMP protocol , which is lightweight and does not involve the installation of any type of agent or third-party application on the equipment to be monitored. Even for a large number of health checks, the use of SNMP queries is not even necessary, and can be done through the use of common network protocols .

Going a step forward, it is worth noting the usefulness of integrating the monitored elements into maps that allow us to have a quick overview of the status of our systems.

There are several existing monitoring platforms on the market, some of the best known are Nagios , Centreon , Zabbix , SolarWinds , PRTG , and of course Microsoft’s SCOM . Among them, some are open source, and others are paid, there are more basic ones and others with more advanced features, the choice of one or another solution will depend on the characteristics of our organization and the functionality that we want to obtain from it.

The post Everything You Need To Understand About Monitoring System appeared first on Web Snipers.

This is so that all the configurations that have been made in the terminal can be stored in a better way, such as accessibility or remembering the passwords of the WiFi connections that are saved in the device.

So it is one of the options that is not advertised much or that the vast majority of users do not know how to carry it out, so today I will let you know the procedure that you must carry out to carry out a backup of your computer’s configurations, all manually.

What You Should Know About Backup

Before starting with the configuration backup procedure, you should know some details, such as, for example, that it does not have the capacity to store any type of data such as the music you have on your mobile or tablet or the photographs that you have been taking over time, for this there are other ways to carry it out.

With this backup you will only have saved the most important configurations that you have on your smartphone, something that without a doubt is very useful especially when you get a new mobile, this so that the replacement does not become something that would take you many hours and everything is easier.

The Steps To Take

Basically it is a fairly simple process to carry out, but that some Android users still do not have in mind, so to establish a backup of the configuration of your Android device and after that you can use it to synchronize it in a new mobile you will have to access the System Settings part and once inside select the “Accounts” option.

It is there where it will display a list of all the accounts that you have synchronized on your mobile, that is, you can see, for example, your WhatsApp account, your social networks such as Twitter, Instagram, among others; but the one that really interests us and is where you should click is Google.

In this panel you will be able to see all the Gmail accounts that you have added to your device, so enter the one you use the most, a tip recommended by professionals to select the one you use in the Google Play Store, since it will surely be the one you log in to in your next terminal.

Once inside you will have to activate all the tabs that you will see on the site or at least all the ones that you think you will need, at least the basic ones should have them with a green symbol, that is, the data of the applications, the contacts and the account of email, also if you work a lot with documents on your tablet it is also recommended to activate the Documents and Drive .

After completing the process, all this information will be synchronized with the cloud each time changes are made to it and to be able to access it in another terminal, you only have to register with that email account.

Restore The Backup

To have a backup of the data of your Android device, you only have to access the settings again and enter the tab that is called Backup and Restore .

It is there where you will again have to select the Gmail account you want to restore and activate the option “Make Backup”. It is also precisely in this option where you can find the Factory Data Reset tool for when you want to sell the mobile.

With this backup you will be able to store in a safe and private way all the data of the applications that you have installed on the device, as well as all the passwords of WiFi connections to which your Android mobile or tablet has been connected and that you use frequently , finally also everything related to the data of the Google server settings, which are especially important for the proper functioning of the terminals.

Undoubtedly, it is a very simple procedure but it could save you many hours and troubles when purchasing a better Android mobile, since you will not have to start from scratch and you will be able to enjoy your new terminal right away.

The post How To Keep Backup Settings For Your Android Mobile appeared first on Web Snipers.

But what kind of benefits attracts and retains top talent? Gym memberships and daily breakfasts were once appealing but our context is a little different today than two years ago. Below, we break down the perks that employees might prefer in 2021:

Retirement Plans Or 401(k)s

Out of everything, your employee’s financial future is crucial, making their retirement plan an important thing to keep an eye on. This is especially true now as the Pew Research Center found that 29% of Americans worry about their retirement savings, while 24% reported that the pandemic has affected their ability to retire when they want.

