new server + hardware coming what steps do i take?

[krisd32]

Next month we are having another dc installed and our current dc upgraded to 2003 also new isa server.

what steps should i take to make sure everthing is going to run smoothly.
our current dc is going to share roles with the new one and i'll have a spare server(?) then aswell (what would you recommend doing with this as it has windows 2000 server on it but it isn't actually a server just more of a glorified pc).

many thanks for any suggestions.

Kris

[Ric_]

In preparation, make sure your DNS works properly. Tools such as netdiag and dcdiag are your friend here.

The spare server couldbe turned into a lovely Linux box for handy things, such as a helpdesk (One||Zero), room booking (MRBS) and network monitoring (Nagios). These are all pretty easy (given a bit of advice) and would be a great way to break into Linux for you... feel free to pop along to Poulton if you'd like to have a look

[krisd32]

i was thinking of taking the plunge into linux but my knowledge of it is so bleak i wouldn't even know where to start. your comments on nagios have impressed me with what you can actually do with it. i'll have to wait till next month though before thinking about it.

thanks

Kris