Disaster Recovery in Windows Server 2003

Introduction to Disaster Recovery for Windows Server 2003

The time when you and your users realize the true value of information is when that information is either permanently or temporarily unavailable.  Make your mantra: 'If I cannot manage without a file, then I will protect that file.'

The best solution for disaster recovery is prevention.  So during your review of disaster recovery strategies, do take the time to see how rising technologies like SAN* and NAS* can protect your data.

The best disaster prevention strategy is to identify your weakest link.  While the best local tactic is to identify then eliminate any single point of failure.

Topics for Disaster Recovery in Windows Server 2003

Guy's Challenge - Download CatTools (Free device backup utility)

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 back up, 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 something new about your network if you:

Get a free Download of Kiwi CatTools

*Acronym check

RAID - Redundant array of inexpensive disks

UPS - Uninterruptible power supply

NAS - Network area storage

SAN - Server area network.

This section features the best of general disaster strategies, combined with specific recovery methods for Windows Server 2003.  My advice is start by identifying your weakest link, then homing in on that disaster recovery area.

Kiwi Syslog Server - Free Utility to Analyze Your Network Messages

Syslog messages are full of information for troubleshooting network problems.  When something goes wrong then surely there will be an error message in the syslog datagram - if only we can find that record and interpret the event.  What will help to capture and analyze such network messages is the Kiwi Syslog Server.

Free Download of Kiwi Syslog Server

Guy Recommends:  The Orion Network Performance Monitor (NPM) 9.5

Orion's performance monitor is designed for detecting network outages.  This NPM will guide you through troubleshooting by indicating whether the root cause is a broken link, faulty equipment or resource overload.  Because it produces network-centric views, it is intuitive to navigate, and as result you can see easily what's working and what's not.

Perhaps Orion's best feature is the way it suggests solutions.  Moreover, if problems arise out of the blue, then you can configure Orion NPM 9.5 to notify members of your team what's changed and how to fix it.

If you are interested in testing a professional performance monitor on your network, then I recommend that you take advantage of Solarwinds' offer of a download a free trial of Orion's Network Performance Monitor.

Network security is complex.  As an MCT trainer, I can thoroughly recommend TrainSignal because they provide practical hands on training.  In particular, I like the way TrainSignal cover all learning methods, instructor lead, video and of course text material.  You can either take one module, for example Network Security or go for a combination of modules.  See more about Network Security training here

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