Network managers need certain tools to get their jobs done. Managers of big, complicated, expensive networks need big, complicated, expensive tools. Managers of small networks need small tools.
Some of the tools that a manager needs are hardware tools, such as screwdrivers, cable crimpers, and hammers. The tools I'm talking about, however, are software tools. I mention a couple of them earlier in this chapter: Visio (to help you draw network diagrams) and a network-discovery tool to help you map your network. Here are a few others:
Built-in TCP/IP commands: Many of the software tools that you need in order to manage a network come with the network itself. As the network manager, you should read through the manuals that come with your network software to see which management tools are available. For example, Windows includes a net diag command that you can use to make sure that all the computers on a network can communicate with each other. (You can run net diag from an MS-DOS prompt.) For TCP/IP networks, you can use the TCP/IP diagnostic commands that are summarized in Table 15-2.
Command | What It Displays |
---|---|
arp | Address resolution information used by the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) |
hostname | Your computer's host name |
ipconfig | Current TCP/IP settings |
nbtstat | The status of NetBIOS over TCP/IP connections |
netstat | Statistics for TCP/IP |
nslookup | DNS information |
ping | Verification that a specified computer can be reached |
route | The PC's routing tables |
tracert | The route from your computer to a specified host |
System Information: This program, which comes with Windows, is a useful utility for network managers.
Hotfix Checker: This handy tool from Microsoft scans your computers to see which patches need to be applied. You can download the Hotfix Checker for free from the Microsoft Web site. Just go to http://www.microsoft.com and search for hfnetchk.exe.
Baseline Security Analyzer: If you prefer GUI-based tools, check out this program, which you can download for free from the Microsoft Web site. To find it, go to http://www.microsoft.com and search for Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer.
A third-party utility: Get one of those 100-in-1 utility programs, such as Symantec's Norton Utilities. It has invaluable utilities for repairing damaged hard drives, rearranging the directory structure of your hard drive, and gathering information about your computer and its equipment.
Warning | Never use a hard-drive repair program that isn't designed to work with the operating system or version that your computer uses or the file system you installed. Anytime you upgrade to a newer version of your operating system, also upgrade your hard-drive repair program to a version that supports the new operating system version. |
Protocol analyzer: A protocol analyzer (or packet sniffer) can monitor and log the individual packets that travel along your network. You can configure the protocol analyzer to filter specific types of packets, watch for specific types of problems, and provide statistical analysis of the captured packets.
Tip | Most network administrators agree that Sniffer, by Sniffer Technologies (http://www.sniffer.com) is the best protocol analyzer available. However, it's also one of the most expensive. If you prefer a free alternative, check out Ethereal, which you can download for free from http://www.ethereal.com. |
Network Monitor: Windows 2000 and Windows XP-as well as Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003-include this program; it provides basic protocol analysis and can often help solve pesky network problems.