What should be the FIRST step for a technician comparing a new server's performance over time?

Establishing a baseline for the server is essential as the first step in comparing a new server's performance over time. A baseline serves as a reference point that captures the normal operating metrics of the server under standard conditions. This includes CPU usage, memory consumption, disk activity, and network throughput, among other performance indicators. By having a clear understanding of what 'normal' performance looks like, technicians can effectively measure deviations from this baseline, allowing them to identify performance issues, trends, or the effects of configuration changes over time.

Without a baseline, it's challenging for technicians to determine if changes in performance are significant or simply part of normal variability. This foundational step is crucial for ongoing performance monitoring, capacity planning, and troubleshooting, ensuring that any future comparisons or assessments are grounded in objective data that reflects the server's typical behavior.