Professionals have very few errors in the Event Logs
Amateurs see lots of red dots in their Event Viewer
Event Viewer and Logs
Where NT 4.0 had three event logs, Windows 2000 domain controllers had six event logs and Server 2003 even more. Lots of red dots in the event logs shout to me - 'Amateurs in charge'. On the other had
few red dots, and regular archives it whispers quietly: - 'Professionals work here'. While you are in the Event Viewer, remember to check the Application log as well as the System Log, especially if you are
running Exchange or SQL.
Increase the log size from the default of 512K to about 4MB.
Use the filter in event viewer;
'Filter' is hidden away under the View menu.
Employ VBScripts or PowerShell cmdlets to help you monitor the logs.
Logon Error
Here is a severe problem with the CP domain - no logon servers available.
Investigation revealed that CP domain controllers were offline.
Windows
Server 2008 Enterprise Admin
Train Signal have an excellent Windows Server 2008 course. You get over 70
hrs instruction with Ed Liberman and Ben "Coach" Culbertson. Try their
step-by-step videos and master Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Admin.
The package includes the Transcender exams, which are the key to gaining the
coverted Microsoft Certified IT Professional certification. However, the
course also builds practical experience so that you can manage your network
effectively once you complete the course.
Checking each log will give you
a chance to practice troubleshooting skills
Mastering the Event Viewer gives you a feel of the pulse of your server.
Eliminating Errors will prevent problems on your network. For example, the log tells
you that the mail service has stopped, so you
restart it before users notice that there is no e-mail.
You are always allowed to ask for a bonus!
I dare you to ask your boss for a bonus based on how many red dots (Errors)
there are in the logs. This is the system that my mate 'mad' Mick
negotiated. He starts with $100 a quarter per server, if there are no
errors he gets the $100 but for each error he loses $1. Blue (Information)
and yellow (warning) messages do not count. After a shaky start where he owed
the company $574, he now pockets a nice bonus and has learnt a great deal in the
process.
Guy's Challenge - Download
this free device backup utility
(CatTools)
CatTools is a free program for backing up configuration settings on
hardware devices. Here is Guy's challenge. If you
download CatTools, then it will not only take care of backups, but
also it will show you something new about the hardware on you
network. I could give you a money back guarantee - but CatTools is
already free! Thus, I just make a techie to techie challenge, you
will learn more about your network if you:
Increase the log size from the default of 512K to about 4MB.
Over
40 of Guy's litmus tests. Have fun while you learn about Windows
Server 2003. Stacks of ideas to check your servers, networks and
security.
