Hi,
I might soon be taking over an existing Windows network from a previous network administrator. What are the first few things I should check for in terms of network security and server health? Specifically, what diagnostic tools, third-party or built-in, should I run first on the servers and network hardware?
Hi There,
There are many aspects of a Windows Server based on what services are running on the network. I will try to make your job easier as much as possible. Note down all the information you will be getting either on a diary or on a word document file.
Please take the information from all the existing servers. When you are done you will be having the following information for all the servers. I’m guessing you have more than one server operating in your environment.
Date:
Manufacturer’s Name:
Brand and Model:
Purchase Date:
Warranty Expiry date:
Warranty renewal Date(optional):
Server’s Hardware Specification:
Collect from the invoice issued by the vendor at the time of purchase
Updated Module Information
If any ( example: RAM Upgradation/any replacement )
Server Operating System
OS Service Pack
Installed Softwares
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Standalone antivirus/firewall
If any
Host name
IP configuration (per NIC card)
IP:
Netmask:
Gateway:
Primary DNS:
Secondary DNS:
Server Roles
1:
2:
3:
4:
(Example: DNS/DHCP/File Server)
Quota Configuration
If any
Server RAID Information
If any
Role Specific configuration
DNS:
DHCP:
Fileserver:
Start Up scripts
User/OU based
Active Directory Information
I’m also attaching the above table both in *.docx and *.doc format as attachment for your convenience.
There is a great utility that can discover/map and by which you can do almost anything and everything on a windows server, it has a great look and feel plus it is a very strong software, that will make your life easier. Moreover it is a free utility that will help you gather all the information of the server as well.
You can also download the free fully functional edition.
Hope this helps.
