Stopping users switching boxes off
 

Aaaarh! No matter how many memos I send out, someone is switching my boxes off. I can't monitor them constantly so when I come to ssh into one of them from home, I can't. I currently have 7 linux boxes on a 28 pc network on two sites. How can I stop this from happening - apart from tape over the power switch? One of the boxes is soon to become a mission critical (yeuch! did I just say that?) part of our network.

Don't give them access to shutdown.

Users who don't know anything about computers in general, only know how to do their job on the computer, etc, will just turn machines off without properly shutting them down.

I'd suggest either make it so the power button is disabled or their box is out of reach to power off, or something along those lines. Maybe even a simple note on the box or monitor stating to keep machine on will do the trick.

I've tried the notes.....our users don't read :-0 Do you mean physically disabling the power button i.e. disconnecting it or is there a software way? Space restrictions make it virtually impossible to "hide" boxes - jeez! They've (a) disconnected the router in the past - and that's hidden behind a Harry Potter type false panel in a wall (b) disconnected whole sections of the network so that they can plug their notebooks in to the newly available socket - why why why why? (c) pulled out network cabling because they "think" the cable is broken somewhere. I did think about employing a hitman!!

One user told me that they just switch the power socket off AT THE WALL and then on again if they get into problems. *sob* *sob*

Just what kind of company is this? Have you tried individually telling peole not to do this and if they do they are stupid? I'm thinking the insult route might help.

Even if you were to adjust the box so you put the power switch on the inside, you have already found out that they will simply unplug the boxes.

Crazy glue the switches in the on position and the plugs to the wall? :p

Start by covering your own arse and sent memos the other way, up to managment. Explain that users are not following procedure and are risking the network. Anytime you tell execs that their network might break, they worry.... Put tape and notes all over the boxes, power switches and wall plugs saying "Do Not Remove/Power Down Systems! Call so-n-so for assistance."

I'd personally setup diskless terminals for those who turn the machines off... ;) Basically they can only turn off the terminal and not the machine... that's if they abuse and don't follow directions. Either that or get chords that can screw down to the plug in the wall and then lock the box up where they either can't reach or access the power button and can't pull the power chord out.