New sysadmin job - preparing a to-do/check list (credits: https://www.reddit.com/r/sysadmin/comments/5ioemb/new_sysadmin_job_preparing_a_todocheck_list/) I change my sysadmin job for two months (after 10 years working in current workplace). I prepared a list of things to accomplish in my new workplace based on multiple posts on r/sysadmin Each comment will be valuable.
- Scope definition: Are you responsible for electricity, laptops, desktops, software support, mobile phones, server, online services the company uses, defining policies, etc
- General documentation: do not impove until you understand the environment (do backup before change)
- Crucial services inventory: Identify mission critical services and where they are hosted; identify who is responsible for them if its not you
- [DR] Disaster Recovery Plan: Backups are running properly? Backup rotation? Last DR test? Automated? In case of my absence?
- [BC] Business Continuity Plan
- [BIA] Business Impact Analysis
- Network topology: configuration (backup?), passwords, routers, gateways, subnets, vlans, static addresses, dhcp, labeled cables
- Power supply/UPS
- ISP: contact, agreements, SLA, contracts
- Support for environment's components: contact, agreements, consultants, SLA, contracts; renew/remedy any issues regarding lack of support, get replacement parts in a timely fashion, maintenance contract situation
- VPN / Remote Access
- Firewall policies: understand what's being permitted/blocked
- AV: existing on systems (servers, desktops, mobiles), activated, updated, custom exclusions
- Password repository: existing? Up to date?
- Admin accounts: running services
- Encryption certificates expiration date
- Windows Updates: policies, working?
- Applications updates: policies? automated?
- Software Inventory: licences (with charges), warranty, legal
- Hardwar Inventory: warranty, replacements parts, end of life cycle situation
- Scheduler jobs on servers
- GPOs review
- Scripts review
- Observe network/systems: to know what is "normal" behavior; known problems; check logs
- Study last audits reports
- Process reviews for incidents, problems management, service requests, escalation [ITIL]
- [Optional]: Document management policies
- [Optional]: Phone systems - VOIP;Skype for Business;other communication solutions/channels
- Crisis kit: fire safe place, vendor contacts, emergency numbers, screwdriver, towel, deodorant, phone charger, headache medication, cable tester, takeout menu
- Meetings: with heads of departmentswhat their team does, what they use, what their major issues are
- Make a "Small wins": list that you can fix that will give you a bit of face to work with - this will contribute to people trusting that you're a professional there to provide a service.
- Budget: now and in the future; limit extra useless PCs/laptops
- Categorize tickets: for future analizing
- Monitoring software: Icinga (or other software); iLo/iDrac sending mails; enable smart monitoring on disks, UPSes
- Clean up lazy permissions
- IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection System/Intrusion Prevention System) if no existed
- Have a storage of low-cost hardware items (mouses, keyboards, etc)
Based on: