Top 10 System Administrator Truths

Vo0k writes "What are your top ten system administrator truths? We all know them already, but it's still fun re-telling them. Stuff like "90% of all hardware-related problems come from loose connectors", even though you already know it's true, may save you from replacing the "faulty" motherboard if you recall it at the right time."

Comments

In no particular order....

[FalconZero]

Fixing Problems
---------------

• Rebooting Solves 90% of Windows problems.
• Users are the cause of the problem 90% of the time.
• The weakest link(s) in your security is/are human.

Getting Help
------------

• Good manuals should be read before you do anything.
• Bad manuals should not be read UNDER ANY CIRUMSTANCES.
• Google is your best freind. ever. period.

Other People
------------

• Good managers ask for something in 5 days, but need it in 6.
• Good developers/suppliers promise something in 5 days, but deliver it in 4.
• "I don't know, but I'll find out" is always better than "I know" (when you don't).
• Technical support hotlines will invariably tell you what you already know.

Simple

[mysqlrocks]

The solution to the problem is almost always simpler than you think. You can often cause more problems trying to fix a problem then the original problem itself. When you try one thing and it doesn't work, reverse the changes before trying the next thing and document each change.

Another one

[missing000]

90% of all quotes on slashdot are made up :)

Seriously, the "90% of all hardware-related problems come from loose connectors" bit is found nowhere in the article or on google for that matter...

Re:95% of all problems....

[operagost]

Dell techs seem to be very good at wiping out arrays. You're the third guy I've heard mention that (and it has happened to me, personally).

Re:95% of all problems....

[QuantumPion]

Actually you would check the power outlet first and then the cord... Or the surge protector or UPS, but I'm getting symanetec.

Symantec fixes hardware now, too? Man, and I thought their software was bloated when it just protected against viruses...

Re:GeekSquad Top Ten?

[korbin_dallas]

How do you think they make money?

On a $20 house call?

I worked in a retail shop as a tech after a period of unemployment and jobs were tough.
I KNEW I was gone at the very next job when the boss described the pc repair operations should be run "like the car repair shops". You know, while I got the 'hood' off it looks like you could use some more memory or another hard drive, etc, etc. Talking to customers about their pcs and upgrades is one thing, pestering them endlessly about stuff the don't need is another. But thats how one makes money (and it is pretty easy to do).

Switch ports can't withstand mechanical load long.

[SharpFang]

Don't hang the hub by the cables, no matter how thick the ethernet and tiny and tiny the hub. Don't let 2m of cable hang from the switch on the high shelf down to the hole by the floor. It will work the first month or two, then will start to mysteriously fail. The most basic reason behind all these ports failing is that the cable puts stress on a port. Just attach all the cables half a meter away from the hub with ducttape or nails or staples or whatever, don't let them hang though, keep them loose, always leave at least minimal slack.