Lee_K_81

Ok, so whats the quickest solution to get check_snmp and net_snmp installed? No offence to all the big linux advocates out there, but I really understand why Linux isnt as main-stream as it deserves to be. Don't get me wrong, i like linux and love some of the free apps out there for it, but getting things to work sometimes can be a real PITA.... and that wasnt an invitation for a linux v.s windows v.s mac debate before anyone starts as i've noticed a few people starting arguing (myself included) at the slightest thing on here the past few weeks.

I followed the Nagios Ubuntu Quickstart guide. After doing a bit of digging about i've discovered that check_snmp doesnt appear in the libexec folder. I've tried compliing the check_snmp.c file and get a load of errors. if somebody gave me a compiled check_snmp would that work?

everything looks as though it should work. but i get "(Return code of 127 is out of bounds - plugin may be missing)" in the status. It doesnt say what plugin though. I'm assuming the check_snmp one. If there is a problem with the plugin how do i fix it? See told you I was inexperienced with linux! Thanks. (and sorry)

I'm not very experienced in Nagios, or Linux for that matter so hopefully somebody can help me. I've setup a Linux Ubuntu VM. Installed and configured Nagios and it's currently nicely monitoring my windows servers, but i want to it monitor the infrastructure too. I'm starting with a HP Procurve 2650. I've managed to get the a ping monitor working but i'm lead to believe that you can also monitor bandwidth usage, CPU, memory temp, uptime, etc. Here's what i have in my switch.cfg file: # Create a service to PING to switch - this one works define service{ use generic-service ; Inherit values from a template host_name SvrRoom_Cab2_SW1 ; The name of the host the service is associated with service_description PING ; The service description check_command check_ping!200.0,20%!600.0,60% ; The command used to monitor the service normal_check_interval 5 ; Check the service every 5 minutes under normal conditions retry_check_interval 1 ; Re-check the service every minute until its final/hard state is determined } # Monitor uptime via SNMP define service{ use generic-service ; Inherit values from a template host_name SvrRoom_Cab2_SW1 service_description Uptime check_command check_snmp!-C public -o sysUpTime.0 } # Monitor Port 1 status via SNMP define service{ use generic-service ; Inherit values from a template host_name SvrRoom_Cab2_SW1 service_description Port 1 Link Status check_command check_snmp!-C public -o ifOperStatus.1 -r 1 -m RFC1213-MIB } # Monitor bandwidth via MRTG logs define service{ use generic-service ; Inherit values from a template host_name SvrRoom_Cab2_SW1 service_description Port 1 Bandwidth Usage check_command check_local_mrtgtraf!/var/lib/mrtg/192.168.1.253_1.log!AVG!1000000,1000000!5000000,5000000!10 } define service{ use generic-service host_name SvrRoom_Cab2_SW1 service_description Memory is_volatile 0 check_period 24x7 max_check_attempts 3 normal_check_interval 5 retry_check_interval 1 notification_interval 60 notification_period 24x7 notification_options c, r check_command check_hpmemoryfree!2000:19000000!1000:19000000 } define service{ use generic-service host_name SvrRoom_Cab2_SW1 service_description CPU is_volatile 0 check_period 24x7 max_check_attempts 3 normal_check_interval 5 retry_check_interval 1 notification_interval 60 notification_period 24x7 notification_options c, r check_command check_hp_cpu!95:90!100:95 } define service{ use generic-service host_name SvrRoom_Cab2_SW1 service_description PowerSupply is_volatile 0 check_period 24x7 max_check_attempts 3 normal_check_interval 5 retry_check_interval 1 notification_interval 60 notification_period 24x7 notification_options c, r check_command check_hppower!4!3:5 } define service{ use generic-service host_name SvrRoom_Cab2_SW1 service_description Temperature is_volatile 0 check_period 24x7 max_check_attempts 3 normal_check_interval 5 retry_check_interval 1 notification_interval 60 notification_period 24x7 notification_options c, r check_command check_hptemp!4!3:5 } define service{ use generic-service host_name SvrRoom_Cab2_SW1 service_description Fan is_volatile 0 check_period 24x7 max_check_attempts 3 normal_check_interval 5 retry_check_interval 1 notification_interval 60 notification_period 24x7 notification_options c, r check_command check_hpfan!4!3:5 } In my commands.cfg file i have: #'check_hpmemoryfree' commnand definition define command{ command_name check_hpmemoryfree command_line $USER1$/check_snmp -H $HOSTADDRESS$ -C $ARG1$ -o .1.3.6.1.4.1.11.2.14.11.5.1.1.2.1.1.1.6.1 -w $ARG2$ -c $ARG3$ -u bytes -l free } #'check_hptemp' commnand definition define command{ command_name check_hp_cpu command_line $USER1$/check_snmp -H $HOSTADDRESS$ -C $ARG1$ -o .1.3.6.1.4.1.11.2.14.11.5.1.9.6.1.0 -t 5 -w $ARG2$ -c $ARG3$ -u % -l '5min CPU' } #'check_hptemp' commnand definition define command{ command_name check_hpfan command_line $USER1$/check_snmp -H $HOSTADDRESS$ -C $ARG1$ -o .1.3.6.1.4.1.11.2.14.11.1.2.6.1.4.1 -w $ARG2$ -c $ARG3$ -l 'Fan Status' } #'check_hptemp' commnand definition define command{ command_name check_hppower command_line $USER1$/check_snmp -H $HOSTADDRESS$ -C $ARG1$ -o .1.3.6.1.4.1.11.2.14.11.1.2.6.1.4.2 -w $ARG2$ -c $ARG3$ -l 'Power Supply Status' } #'check_hptemp' commnand definition define command{ command_name check_hptemp command_line $USER1$/check_snmp -H $HOSTADDRESS$ -C $ARG1$ -o .1.3.6.1.4.1.11.2.14.11.1.2.6.1.4.4 -w $ARG2$ -c $ARG3$ -l 'Temperature Status' } The info on monitoring HP switches i got was from here: http://www.nagiosexchange.org/Wiki_Home.wiki.0.html?&tx_drwiki_pi1%5Bkeyword%5D=HP%20Switches Has anybody successfully got Nagios monitoring their HP switches? thanks in advance.