With this much uncertainty on the horizon, offering retirement options like the 401(k) plan can help you attract candidates. This retirement plan is covered by AskMoney, who explain that 401(k)s are something you match as the employer. The common scheme is to contribute 50 cents for every dollar that an employee contributes to their 401(k), which can amount to up to 6% of their salary into their retirement savings.

Paid Time Off, Flexible Arrangements, Childcare

Your employees need time off from work every now and then for a variety of reasons. This could be for parenting, doctors appointments, or even just needing a day to themselves. By providing your employees with PTO, you’ll show them that you care about their well-being, and will make them feel more empowered to make decisions about their personal needs. If this is a new concept in your office, set an example by taking time off when you don’t feel your best mentally, or if you just need a break.

Be prepared to accommodate employees with kids and their families’ needs as well. SHRM notes that there are already companies subsidizing childcare for employees with families. These companies consider this “sound business sense” as the initiative can alleviate the worries of working parents. Considering that 21% in a survey of 1,000 say that they are looking for a different job due to the demands of parenthood, this can be a worthwhile investment for your business.

Health Benefits

Something as simple as a lack of sleep could influence productivity — what more, then, could the effects of something more serious such as lung problems or other health issues lead to? Don’t let your employees get to this point. Provide them with health benefits, such as insurance, to keep them healthy and happy. Additionally, offering health insurance reduces your taxable income, as it can count as a deductible.

You’ll want to offer mental health support as well, as the CDC reported that 40% of adults struggled with conditions like anxiety and depression. They revealed that some of the drivers of this psychological distress are social isolation and financial worries, both of which could be happening to your employees. Look into providing your staff with resources on therapy and similar wellness programs. Another idea is to host weekly meditation or exercise sessions, which can also be a form of virtual team building that can combat isolation.

Whether you’re a startup, a small business, or a large corporation, these are three types of benefits that you should offer above all else. The priorities of your employees — and prospective ones — are changing with the times, and you need to update your benefits package alongside it.

For more business guides, check out the rest of our blog here on Web Snipers.

The post The Real Benefits That Employees Need In 2021 And Beyond appeared first on Web Snipers.

Visualization can be so effective that it is often used as the main media and not as a supporting act.

In a nutshell, data visualization is science and art at the same time. It can make an immense impact for a simple reason – humans are visual beings. This means that we can capture and retain information more easily and quickly through images.

With this said, make it a priority to improve data visualization on your website. Break your content into images; it will be much easier to understand. This way, people will enjoy visiting your website, again and again.

Why is data visualization important?

There are many reasons, and here are the key ones:

• It can significantly impact your site’s rankings and SEO performance
• It can improve your user experience
• It can help you build brand authority and visibility, allowing you to stand out from the competition
• It can shine a light on the information and details that are otherwise hidden

If data visualization seems like a big task, consider hiring professionals. From pie charts and graphs to infographics and color, shapes and images, NYC web designers can help you create a plethora of data visualization elements that can take your website’s value to new heights.

If you’re the do-it-yourself type, you may be wondering where to start and which tools to use to improve your data visualization. Luckily, we did our homework and compiled a list of the ten top tips to make your data visualization stand out.

Let’s dive right in!

Choose The Right Data Visualization Elements

The first thing you need to do is define what kind of visualization element would perfectly reflect the key trend in your data.

Each element has its specific purpose, and your ultimate goal should be to choose the one that will attract your users and help them easily grasp the key points. Here are some of them:

• Bar graphs – they offer a great amount of information at a glance
• Line plots – perfect for visualizing the value a numerical value over a certain period
• Scatter plots – ideal for showing the relationship between two variables
• Pie charts – designed to show the proportional distribution of items in the same category
• Histograms – use a continuous interval to show the distribution of numeric data, with data segmented into different bins
• Infographics – designed to present an overview of a certain topic clearly

Focus On Creating Simple Copy

Creating engaging and compelling copy that would immediately grab the readers’ attention is critical when writing blogs. The same goes when designing your data visualization elements. You need to pinpoint the essential information and make it as simple and informative as possible.

Focus on creating minimalist visuals as this would help convey the message in the best possible way.

