First network job..Help!

Johny542 · Post by **Johny542** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 2:03 pm

Hi,

I landed myself a networking job, who knows how but i'm either going to make a fool of myself or i'll be getting a
"hey at least his trying, and although slowly we do see some progression" look.

Job description I need to maintain a network of 30 pc's, and do backups. Fix pesky problems.

Problem is i do not know how!, Does anyone have any tips for me.... please? What would be the most likely problems encountered and how can i fix them?

I did mcse 8 years ago the old windows nt version, since then i have moved into insurance, failed my mcse upgrade and never did get any networking practical experience, so in short, i forgot everything! Help...!

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 2:32 pm

Did you inherit this through a family business thing? Or are you taking this on as a paid consultant?

Where to start? Wow...you'll need more room that a forum can allow. Some things are still similar to how NT 4 server was...other things have evolved/changed.

Guessing this network has a server or more? Running active directory?

CableDude · Post by **CableDude** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 2:58 pm

Doesn't really sound like a networking job to me.

Johny542 · Post by **Johny542** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 4:16 pm

, It's my decision, the IT world is more interesting.
Guys sorry, i can't expect anyone to give me all i need to know.

I'll be doing maintenence work basically to start off and do backups, so jumping from company 2 company. The first one
however will be 30 workstations, probably 1 server and active directory.(details yet to be discussed) The company i will be working for is also thinking of starting an ISP, will i be better off starting there somewhere?

Just need to know what are the most common issues i can expect. Usually if the problem will be something they (our clients) cannot fix over the phone, they'll phone in for help (the client/company boss) and off i'd be going.

Cabledude, judging by the # of posts you have, even more so for YeOldeStonecat, this does probably seem like a joke 2 you guys sure, i'd also be laughing @ me if i had as much experience like you guys

It not being a "real" networking job might give me some hope of doing it. So Thanks....

Is there some sort of a "live help/chat support" website
for networking on the net, or do you have to pay for such services. I know my way around individual (non-networking pc's) If there is some form of remote assistance, i'll do just fine, i think.

I've been out of computers for quite some time, but it's interesting. You know, if this don't work out, hey i've tried,
just trying to avoid looking like a complete idiot...

!!!

greEd · Post by **greEd** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 4:32 pm

I'm just trying to understand, you want to pay someone to tell you how to do your job? Please god tell me you aren't in the Maryland/DC area.

Otherwise. Good luck to you.

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 4:41 pm

Well...pickup a book on active directory management.
As for what you need to know..it's a sort of "everything"..I'd run out of space trying to type. Just a few tips of the iceberg...
You have basic active directory functions like managing user accounts, their workstations, logins, sharing permissions.
You have basic network troubleshooting such as DHCP, DNS, possibly WINS,...TCP/IP stuff.
You have workstation management...adding domain users to local groups such as the local admin group.
Basic hardware support, both on servers, workstations, network gear, printers, connectivity.
Antivirus support...learning how to manage your network antivirus package
Backup software support...
Battery backup units on server(s) and network gear
Remote access...based on whatever package they use there
LOB software support (Line Of Business)..basically...what software packages are run on this network.

Hard to tell you up front what you need to know...there's a lot of stuff, but if you stumble across issues..post them, we'll try to help.

chpalmer · Post by **chpalmer** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:23 pm

Wow...

Hope your a quick learner.

Johny542 · Post by **Johny542** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 3:59 am

Greed, in fact i am in the Maryland/Dc area, i might be the next guy to fix your network... So be on the look out, do some detective work to find out of i'm the new guy posting here messing up your servers....

(just joking)

More serious now, i do not need someone to do my job, just pointers here and there to help me learn while i get hand's-on practical experience, besides if i cannot do the job,
they will politely tell me to leave.... right away that is.

YeOldeStonecat, thanks for the overview, it helps to know what one might get to look at upon arrival.

That's it, thanks for offering your help..

Wish me luck..

ErikD · Post by **ErikD** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 9:47 am

Sounds like you are trying to start where you will be working all alone. If you do want to get experience and start a career why not work side by side with someone? That way at least if you have problems you can't handle (or handle quick enough) you can have a coworker to help you out.

greEd · Post by **greEd** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 9:06 am

ErikD wrote:Sounds like you are trying to start where you will be working all alone. If you do want to get experience and start a career why not work side by side with someone? That way at least if you have problems you can't handle (or handle quick enough) you can have a coworker to help you out.

This is probably the best advice you can get. Working beside someone with experience will help you above anything you will learn from a book or a classroom.

Good luck to you, and stay clear of my networks for a few years please