not really about staff motivation but i'm running out now. 75: if you visit a site that no longer exists or get a page cannot be displayed error, make sure you click the back button first, before typing in a new url. Returning to a working page increases the likelyhood that your next page will work. 76: forget the address bar just type the exact address you want to go to in the google search bar. Then click on the sponsored link. Google needs money. back to the main theme 77: if we forget something once, cant fix something, or make a mistake make sure you mention it EVERY time you see us. It reminds us that you are so much better than us. 78: Humiliate us infront of everybody in the staff room. We're only support staff we dont count.

similar to 64 but hey: 67: if a link on a webpage is taking it's time click it again, and again. The browser realises that you're in a hurry and makes it load faster. 68: Google is the internet. If for some reason you cant access google, dont try any other page. It isnt worth it. The whole thing will be down. 69: Yes please. (somebody had to say it!) 70: Got a problem with the crud software you bought. Dont worry we're experts at getting software designed for windows 3.1 to run on XP. If not we'll reprogram it for you. 71: Dont bother saving work. If you close the document and click no to save, we can get it back.

54. Please tell us 5 minutes after assembly starts that you need the PA System lighting rig, 20 mics. We all have the ability to bend time and space. Where'd you think they got the idea for Hiro Nakamura from. 55. Dont give any notice for anything. Ever. We have an unlimited supply of cameras discs, and any other paraphanalia you could ever need. 56. The server randomly changes peoples passwords so when you are convinced that you havent forgotten it, it's the server feeling a little bit vindictive. 57. Send a kid to fetch us with no more explanation than mrs smith needs you now. Being summoned like a slave does loads for our confidence and makes us want to come and help you. 58. dont check any wires on your laptops connection to the projector. Especially the VGA cable. They all carry huge voltages and you could get electrocuted. Best leave it to a professional.

On a side note, and kind of inline with another thread http://www.edugeek.net/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=13259&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 it is a good job jake is taking a bit of a sabatical with katem's profile pic. He'd be all over you like a rash!

My home telephone number is actually in the yellow pages as a computer shop - waste of advertising putting wrong number in. I often get phonecalls for them. Sooooo tempted at time to say yes it is, do you want me to collect and deliver back, and then charge loads!

41. Call us any time of the day or night. We're geeks and therefore dont require a social life. We're always at a computer, and can access your home wireless, and configure your ISP settings remotely. If we do happen to be away from a computer, we can visualise whatever random software package your using and talk you through it. Also please feel free to pass our details on to your great aunt, cousin, neighbour or that random guy in the pub who sits muttering in to his beer. We have no friends of our own, and would love to chat to them while we sort out their PC for free. 42. Got a powercut and need to use your PC? Let us know, there a secret battery backup that will power your PC, your internet connection and the entire infrastucture of your street if needed, and we've got the password! 43. When we're sitting looking puzzled at a PC we're not busy we're probably playing freecell, just ask us whatever you need to. 44. If there's a major problem that has taken out the entire network, and we're frantically trying to find the cause, keep phoning us and asking how long it will take to fix. The interruptions will help focus us and your constant calls telling us that you need to send an urgent birthday email to your aunt dorris will make us go faster.

