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FoxDooTech’s Server category offers expert insights into cloud computing, hosting solutions, server infrastructure, data management, and server security trends.
As a database administrator, I once relied on DELETE to purge large volumes of obsolete records. Over time, I discovered this approach caused hidden performance and storage headaches. In this post, I’ll share what I learned about InnoDB’s storage model, the pitfalls of bulk DELETE, and the best practices I now follow. Understanding InnoDB’s Storage Architecture InnoDB stores data in tablespaces, segments, extents (groups of 32 pages), and pages (16 KB each by default). When you delete rows, InnoDB simply marks them as deleted—it doesn’t return space to the operating system. As a result, the .ibd file stays the same size, leaving unused “holes” in your tablespace. My Experiment: DELETE Doesn’t Free Space I created an empty table and saw...
As the person responsible for our company’s IT infrastructure, one of my essential tasks was optimizing our web servers. After much research, testing, and consideration, Nginx emerged as the optimal solution due to its high performance, reliability, and flexibility. Understanding Nginx Architecture and Working Model One aspect that immediately attracted me to Nginx was its highly efficient architecture. Unlike Apache’s thread-based approach, Nginx uses a Master-Worker architecture. Master and Worker Processes The Master process manages global operations: reading configurations, launching worker processes, and overseeing their health. Each Worker process, operating independently, handles client requests using an event-driven model, efficiently managing multiple connections with minimal resource usage. Event-Driven Asynchronous Model Worker processes employ a non-blocking, event-driven model, ensuring quick request handling...
How I Centralized Our Desktop Wallpaper with Active Directory GPO As the IT administrator for one of our corporate clients, I was recently tasked with standardizing the desktop background on nearly 200 domain-joined PCs. Manually updating each machine would be a logistical nightmare, so I leveraged our Windows Server’s Active Directory and Group Policy to automate the process. Scenario & Requirements The client wanted a branded 1920×1080 wallpaper across all employee workstations without touching individual machines. To prepare, I gathered: A high-resolution wallpaper file (1920×1080) to enforce on all desktops. An Active Directory domain controller with file-share capability. Verified AD health (DNS, replication) and appropriate GPO editing permissions. Step 1: Create & Share the Wallpaper Folder On the domain controller:...
Securing Our Linux Servers with SSH Two-Factor Authentication In my role as a systems administrator at our company, I recently observed numerous automated login attempts against our Linux servers. Handling sensitive customer data demands robust security measures, so I decided to implement two-factor authentication (2FA) for all SSH access. Below is the scenario that prompted this change and a detailed walkthrough of how I set it up using Google Authenticator. The Scenario: Why We Needed SSH 2FA Our production environment runs on Debian 12.5 and Ubuntu 24.04 servers hosting web applications and internal tools. After receiving alerts about repeated failed SSH logins, I knew it was only a matter of time before a breach occurred. To mitigate this risk quickly...
One day last week, I woke up to a nightmare scenario: our company’s Apache server had slowed to a crawl, and within minutes it was clear we were under a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. Having faced this situation before, I knew immediately what I needed to do. Here’s exactly how I handled it, step-by-step, to not only stop the attack but to make sure it wouldn’t happen again. Step 1: Identifying the Attack The first thing I did was to verify that it was indeed a DDoS attack. I logged into our Apache server and checked the server logs using: tail -n 100 /var/log/apache2/access.log I noticed a massive flood of repeated requests from suspicious IP addresses targeting the...
Keeping your Apache server secure doesn’t have to be complicated. As someone who’s managed multiple Apache setups, I’ve learned firsthand how a few simple security steps can drastically improve the safety of your websites and applications. Here’s my quick, human-friendly guide to enhancing your Apache server security: 1. Regularly Update Apache Staying current is critical. Regular updates patch vulnerabilities and improve security. I recommend setting automated updates or reminders to ensure you’re running the latest secure version. 2. Disable Directory Listing Exposed directories are an invitation to attackers. To disable directory browsing, simply add this line in your .htaccess or Apache config: Options -Indexes 3. Implement SSL/TLS SSL/TLS encryption ensures data integrity and security. Using free solutions like Let’s Encrypt...
If you’re building a multimedia server or working with video streaming in 2025, FFmpeg is an absolute must-have. Known for its powerful video/audio encoding, decoding, and streaming capabilities, FFmpeg remains the top tool for developers and media professionals. Here’s how you install it quickly and reliably on CentOS 7, one of the most stable production environments today. 📌 Step 1: Update Your CentOS System First things first—make sure everything is up-to-date. sudo yum update -y 📌 Step 2: Install the EPEL and RPM Fusion Repositories You’ll need access to third-party repositories. Install them with: sudo yum install epel-release -y sudo yum localinstall --nogpgcheck https://download1.rpmfusion.org/free/el/rpmfusion-free-release-7.noarch.rpm -y 📌 Step 3: Install FFmpeg on CentOS 7 Once repositories are enabled, you’re ready to...
🛠️ Build a Rock-Solid Server on CentOS: Step-by-Step Setup for 2025 If you’re looking to deploy a reliable, secure, and production-ready Linux server, CentOS remains one of the top choices for enterprise-level environments. While newer alternatives like AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are emerging, CentOS (especially CentOS 7) still powers countless critical systems worldwide. Whether you’re hosting a website, deploying APIs, or running internal tools, this step-by-step guide will help you stand up a powerful CentOS-based server in no time. ⚙️ Step 1: Choose Your Environment You can set up CentOS on: A physical machine A virtual private server (VPS) like DigitalOcean, Linode, or Vultr Local virtual machines using VirtualBox or VMware Download the latest CentOS 7 ISO or use a...
Ever thought about hosting your own server using your Mac? While Linux and Windows dominate server setups, macOS servers offer an easy, user-friendly alternative, perfect for developers, designers, or home tech enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know to build your own macOS server in 2025—right from your Mac at home! 🚀 Getting Started: What You’ll Need 1. Choosing the Hardware If you already own a Mac, such as a Mac mini, Mac Studio, or an iMac, you’re good to go. No Mac at home? You can rent a macOS-compatible cloud server as a cost-effective alternative. 2. Selecting macOS Version Go for macOS Monterey or later, as these versions have built-in developer tools, reliable stability,...
Introduction Virtual Private Servers (VPS) have become increasingly essential for startups, developers, and small businesses aiming for robust hosting solutions at budget-friendly prices. As we step further into 2025, here’s an in-depth, original comparison of five affordable VPS hosting services, highlighting their key features, costs, and ideal user profiles. Best Affordable VPS Hosting Providers of 2025 1. IONOS – Top Choice for Value Starting Price: $2/month Key Features: Customizable server options DDoS protection included Free SSL and domain registration Unlimited monthly traffic at 1Gbps 99.9% uptime reliability Best Suited For: Businesses needing a reliable mix of cost-efficiency and performance. IONOS excels by providing an intuitive user experience, making robust VPS services accessible even for users with limited technical knowledge. 2....
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