SQL Server and MOM Part II - Page 2

Let's Monitor

The Administrator Console (Figure I.) is similar to a tree-like structure. You have the following tree:

•   Information Center-The information center allows you to download updates, documentation, obtain support, feedback etc.

•   Operations

•   Management Packs

• Administration

We will begin by opening the Operator Console from the Start menu (Figure J.) The Operator Console allows you to perform the following:

• View Alerts

• View State

• View Events

• View Performance

• View Computers & Groups

• View Diagram

• My Views

• Public Views

After perusing the Operator Console, you can move on to the Reporting Console by choosing Go | Open Reporting Console from the Operator Console menu bar (Figure J). You must first login to the reporting web page as shown in Figure K.

You are now using the reporting features of MOM 2005 (Figure L and Figure M). It is basically just reports that are installed to the SQL Server Reporting Services feature embedded within SQL Server 2005.

At this point, you are ready to play with your MOM 2005 w/ SP1 environment. Now that your virtual lab is complete, I recommend that you take a snapshot of each server and go wild trying to monitor SQL Server 2005 with MOM. If you break it, simply revert to the previous snapshot and try again. I have found that this is the best way to learn.

Snapshots and Multiple Snapshots are features available in the VMware Workstation product line. If you are using Virtual PC, you can use this same method but Virtual PC calls it differencing disks and it is a little more complicated to configure. You could always just back up the virtual files and then overwrite them if you break the configuration as well. Have Fun!

» See All Articles by Columnist Steven S. Warren