Server Database?

Hey Geeks,

I want to come with either a database or just an easy way to track about 10-12 servers I have. Stuff like their specs, os, resources. Anyone know of a good way to do this? I can't think of an easy way.

 

do you want to manually enter or scan the pc?

 

I've already done most of the manual information, so I know what I got I just need a way to store it all easily and reference to it when I can, add, etc.

 

what kind of scenario are we talking about here. Will you need to update remotely?(web based) or only local (workstation)?

 

That would be preffered, to update remotely, I can do that to some now. However for now I am just looking for a way, to store information about all the servers, like the processor, memory, percent free, so I can reference to it easily whether it be in a database, a program that was designed for that purpose or any one who has an idea.

 

there's a couple solutions actually.

If you use the MSDE (SQL Server 2000 Microsoft Desktop Engine) then you can use MS-Access to connect to it locally or remotely(provided the port is open). If you place the database on a web server, then you can have an app connect to it so you make your modifications via the web.

Additionally, you may consider taking a snap shot of the servers hardware with some tool like everest and save it to a file and then upload it to a blob field in the database. You can then reference that PC and pull up its' spec sheet that was generated. Whole bunch of ways to do this

 

We don't have an SQL server with Access. But you have the right idea.
I would like to be able to look online or thru a database and pull up specs of the machine, when it has been down, or upgraded, repaired, etc. I don't need a constant system watcher, I have no issue with entering the info in myself.
How hard is it to create what you have described?

 

it would be quite easy to make actually. If you have the ability that is. You don't NEED sql server 2000 .. all you need is the MSDE which is free
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/msde/downloads/download.asp

That and some web server to run your application.

 

So does this have to be installed on my web server?

What about Access?

 

MS Access can also connect to the database and you can make a desktop front end for it as well use a web based application. The web based application will have to be on your web server, but the database can be on any machine really.

Don't think of MS-Access as ONLY a database. It's really an environment that has a built in database but it can also connect to other databases by using it as an Access Data Project.

yikes..that does sound confusing.

Web app on Webserver
MSDE (SQL SERVER) on any machine
MS-ACCESS front end (equivalent to web app really) on any machine.

 

What do u mean by Web app?

After I put the MSDE on my machine, then what?

 

web application = web app

After you install the MSDE you need to decide how you want to access the database. There are a few ways to administer the MSDE but the easiest way by far (without having access to the enterpirse manager) is to make an access project and have it create a database in the MSDE for you. From there, you make your tables and queries, and if you're so inclined, you can make your forms to access the data. These forms will only be located in your Access Project.

If you want to access the data via the web, then you need to make something that does it. You need to build a web application.

Does this make sense?

 

Yes and no. I mean, web application, could that be like IIS?

It sounds like you are asking me to build or make a database using Access.
I have never used it before, I have made some small databases using FileMaker Pro.

 

Bump. Uhm, still lost here Kodo. Kinda sorta have an idea.

 

sorry, post got lost.

You could use IIS with a web application. ASP and ASP.NET are exclusive to IIS. you can use PHP if you want too.

I'm trying to break this down for you but it's difficult becuase there are so many ways to do it. You can tie a web app to a db, you can tie an access project to a db.. anything.

I'm giving you MULTIPLE solutions here, you have to pick one or both.. whatever.

The MSDE as mentioned before will only be your data-store. You decide how you want to access the data contained in the databases that the MSDE is hosting.

so, you want to go web based or dekstop application based. ?

 

Web based, so others can access too.

 

Ok.
Lets split off and talk about the options of building for the web.

1. Programming language
   You have a variety of choices to choose from but I will limit it to the most current and widely used choices.
   
   PHP-
   *Cross platform compatible. Will work with Linux and Windows(IIS)
   *Free
   
   ASP-
   *Only works on IIS with Windows
   *Free with windows
   
   ASP.NET-
   *Latest and greatest from MS. Works exclusively on IIS.
   *Free with Windows update for ASP.NET Framework
   *Not that easy to code for by using notepad but not impossible. Sharp Develop available on sourceforge.
   
2. Database
   MS-Access-
   *Small, lightweight DB mainly for desktop use. Not very good with 20 or more conurrent connections. This means connections to the database and not how many people are accessing your website. Not sure if there is an access driver available for PHP..
   
   MSDE-
   *Compact version of MS-SQL Server. Is free to use and works well with ASP/ASP.NET .. ODBC Driver available for PHP I believe.
   *Good for intranet sites and small websites.
   
   MS-SQL Server 2000-
   *Enterprise database system. Essentially it's the MSDE on steroids.
   *Good for pretty much anything you want to build.
   
   MySQL-
   *Medium sized database. A step above MSDE in performance but not quite MS-SQL server 2000.
   *Perfect for websites.
   
   
3. Operating System
   Ye ole linux and windows debate applies here
   *run PHP on both linux and windows
   *run ASP on only windows
   *Linux=Free
   *windows=Not Free

That should help you make a decision.

For those others that are reading, I know there is more, but I am keeping it short for reasons of complexity. Feel free to chime in but don't be obnoxious about it.

 

I want a web based solution, something that works on Linux too, Macintosh even. Would that be php?

 

All rendered information that is sent to the browser from the server REGARDLESS of what language it was programmed in is compatible with all browsers on all platforms.

So a page built in ASP and the same page built with PHP will produce the same results in the browser no matter what platform (OS).

If you are referring to the actual application running ON the server then yes PHP will be your choice.