Win Server Maintenance - Administrator

What actually needs to be done...

[hulahoop]

Hello,

I have an administrator maintaing my dedicated server.
Lately I have been having some problems with my Websites going down. It's nothing to do with the hosting company it seems.

My adminstrator says it could be an IIS problem.
A friend told me to check for suspicious activities.
How do you do that. I don't reallt know.
Can someone tell me what needs to be done by
adminstrator when maintaining a server and
websites on it (daily/weekly/monthly chores).

I am not too technical, so if you can explain to me
in lay man's terms, I could make sure my adminstrator
is doing what needs to be done. Really appreciate some guidance. Thanks

[tomasz]

Lately I have been having some problems with my Websites going down

I think you need to be more specific

[hulahoop]

As per what my Adminstrator explains...it could be due to the IIS locking up. Alternatively my database is too large and I have to migrate to something that can take its weight.

However, I am more interested to know what an Adminstrator needs to do to maintain a server. I am looking for a sort of checklist so I can make sure all the right things are done. Can any adminstrators out there share with me what you normally do to maintain your server and sites on it...I am sure there is like a checklist you go through (example...monthly..update Microsoft patches and etc.)

Please share with me so I can make that my adminstrator's checklist too. Thanks

[8cool]

Best thing is to start monitoring IIS activity. This can be done using Windows performance monitor. You need to monitor counters like no of hits etc. Also Check IIS log for unusual activity.
Compare it with your downtimes and make sure there are no any specific programs causing it. Go to IIS Website performance tab and check whether there are any restrictions like Bandwith/connection limitations etc.