Chapter 22. Troubleshooting Tools and Techniques Troubleshooting techniques are developed through experience, trial and error, collaboration, and determination. When an event occurs that will cause system or application downtime, the number one priority is get it working again as quickly as possible. If the event is something that you are familiar with, you will approach the issue with confidence due to your experience. When the event is new and one that you have not personally resolved, you are likely to tread with a more cautious mindset. The confidence comes with experience; the techniques used are generally a combination of proven solutions. If the solution is documented from the application or system vendor, it has been tested and will most likely bring the system or application online with the least downtime. Collaboration with colleagues is important when the issue falls outside the realm of familiar territory. It never hurts to ask a question or two of those who might have seen a similar situation and have more current experience. Finally, determination is the final essential quality for someone facing the troubleshooting task even when the situation they face may be unfamiliar.The task of troubleshooting a problem has three key components: a clear problem definition followed by appropriate data collection and analysis. The purpose of this chapter is to provide general guidelines, introduce some techniques for troubleshooting, and provide information on how to obtain additional resources to resolve common OVO issues. This chapter does not substitute for the Administrators Reference Guide for OpenView Operations . |