mundell.org A little of this, a little of that

One of our submarines…

There’s nothing more gut wrenching for a sysadmin than a remote server reboot. Sitting there with a ping -t running down the screen returning “Request timed out” over and over can make you lose your lunch.

Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.

Then, when you feel like you can take no more, and the sweat is pouring off of you in buckets, and you’re reaching for the kill switch that will send out a massive electromagnetic pulse destroying all computer equipment in the building so as to create a diversion (you must get one of these if don’t have one already), only then do you see…

Reply from 10.10.94.20: bytes=32 time=239ms TTL=124
Reply from 10.10.94.20: bytes=32 time=204ms TTL=124
Reply from 10.10.94.20: bytes=32 time=219ms TTL=124

And you instantly want to go for a smoke break even though you don’t smoke.

That’s how I feel right about now. I just rebooted a domain controller in our U.K. office some eight time zones away without a prayer of anyone being on-site to assist. It came back online. I’m in need of a shower now. Good morning, Britain!

In Work on 27 February 2006 with 1 comment

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