On Wed, Jun 16, 2010 at 2:11 PM, Bruce Johnson <john...@pharmacy.arizona.edu> wrote: > > Sadly, this is how most places like this learn the lesson, the hard way. > > I'd try very hard to prevail upon them to at least invest in new sets of > tapes and, suggest, gently that they practice restoring some files from > backup, now, while everything is fine, so that they're not doing this for > the first time when the system's gone down and people are screaming > for their data, pounding on your door with pitchforks and torches. > Pitchforks and torches are very distracting and not optimal for learning new > things :-) >
I would but I fear I have no credibility with them. I did try about a year and 1/2 ago to get them to try to make some steps towards more rational sys admin. I thought I had convinced them to reboot the server on a work day when they were routinely closed to the public so they could apply the pending Windows server security updates. However, when the day rolled around I was told the reboot had been vetoed. Why? Well, because of what the young fellow with the BA in Human Resources who had tried to deal with IT stuff had told them before he left for another job. He told them that they should "Always leave the server running. Never turn it off." They viewed not rebooting their Windows server as a prudent move that would save them from potential trouble. A "Why take the chance?" sort of thing. Seriously. I think that they view maintaining computers in much the same way that many of us maintain the plumbing in our homes. Use it but otherwise ignore it until it stops working. Then pay an exorbitant amount of money to a "professional" to come out on a Sunday and fix it. Will they be pissed when it hits the fan? Sure. But I think this is just how the world works from their perspective. One of those things that like the weather you really can't do much about and just have to live through. As I said, they are a non-profit funded by donations. I hate to see the money wasted. But I also don't know how to reason with people who view maintenance as what you pay someone to "fix" after you have pushed a system to failure. :-( Oh, well. I digress ... -irrational john -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to g3-5-list@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
