IT KORR Knowledge Center
Server Build Checklist
A checklist for provisioning a new server consistently — from pre-build planning through OS build, post-build configuration, and validation.
Pre-Build
- Naming convention is followed and the name does not conflict with an existing or reserved name.
- IP address and DNS record are reserved and documented in IPAM before the build begins.
- Hardware or virtual resource allocation (CPU, memory, storage, network) is confirmed appropriate for the intended workload.
- Approval or change ticket exists for the new server where change management applies.
OS Build
- Operating system is patched to the current baseline before the server is placed into service.
- Security hardening baseline is applied (e.g., CIS benchmark or internal standard) — unnecessary services and default accounts disabled.
- Monitoring agent is installed and confirmed reporting to the central monitoring system.
- Time synchronization (NTP) is configured against an internal or trusted external source.
Post-Build
- Backup job is configured and a first backup is run and verified successful before go-live.
- Documentation is updated — device inventory, IPAM record, and any relevant runbook reflect the new server.
- Access and permissions are configured per least privilege — only the accounts and groups that need access have it.
- Antivirus/endpoint protection (where applicable) is installed and reporting.
Validation
- Network connectivity is tested from the expected client/application paths, not just a local ping.
- Monitoring is confirmed actively reporting metrics and alerting correctly for the new server.
- Application or service running on the server is smoke-tested before handoff.
- The build is logged in the change log with date, purpose, and owner.
Related Resources
- Virtualization Fundamentals — /knowledge-center/infrastructure/infrastructure-networking/virtualization-fundamentals
- Infrastructure Monitoring Fundamentals — /knowledge-center/infrastructure/infrastructure-networking/infrastructure-monitoring-fundamentals