Server/network monitoring software

[Fraser-09]

Hi,

 

I'm looking for a bit of advice regarding software that will monitor my server status (mostly windows servers) and network preformance and email me (if possible) about any issues. Some of the sites I manage only have one windows server so I would prefer the software platform to run on windows.

 

I've looked into to software such as Nagoios, Zenos and OpenNMS but just wondered what software you lot use and what you monitor with it?

 

I would prefer to use free software.

 

 

Thanks

Fraser.

[RabbieBurns]

nagios all the way.

[Dos_Box]

The Dude: MikroTik Routers and Wireless

[Fraser-09]

nagios all the way.

 

I really like the look of Nagios however as this runs on Linux, I cannot use at my Windows only sites.

[danbuntu]

Mutiny is now available free to Academic institutions so that might be worth a look

[Arthur]

You could setup Nagios in a VM on one of your Windows PCs/Servers?

 

In addition to Mutiny, you may want to look at IPSentry (from £77.05) or PRTG (free for 10 sensors) depending upon what you would like to monitor.

[zag]

PRTG is pretty cool Edited February 21, 2011 by zag

[Fraser-09]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like I've some reading up todo.

 

I did think about the Virtualisation route but I think one or two of the servers are Server 2008 Foundation which doesn't support Hyper-V - Would Virtualbox (or similar) be an alternative or does MS not all virtualisation full stop on these edition of server?

[JoeBloggs]

Spiceworks

[RabbieBurns]

virtualbox would work fine.. my nagios runs on Gentoo on a hyperV, which isnt supported by MS (ie theres no Synthetic nic access etc, only emulated) which is the same effect you would have running nagios on any linux distro on Vrtualbox.

 

If you have 0 linux experiience its probably not the easiest of choices.. but if you can get an ubuntu (for example) server up and running, theres some pretty easy step by step by step guides written for installing noagio.s

[Jamman960]

Using nagios to monitor a site with a single server is probably overkill, I'd stick with The Dude for smaller sites and Nagios for the bigger ones

[Seker]

PRTG is pretty cool

 

I'll second this one if you are looking for a Windows solution. Installation was a snap and upgrading is basically running the setup file for the newer version which usually takes 5 minutes since it doesn't have to re-ask you for settings information. Usually you don't even have to restart the server, though I did get asked to restart one time for some reason. The free version limits you to 10 sensors though.

 

http://www.paessler.com/prtg/

[Fraser-09]

Thank you for all your replies. I have been testing out most of your suggestions on a couple of virtual machine. I think I'm going to go with The Dude, thanks to Dos_Box for the suggestion. I don't plan to implement this just yet (maybe in a few weeks times).

 

Do you have any tips or recommend monitoring sensors for The Dude?

I would quite like to monitor exchange 2007 (especially the Queue's) but the only way I can work out how to monitor exchange is by the queues or a prod on port 25... any suggestions?

 

Many thanks for all your replies.

 

Fraser

[IanT]

Vote for PRTG here also.

[Fraser-09]

the only way I can work out how to monitor exchange is by the services or a prod on port 25... any suggestions?

 

Sorry. I meant: monitor by services, not queues

[IanT]

Sorry. I meant: monitor by services, not queues

 

Check out: Free Exchange Monitor from SolarWinds

[RTFM]

Whats Up Gold ?

[box_l]

Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve Windows performance from Quest Software

[bio]

cacti + nagios

 

bio..

[Elison]

I can recommend "Network Monitor" 10-Strike Network Monitor - a Network Monitoring Program (for Windows)

[bronte]

Hi,

 

I'm new to this forum as I'm also trying to find the right server monitoring software for my requirements. Ideally I'd like a really good free one too, but so far I've just found paid-for ones. Is £10 a month a reasonable price for one which says it's really good? I just don't know what kind of price is good!

 

Cheers,

 

Bronte

[Elison]

Hi,

 

I just don't know what kind of price is good!

 

Bronte

depends on what you want, what you need..The more checks software has, the more expensive it costs. Anyways any software has a trial version so you have time to check it out and decide.

But in my opinion if you decide to buy something it is better to pay once but not every month, and get updates and help from developers for free.

[bronte]

Thanks Elison,

 

Your advice regarding unlimited checks is useful, thanks.

 

I Googled and came across one called Cyclops (Cyclops Server Monitoring Software | SMS Uptime, Downtime & Outage Alerts | Monitor Servers, Web Applicatons, Websites & Network Devices | Local Software) which says it offers unlimited checks for £99 per year. Sounds pretty good! But they seem a new company.

 

I'll sign up for their free trial and see what it's like.

 

Bronte

[SkreeM1980]

I'm using ServerAssist, not the cheapest solution out there, however is very good and has http connectivity back to monitoring console so can have a single console for all your sites, but sould still fun a local console at each site for their servers too. The team at server assist are really good and take feedback onboard well, I've had features arrive in newer versions after a small wouldn't it be nice if... conversation.Server Monitoring and Network Monitoring for Windows, Linux, applications and SNMP

 

Skr

[bronte]

Thanks Skr, a software provider who listens to feedback and makes quick updates to the software to keep users happy sounds great - I'll check them out!