I think in schools it's very confused and in most places NM = SM. I would have thought that the official industry definition of a NM is more about the actual infrastructure of the network, and a SM is about the systems that run on the network. In industry they're probably nothing to do with each other than SM requesting cabling / swithces /etc to go into a location. Education is a funny one. Maybe somebody with a huge staff could tell us how it runs in their place. GrumbleDook?.........

I think the actual distinction would be Systems Manager > Network Manager > Technician. As i see it - Tech maintenance of equipment management/bookings of resources Support in class if something is going wrong. "first line support" Network Manager (maybe senior tech) Management of the physical network - routers, switches, cabling, firewall etc. Manage DNS / DHCP / AD etc. 2nd line support Systems Managers role: If no NM then all NM does plus: 2nd/3rd line support for maintenance issues Budget holder (substantial preferably) Manage systems e.g. exhange/zimbra et al, CMIS/SIMS, cameras etc. May also do some things such as assigning cover or timetabling In most schools there isnt too much of a distinction between NM/SM and they'll only have one. Quite often giving the title of NM as they can possibly pay less. My Job title ranges from IT Manager, Network Manager, Information Systems Manager, gopher, General Dogs body, depending who is talking to me.. I wouldnt suggest touching boilers in any of these roles unless there is a web-based interface that allows you to set timings etc.

Rus, i think the main argument is that we dont mind showing them how to do something such as audio in powerpoint or a formulae in excel, but not to actually, regularly, do the work for them. Why should a NM or tech go and teach a lesson about how to use the if function in excel. Surely the teacher is there to do that.

We have: around 900 pupils, around 160 PCs, 160 thin clients; about 80 teachers all with laptops. 20ish admin staff with PCs 9 servers hosting: website, CMIS, TS, exchange, curriculum areas, staff areas plus all the usual DNS, DHCP, etc. We do the PA System, Content distribution screens, lighting rig, resource bookings e.g. cameras I also do timetabling and assessment. In my team there is me (IT Manager) 2 techs. One spends 50% of his time at primary and infants - giving me 1.5 techs. We have just been given an admin member of staff, who will take calls a la help desk style, and also do some little bits and bobs for us. They've not really taken much of his other duties off him though.

I'm finding myself sitting on the fence grumbledook. I partly agree with some of what you say and partly disagree. Not just with your comments but a whole range of them, maybe even my own to some extent. I think it's about comprimise. You suggest that if we implement a new mail system then we should provide training. Spot on. However if a teacher goes out and buys a software package then why should we give them training. i know that all software purchases *should* go through us but we know it's not always the case. Anyway we seem to have gotten off topic somewhat, i'm sure it started about teaching a lesson and preparing resources. In which case i'm firm on these. Resources: If it is a complex, specialist resource, that myself or my team could produce whereas a teacher could not then we will do it. Provided it's not a regular occurence. If the powers that be give me more staff so we could do more resource building then fine, but at the moment they wont. If it is a resource that a teacher should be capable of doing, then i will happily sit with, or let my team sit with, said member of staff, and guide them, train them or whatever, but we are not here to type up powerpoints. Teaching assistants or, again, resource technicians if they were hired, could do this. Teaching: If a teacher asked me in advance to work with a small group of students, maybe a couple who wanted to do something more advanced that was outside the scope of the module, or beyond the ability of the teacher then that would be fine. However if it's an ICT teachers lesson and they are doing databases surely they could put a bit of effort into learning what is needed to deliver the course. I think a lot of it comes down to teacher ICT competencies. Some teachers will never get there, they're too close to retirement, too "old school", whatever. All new teachers should go through ICT training though. I'll happily show the teacher something, produce idiots guides, etc. but i'm against doing the job for them.

contink i think we all know how you feel. my mrs' eyes glaze over when i start to tell her about my day. Although i have to admit, i do the same as she's a lecturer!

