Problem-solving in High Performance Computing

Chapter 1

Do you have a problem?

Abstract

In this chapter, we learn how problems manifest themselves in complex environments and try to separate cause from effect. We learn how to avoid information clutter, and how to perform systematic problem solving, with a methodical difficulty-based approach.

Keywords

problem

identification

definition

isolation

symptom

Now that you understand the scope of problem solving in a complex environment such as a large, mission-critical data center, it is time to begin investigating system issues in earnest. Normally, you will not just go around and search for things that might look suspicious. There ought to be a logical process that funnels possible items of interest – let us call them events – to the right ...