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Test 915: System Administration for IBM Informix Dynamic Server Version 9


Overview Objectives alt="" height="1" width="30" Test Preparation

If you are knowledgeable with Informix Dynamic Server Version 9 and are capable of performing the intermediate to advanced skills required in the day-to-day administration of Informix databases, you may benefit from this certification role.

Section 1 - Installation and Configuration (10%)


Ensure that system requirements are met for the installation (disk, memory, type of system, etc.)
Install IBM Informix Dynamic Server (IDS) 9.x product files
Configure the Operation System parameters
Set up Operating System files and sqlhosts file
Confgure IDS onconfig parameters and environment variables (set Java parameters)
Start the database server and initialize disk space, if necessary

Section 2 - Client/Server Communications (8%)


Determine appropriate connection types (e.g., network, shared memory, stream pipes)
Determine appropriate communication protocols
Plan for Distributed System capabilities (e.g., server-to-ser, instance communication, trusted hosts)
Edit connectivity files to establish Client/Server communications
Edit appropriate onconfig parameters and environment variables (e.g., dbservername, dbserveraliases, nettype)

Section 3 - System Activity Monitoring (12%)


Use the onstat utility to monitor system activities
Query Sysmaster (SMI) database to obtain system activity snapshot
Set up system alram programs (e.g., sysalarmprograms)
Monitor the message log file for abnormal activity
Use the oncheck command to view information about the database server (e.g., -pe, -pr)

Section 4 - Troubleshooting (14%)


Query the sysmaster database to isolate problems
Use the onstat utility to isolate problems
Use the oncheck utility to verity data consistency
Use the onmonitor utility to verify object properties
Monitor the message logs for errors

Section 5 - Performance Tuning (24%)


Establish Performance Benchmarks ot gauge mormal system activity
Recognize Operating System resources affecting system operations
Configure shared memory parameters for optimal performance
Determine optimal disk layout and configuration
Monitor and tune virtual processors for maximum performance
Utilize Parallel Database Query (PDQ) to optimize query performance
Use UPDATE STATISTICS regularly to achieve optimal performance
Configure system for optimal checkpoint duration
Configure Physical Log and Logical Logs for optimal system performance
Configure Onbar parameters for optimal backup and restore performance
Configure network parameters for optimal comunication performance
Determine when an instance can/should use AIO or KAIO

Section 6 - dbspace Configuration (11%)


Configure and manage dbspaces and sbspaces
Configure and manage chunks
Establish mirroring of dbspaces
Use the appropriate utilities to monitor dbspace properties
Prepare cooked files and raw devices for use as dbspace chucks

Section 7 - Normal Operations (12%)


Determine the impact that each type of Checkpoint has on IDS functions
Recognize fast recovery operations
Manage database server operating modes using onmode and/or onmonitor
Manage temporary tables and files
Determine the size of the physical log for normal activity
Determine the number and size of logical logs to accommodate transaction activity
Configure the number of Virtual Processors needed for the resources available

Section 8 - Backup and Restore (9%)


Select the appropriate backup and restore strategy for a particular situation
Select appropriate backup and restore utilities
Perform backup and restore operations

Test registration

Authorized Prometric test centers (worldwide testing)