CrossNodes: Sysadmin Tales of Terror

[ Thanks to Carla
Schroder for this link. ]

“The biggest challenge a system administrator ever faces is
inheriting a networking mess: taking on a new job, or a new client,
with a computing infrastructure that has grown without rhyme or
reason. Lost passwords, little or no documentation, no-name network
components, and cables snarled into alternate dimensions are just a
sample of the evils to face and conquer. Then there are issues like
multiple versions of operating systems and applications as well as
strange odors coming from the electric panels. And you can’t be
sure the previous admins didn’t leave a booby trap or two.
Management is shellshocked and disinclined to hear more bad
news–or spend more money for that matter. What’s the honest,
hardworking sysadmin to do?

“Plan A is run for your life. No one will blame you. But let’s
face it, you didn’t come here to read that. I find it extremely
satisfying to clean up nice big messes; it’s a great challenge and
a very rewarding one at that. Let’s look at some strategies for
dealing with such a situtation. While there are many possible
approaches, these are some of the things that have worked for
me…”

Complete
Story