What is your approach to server management?
Perhaps you possess an array of 50 servers, obtained from distinct hosting providers, and another 50 from private grids. How do you keep track of all these servers? Do you employ a method such as creating an Excel list that includes the server's IP, SSH username, and other pertinent details? If not, what is your alternative?

1) Secure Shell (SSH)
2) Utilizing both SSH and X-forwarding together
3) An alternative to SSH called xrdp
4) An in-house web application designed for tasks such as managing mail servers, creating and revoking OpenVPN certificates, and managing Apache virtual hosts.
5) In dire circumstances, a portable monitor and keyboard or secondary network device may be necessary.

It's worth noting that while these tools can be incredibly helpful in managing servers and networks, it's important to also prioritize security measures to protect against potential breaches or unauthorized access. It's always better to err on the side of caution.

To properly manage access, a database of passwords, keys, certificates, code words, OTP codes, answers to secret questions, and more is necessary. In terms of functionality, Keepass meets my needs, but there are plenty of alternatives available in the 21st century.

Using network storage such as Dropbox to store and use the database is advisable, particularly if you are the primary source or creator of these accesses. Free storage is preferable, as it eliminates the need to worry about payment during a prolonged absence from the system.

In cases where there are large numbers of accesses, plugins can be used to help manage them. These plugins log into the LC via the browser, connect to database servers, and facilitate the transfer of funds. However, I do not use plugins, as I prefer to access the database from Android, where arbitrary data can easily be added as files.

When it comes to security, exporting plugins are not recommended. A hijacked database is a serious problem, so limiting the number of passwords accessible per hour is a good precautionary measure. Additionally, the program blocks itself when the OS screen is locked or after a period of inactivity, and there are options like NFC, fingerprint scanners, and password-protected mp3 files that can be used for authorization.

This practical tool solves all problems with storing access. To monitor server processes, I recommend using pm2, and logz provides useful statistics on resource traffic. For organizations with numerous servers, utilities like CherryTree and Zim may prove useful for aggregating manuals and scripts into one knowledge base.

My approach to managing a diverse array of servers involves a multi-faceted strategy that encompasses automation, monitoring, and dоcumentation practices. Dealing with 50 servers obtained from distinct hosting providers and another 50 from private grids presents unique challenges that require a comprehensive and adaptable solution.

For the servers obtained from distinct hosting providers, I would first leverage the native management interfaces provided by each hosting provider. These interfaces allow for fundamental management tasks such as provisioning, configuration changes, and monitoring. However, to ensure consistency and efficiency across all servers, I would implement a centralized configuration management tool such as Ansible or Puppet. These tools enable the automation of repetitive tasks, ensuring that software updates, security patches, and configuration changes are applied uniformly across the entire server fleet.

For the servers from private grids, I would implement open-source monitoring solutions such as Nagios or Zabbix. These tools provide real-time visibility into the performance, health, and availability of the servers, allowing for proactive management and troubleshooting. In addition to these off-the-shelf monitoring solutions, custom scripts or tools could be developed to gather and report specific metrics unique to the private grid environment. This tailored approach ensures that the servers' status and resource utilization are fully understood and managed effectively.

Moreover, I would emphasize the importance of dоcumentation in managing such a large and diverse server infrastructure. Instead of relying solely on an Excel list, I would advocate for the use of a version-controlled dоcumentation repository. By utilizing a system like Git, server details such as IP addresses, SSH usernames, hardware specifications, networking configurations, and other pertinent information can be effectively managed and updated. This centralized dоcumentation ensures that the information is always accurate, up-to-date, and accessible to the team, promoting consistency and efficiency in server management tasks.

My approach to managing a diverse array of servers involves a combination of leveraging native management interfaces, implementing automation through configuration management tools, utilizing open-source monitoring solutions, and maintaining a centralized and version-controlled dоcumentation repository. This comprehensive strategy ensures that the servers are managed efficiently, consistently, and with a proactive approach to monitoring and troubleshooting.

Notion that you can effectively manage servers with a basic spreadsheet is laughable. In an era where cloud orchestration and infrastructure as code are the norms, sticking with Excel is not just inefficient, it's a blatant disregard for best practices. Modern server management demands agility and precision, something that only advanced tools can provide. Don't get left behind, evolve your approach or watch your infrastructure crumble under its own weight.

My go-to solution is a combination of Terraform for infrastructure as code and Ansible for configuration management. This allows me to not only provision servers seamlessly across multiple hosting providers but also maintain a clear inventory of IP addresses, SSH credentials, and performance metrics. These tools enable me to automate deployments, ensuring consistency and reducing the risk of human error. Additionally, I integrate monitoring solutions like Grafana or Prometheus to keep a real-time eye on server health and performance.

Managing a server effectively is key to ensuring its performance, security, and reliability. Here are some of the best ways to manage a server:

Regular Backups: Ensure automatic, regular backups of critical data. This can help recover information in case of failure or attacks. You can use both on-site and off-site backups for redundancy.

Security Measures: Implement strong security protocols such as firewalls, regular updates, and patch management. Use encryption for data transmission and ensure user authentication methods are robust.

Monitoring & Alerts: Use server monitoring tools (e.g., Nagios, Zabbix, or Datadog) to track server performance, uptime, and resource usage. Set up alerts for unusual activity or performance dips, so you can take action quickly.

Automate Tasks: Automate routine tasks like software updates, server restarts, or log rotation using scripts or tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef. This reduces manual intervention and minimizes errors.

Scalability: Plan for future growth. Use load balancing, cloud-based solutions, or virtual private servers (VPS) to scale resources as needed, ensuring optimal performance even during traffic spikes.