Pure Storage Testing SMTP & Settings

Recently some changes within our network came about and had to make some changes to the SMTP alerts for our Pure Storage arrays. Since it's typically one of those things that you set and forget, I didn't pay much attention until now. If you're trying to test your changes/settings, the command changed in PurityOS 5.3.7 from the documentation that I found. Earlier versions you only had to run the following command from an SSH prompt:

       
       purealert test email@address.com
 

The above code was for the older OS version, on the newer 5.3.7 code (5.3.3 in this case) you need to run the following command:

       
       purealert watcher test email@address.com
 

The purealert command will utilize the settings entered on Settings - System - Alert Routing. Optionally, you can leave out the email address on the command, it will send it to whatever is configured under Settings - System - Alert Watchers. In my case, I don't want to send it to the distribution list so I was entering my email in the above command so only I received those emails.

If I can make a suggestion for the Pure Storage team, please add a test button within the GUI! It seems rather unnecessary to have to open up an SSH session for something this trivial (if this change has been implemented in newer code, thank you!).

Updating HPE Servers with SPP & iSUT

In my recent attempt to automate and get a better handle of some of the HPE servers in our fleet, I tried to use the HP SUM function of the SPP server remotely. If you're trying to patch a VMware host, especially a Gen10, you will need to make sure you download and configure the iSUT component on those servers from HP. I'll link to the two sites that I used to get a better handle of the steps necessary to proceed with the updates.

1. The Sleepy Admins - HPE Gen10 SUM iSUT
2. PLJDesigns - How to install iSUT on HPE Gen10 VMware Servers

From my research, it appears that the new VMware images from HPE already come with iSUT preloaded so if using a recent image, this might not be a requirements. If you're looking for the download links, you can find them for vSphere 6.5 and vSphere 6.7 here:

1. VMware vSphere 6.5 - HPE Download Link
2. VMware vSphere 6.7 - HPE Download Link

Nov 23, 2020 Edit - Found the github page from HPE for the iLO RESTful interface that contains a ton of good information. https://hewlettpackard.github.io/python-redfish-utility/

sut –set mode=AutoDeploy
 

Comprehensive Windows Services Examples and Tutorial

It's not often that I have to script items due to the nature of our environment, but with an upcoming project, an opportunity (and some time) came up so I decided I would tackle one of the security aspects - disabling services. I'm a tad bit rusty and I need to research some of the newer services that didn't exist in the previous O/S versions, but what better way to automate some of these things, right? Without having to replicate any work or take unwarranted credit, I came accross this site that has plenty of examples of configuring manually, via command line and with PowerShell.

Windows 10 Forums: Start, Stop and Disable Services

Windows Services Features: Essential Tools For Windows Services

Windows Services Listings: Security Guidelines For System Services

VMworld 2020: Attend for free!

Have you ever wanted to attend VMware's VMworld but were unable to for one reason or another? Here's your chance to do so this year, for free! Due to the pandemic, this year's conference has moved completely online and it's free to all attendees.

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VMworld 2020 Registration Link

Recycling Your Pedometer/Fitness Tracker

Recently I decided to replace my Fitbit with an Apple Watch so naturally I wondered what I should do with my old tracker and its accesories. After a few Google searches and a lot of dead ends, I found an organization that will donate them to underserved populations. If interested in donating your tracker, they will take the following items:

• Used and fully working trackers
• Used trackers, with broken or missing accessories
• Accessories, such as chargers and bands

For more information and shipping address, please visit their site at: www.recyclehealth.com

VMUG Advantage Discount Code

Enter the code ELPASO20 to get 10% off when purchasing a VMUG Advantage subscription. Some of the benefits of being an Advantage member:

• 1-year VMware licenses
• $100 off VMworld (Stackable!)
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• Test Drive by VMware