I don't agree with that sweeping generalisation.... "good teaching staff" deserve better pay however it seems to me that the there are so many shall we say “not so good” teachers floating around in the system that promotion for a “good teacher” is the only root to a better salary and this takes one more "good teacher" out of the system. In business you have to reward success……becuase if you reward failure your business will also fail! Completely agree. There are some excellent teachers, who either move from school to school to progress or through the ranks of their own schools. However, this does mean they are spending less time in the classroom, which isnt as good for the kids. On the other hand there are some shocking teachers, who are happy to stay where they are, take the regular pay-rises and moan about everything, just doing the minimum. I suppose it's no different to any profession. If more opportunities existed, that still keep the good teachers in the classroom it would be better. A large number of staff need some CPD and need to stop quoting their unions so much. A little give and take here and there can make all the difference.

Yeah, didnt you know that teachers jobs are at risk becuase of BSF and single status. Oh no, wait.............. thats us. My mistake.

We used to have a tiny office for me and the server room where my 2 techs work. We've just had a toilet conversion finished for us. Best toilet conversion i've seen. Big enough for 4 (maybe 5 if they give me another tech) which will be me, 2 techs and a member of admin who will operate a helpdesk for us. Also has room for a tea area which might fit a sofa, and a big brick-walled former disabled toilet that is going to be filled with crap. i mean consumables and stock. It's only taken me three years to get it. The server room is becoming what it is meant to be, rather than an office that all and sundry walk through.

As Grumbledook and a few other have suggested creating a resource such as video requires technical expertise, thats fine, i dont mind creating or letting my techs create those types of resource. However what i do take exception to is creating powerpoints or simple spreadsheets, or a three-table access database. I'll help and advise or troubleshoot but not do it for them. A teacher should have atleast the knowledge of that subject that they are to teach. If they have a particularly able student that is asking questions far beyond the scope of the module / lesson etc that they teacher cannot help i'll gladly give support or even give the pupil extra tasks. If only teachers and other staff would be prepared to try things. dhicks raises another point here. If we are to involve the pupils more in their own learning and encouraging them to tinker and fiddle, and figure things out, maybe teachers could ask them to help with resources, finding out first hand what would get kids attention. Also improving cross curricular learning, e.g. as in grumbledook's example, videoing a science experiment for a vodcasting or as a future resource. Why not ask a pupil to stand there with the cam, or 2 students with cams getting different angles. Then they could use this video in their ICT work, or media studies lessons and edit it. Hey presto, a good resource, produced with nothing more than guidance from teacher or techs, showing cross curricular co-operation, embedding ICT into a core subject.

I dont drink coffee. Maybe i went a bit postal and exaggerated a bit, but i'm here to run the network, and offer training support and guidance on the use of ICT, not be classroom assistant or prepare materials for teachers. Surely you understand my point?

Ok, having re-read your post i want to question a few of your points: Surely its up to the teachers to teach and prepare resources for their lessons. I will help a teacher if it's something particularly complex or a one off, or show them how to acheive something, but actually prepare all their resources? No chance. Ok so if this isnt a career it's just a job. Why should i invest my time and money furthering my skills for just a job? Why should I take work home, or wake up remembering something that needs doing for just a job? Why should i come in early or stay late when it's just a job? IT, even in education is a career. End of. We've worked hard, got our quals or experience. Please dont belittle that. Ok, so i'll set up linux, open office and firefox. None of this poor quality software that teachers buy, no access by pupils with memory sticks, no virus worries as it's linux, it'lll save the school money, and everyone will be happy right? Then we wont do upgrades because that takes time, we wont investigate new systems, hell, why not just go back to pen and paper everywhere, then i can babysit you and prepare your acetates for your OHP, becuase LCD projectors require maintenance and consumables. And you wont print anything either because keeping a stock of consumables and fitting them requires time that we could spend marking work for you...... ok, rant over.

dhicks, are you a teacher by any chance?

We went (against my advice I hasten to add) with a 3rd party solution called sleuth. It's similar design to senCO manager for anyone with experience of that but nowhere near as bad. It does the job and provides a set of reports and more in-depth recording of details than CMIS. However, because it is not CMIS in can be a PITA. Not that CMIS cant, but if you are using CMIS for recording student attainment and progress, it becomes difficult to then compare behaviour against attendance, attainment, etc. There is a plug in to pull data out of CMIS each night and import to Sleuth but it's one way traffic. Sleuth is also not very flexible with writing your own reports. Basically it does the job its there to do, but doesnt allow integration with other info stored in CMIS.

I've used a company called wheatly dyson. They seem quite cheap, and dont bombard you with calls / spam. Just a monthly (or maybe quarterly) catalogue. Plus they've sent us a FOC pack of biscuits when we've ordered (but maybe thats bcs we speant nearly 3k on one order!)