nutanix‐database‐automation‐ncp‐db‐ncp‐db‐65‐exam‐questions_33 - itnett/FTD02H-N GitHub Wiki

Here's an extensive "Do's and Don'ts" guide for installing, configuring, operating, and managing Nutanix Database Service (NDB). This guide is designed to help you follow the best practices and avoid common mistakes while working with NDB, ensuring smooth deployment, optimal performance, and secure management of your Nutanix Database environments.

Do's and Don'ts for Installing, Configuring, Operating, and Managing NDB

Task Do Not Do This (Incorrect Approach) Do This Instead (Correct Approach)
Install NDB "Skip reviewing the prerequisites and install NDB directly, assuming everything will work out." "Thoroughly review all prerequisites for NDB installation, including software compatibility, network settings, and hardware requirements, to ensure a smooth installation process."
Configure NDB Network Settings "Ignore configuring network settings properly, assuming default configurations will be sufficient." "Carefully configure network settings, including VLANs, IP ranges, DNS, and NTP, according to your environment's requirements and NDB documentation."
Assign Static IP to NDB Instance "Use a dynamic IP address for the NDB instance, thinking it will be easier to manage." "Assign a static IP address to the NDB instance to ensure consistent connectivity and avoid potential issues with dynamic IP changes."
Run NDB Installation Wizard "Skip the installation wizard steps or leave settings at default without understanding them." "Follow the installation wizard carefully, understanding each step and configuring settings based on your specific environment and requirements."
Create and Manage NDB Profiles "Use generic profiles for all database types, ignoring specific requirements." "Create specific profiles for different database types, such as software, compute, and network profiles, to optimize performance and compatibility for each workload."
Configure High Availability (HA) "Skip configuring High Availability (HA) assuming a single instance setup is enough for critical environments." "Always configure High Availability for NDB in critical environments to ensure uptime and resilience against failures."
Apply Patches and Updates Regularly "Delay applying patches and updates to avoid downtime, assuming your environment is stable." "Regularly apply patches and updates to NDB and associated database environments to ensure security, compatibility, and optimal performance."
Monitor Alerts and Logs "Ignore alerts or logs, assuming issues will resolve themselves or will be noticeable when they cause problems." "Continuously monitor alerts and logs to detect potential issues early and take proactive measures to resolve them."
Manage Database Backups and Snapshots "Rely solely on default backup settings and forget to configure custom snapshots or retention policies." "Regularly configure and manage backup settings, snapshots, and retention policies to meet your organization's data protection and recovery requirements."
Optimize Database Performance "Neglect performance optimization steps like tuning queries, managing resources, or configuring caching." "Regularly optimize database performance by tuning queries, allocating resources efficiently, and using caching where necessary."
Ensure Secure Access Control "Use generic accounts for all users, with minimal differentiation in permissions." "Implement role-based access control (RBAC) with specific roles and permissions for each user or group, ensuring the principle of least privilege is applied."
Document All Configurations "Neglect documentation of configuration changes, relying on memory or informal notes." "Maintain comprehensive documentation of all configurations, changes, and updates to facilitate troubleshooting, audits, and future upgrades."
Test Configurations in a Non-Production Environment "Make configuration changes directly in the production environment, assuming everything will work fine." "Always test configurations and changes in a non-production environment first to ensure they work as expected and avoid potential disruptions in the production environment."
Plan for Scalability "Configure NDB based on current needs without considering future growth or scaling requirements." "Plan and configure NDB with scalability in mind, ensuring your environment can accommodate future growth, additional workloads, and increased data volumes."
Use Automation for Repetitive Tasks "Manually perform all NDB management tasks, ignoring the potential benefits of automation." "Utilize automation tools and scripts for repetitive tasks such as provisioning, patching, and backup management to save time, reduce errors, and improve efficiency."
Perform Regular Audits and Reviews "Assume that once configured, NDB settings will always remain optimal without further checks." "Conduct regular audits and reviews of NDB configurations, access controls, performance settings, and network configurations to ensure they remain aligned with best practices and organizational requirements."
Communicate Changes with Stakeholders "Make changes to NDB configurations or policies without notifying relevant stakeholders, assuming they will adapt as needed." "Ensure all stakeholders are informed about changes to NDB configurations, policies, or procedures, including the reasons for changes and any potential impact."

