Now I just have to figure out the snapshot part.
Apollo
Mark Eggers wrote:
Apollo,
While your intentions are noble, I think you need to redirect your energies.
If you are leaving the company, there are a few things that must happen.
1. Freeze the system No software upgrades No architectural changes No process changes
The only changes that are allowed are those that fix business-critical operations.
Period.
2. Create a clean snapshot backup
Ideally, you should be able to completely rebuild your environment from a clean OS install and your backup. No recompiles, no editing of the configuration files, nothing. Install OS, restore info, and you should be operational.
3. DOCUMENT
The audience for your documentation depends on how your company is planning to manage your duties once you leave.
I can go into great gory details on what needs to be documented, and how it should be documented if you wish. However, a short story might give you the general idea.
I used to teach advanced organic chemistry in college while I was getting my graduate degree. I was known as a tough teacher, in part because I required my students to think in order to earn an A . . . regurgitating information was good for only a B.
Anyway, there were two fundamental requirements for all lab books.
1. The material in the lab book must be correct 2. With nothing more than the lab book and my knowledge of chemistry, I MUST be able to COMPLETELY reproduce the work.
I was tolerant of spelling mistakes, sloppy writing, or poor grammar. However, if any of these creative habits placed barriers between me and
reproducing the work, the grade was lowered by one letter.
No excuses . . . . no mercy.
I suggest that you pick your audience (new system admin from within the company, new system admin from outside the company, consultant, etc.) and write accordingly.
I have had to clean up after the abrupt departure of a system administrator. The environment consisted of 200+ machines running three major operating systems (HP-UX, Irix, SunOS) and 5 different versions.
I could not format and re-install. Engineers and manufacturing plants have a difficult time with that tactic.
I'll just say it was a very interesting month.
/mde/ just my (vocal) two cents . . . .