Pay attention to how the people at your workplace interact. Make sure the tone on your visuals is natural so that everyone can easily understand your data.

Don’t clutter your visuals with unnecessary data – only show the data that truly makes a difference.

For example, Facebook Ads provides a clearly labeled and simple assessment of ad performance. They avoid using jargon as this may only create confusion among users. 

Use Clear Color Nuances

Colors have an immense impact on viewers and should be on your list of priorities. However, while they can entice your viewers, improper use of colors can also mislead them.

Although you have an unlimited color palette at your disposal, this doesn’t mean you should use them all. Choose your colors wisely and always think about the value they bring to that specific element.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Stick to a limited color palette as that’s more effective
• Choose one color and play with the tones and shades
• Use the same color for the same kind of data
• Use colors your viewers can associate with
• Use bold color for your key data and muted shades for the less important data
• Leverage opacity to present the scale of data

Make Data Visualization Filterable

When creating data visualization elements, ensure you don’t overuse them, which may affect your website speed and overall user experience.

Instead, focus on creating one graphic that allows your users to filter the information they need. In other words, use a smaller amount of space to deliver a ton of visual information.

Know Your Audience

Design is about your audience. It’s a medium that lets you convey your message more easily to the auditorium in a format that makes it easier to understand. Customer feedback can help you improve your design significantly. So, before you begin designing your elements, you need to ask yourself:

1. Who am I designing for?
2. Does my audience have a clear knowledge of various data visualization elements like bar charts, graphs, infographics, etc.?
3. How familiar is my audience with the basic data I am presenting?

Your data visualization is useless if it doesn’t communicate the key information clearly to your audience.

Also, to make sure you are on the right track, have someone review your data visualizations. The second pair of eyes can help you see things you don’t see yourself and solve the dilemmas you might have about the design. You can even use a checklist to know what to look for in your review.

Leverage Data Visualization Tools

Every process becomes much easier with the help of adequate tools. As there are many data visualization tools on the market, you may be wondering what kind of tool would perfectly suit your needs. So, here are a few things to consider:

• If you are a beginner at creating data visualization elements, pick the tools that are easiest to use
• Choose the software that helps you handle large datasets
• The tools you choose should enable you to create different types of elements, from infographics to pie charts
• Look for tools with intuitive dashboards
• Make sure the tools you choose make your data more meaningful
• Look for features like dynamic data and animations

Optimize Data Visualization For Mobile Use

In this fast-paced digital age, where the mobile phone has become the number one means of communication, website design doesn’t make any sense if it is not optimized for mobile users.

Put simply, if you want your data visualization to make an impact, it needs to be responsive across platforms, from mobile phones to tablets.

Besides making sure your visuals easily adapt to smaller screens, you need to choose the colors that would be easy on the eyes. Lastly, keep your images smaller so that you don’t clutter your website.

Let Your Users Interact With Your Data

How to pack a load of information into a single graph? Make it interactive and easy for your visitors to absorb the information. This is especially valuable when it comes to optimizing the mobile experience.

The great thing about interactivity is that you can apply it to many data visualization elements. These offer consistency to your minimalist design and keep the UI clear and easy to navigate.

Label Your Data Visualization

One way to help your visitors have a clear picture of what visuals are trying to say is to label them. So, before you roll out your data visualization, make sure:

• Your labels are easy to read and understandable
• Use a legend wisely as it helps users identify and differentiate data
• Give a title to the graph so that the viewers would easily understand what it is about
• Label your axes so that your visitors would know what they represent

Include Comparison For More Insight

A comparison is a great way to help your visitors gain insights into certain values.

For instance, if you want your organization to find out about your company’s growth, you can compare the current data with past data by using comparison charts.

Where Do You Go From Here?

The old saying “A picture is worth thousands of words” may be a cliché, but it rings true when it comes to your website design.

While you may write the best piece of content out there, it still may not be easily digestible or visually appealing.

We hope these tips will help you showcase your data in an engaging way and stay on top of the game.

The post 10 Tips On How To Reach Stellar Success With Your Data Visualization appeared first on Web Snipers.