Explanations for Correct Choices:

  1. Install NDB:

    • Reviewing prerequisites, such as network requirements, software compatibility, and hardware specifications, ensures a smooth installation process and prevents configuration issues that may arise from unmet requirements.
  2. Configure NDB Network Settings:

    • Properly configuring network settings (e.g., VLANs, DNS, NTP) is crucial for connectivity, synchronization, and the overall stability of the NDB environment.
  3. Assign Static IP to NDB Instance:

    • A static IP ensures consistent access to the NDB instance and avoids the potential connectivity issues that can occur with dynamic IP changes.
  4. Run NDB Installation Wizard:

    • Carefully following the installation wizard steps and configuring settings based on specific requirements will help prevent misconfigurations that could affect the functionality of NDB.
  5. Create and Manage NDB Profiles:

    • Customizing profiles for different database types optimizes performance and ensures compatibility, allowing for tailored configurations that best suit the workload requirements.
  6. Configure High Availability (HA):

    • Enabling HA in critical environments ensures NDB remains available and resilient in case of failures, maintaining database uptime and accessibility.
  7. Apply Patches and Updates Regularly:

    • Regular updates and patches help protect against vulnerabilities, improve performance, and ensure compatibility with other software components.
  8. Monitor Alerts and Logs:

    • Monitoring alerts and logs helps detect issues early, allowing for prompt resolution before they escalate into bigger problems.
  9. Manage Database Backups and Snapshots:

    • Proper backup and snapshot management ensures that data is protected and can be recovered according to business requirements, minimizing data loss in case of failures.
  10. Optimize Database Performance:

    • Regularly tuning queries, managing resources, and configuring caching helps maintain optimal database performance and user experience.
  11. Ensure Secure Access Control:

    • Implementing RBAC with specific roles and permissions minimizes security risks by ensuring users have only the access they need to perform their roles.
  12. Document All Configurations:

    • Maintaining documentation helps with troubleshooting, audits, and future upgrades by providing a clear record of configurations and changes.
  13. Test Configurations in a Non-Production Environment:

    • Testing configurations in a non-production environment ensures that changes do not cause unexpected disruptions or issues in the production environment.
  14. Plan for Scalability:

    • Configuring NDB with future growth in mind ensures that your environment can accommodate increased workloads, data volumes, and scaling requirements.
  15. Use Automation for Repetitive Tasks:

    • Automating repetitive tasks saves time, reduces human error, and increases overall operational efficiency.
  16. Perform Regular Audits and Reviews:

    • Regular audits and reviews help ensure that configurations, access controls, and settings remain aligned with best practices and current organizational needs.
  17. Communicate Changes with Stakeholders:

    • Notifying stakeholders about changes ensures alignment, transparency, and minimizes any potential negative impact on operations or workflows.

Key "Do's" for NDB Management:

  • Do review prerequisites before installation: Ensure all requirements are met for a smooth setup.
  • Do configure network settings properly: Follow best practices for network configurations to avoid connectivity issues.
  • Do assign a static IP to the NDB instance: Ensure consistent connectivity to NDB.
  • Do follow the installation wizard: Complete each step carefully according to environment needs.
  • Do create specific profiles for databases: Optimize configurations for different database types and workloads.
  • Do configure HA for critical environments: Ensure uptime and resilience.
  • Do apply patches and updates regularly: Keep NDB and databases secure and performant.
  • Do monitor alerts and logs continuously: Detect and address issues early.
  • Do manage backups and snapshots properly: Protect data according to business needs.
  • Do optimize performance regularly: Tune databases to maintain optimal performance.
  • Do implement secure access controls: Apply RBAC principles for security.
  • Do document all changes and configurations: Keep comprehensive records for audits and troubleshooting.
  • Do test in non-production environments: Validate configurations before applying to production.
  • Do plan for scalability: Ensure the environment can grow as needed.
  • Do automate repetitive tasks: Improve efficiency and reduce errors.
  • Do perform regular audits: Keep configurations and access