Chapter 8. IO System Hardware

Chapter 8. I/O System Hardware

Although most server activity is network centered, I/O ports and devices still have important functions to perform in a server. I/O ports such as USB and video ports enable local control and monitoring of a server. Keyboards enable commands to be entered during server setup and for maintenance and troubleshooting. With the addition of keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) switches, a single keyboard, mouse, and display can be used to manage multiple servers. CD and DVD drives can be used for installing applications and for backup of low-end servers.

To make your server as reliable and useful as possible, it's important that you understand when I/O hardware might need driver and firmware updates, how to specify the right mix of I/O hardware for a particular server and its mission, and how to troubleshoot that hardware. This chapter is designed to help you master the I/O hardware your servers use.