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donpick

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Aministering managed switches

I administer a Windows 2003 server with 30 users running Windows XP Pro on a domain.  This network has 3 unmanaged switches which will soon be replaced by managed switches.  I have read a bit about managed switches.  I need to know more about how to administer them.  

I understand Active directory and basic networking, tcp/IP, etc.  

1.)  What books, articles, web sites have you found useful to learn more about administering a managed switch?

2.) The managed switches have a web interface which I understand will tell me info about the network.  What are the most important things you would note when administering a switch?

This is unknown territory for me so please be detailed in your answer.  I am assigning 500 points to encourage detailed answers.
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RDAdams
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What brand of switch are you purchasing?  

Ensure you change the default passwords on your switches and document the passwords.  Ensure you are not the only person he knows where to find the infomation on your network.
Generally once you setup a switch there isn't a lot of necessary administrative things to do with it.  When something goes wrong then you need to know where to look and what to look for.
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donpick

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RDAdams:
Our plan is to purchase Milan Technologies 48 port and 24 port switches.  These were recommended to me by the company who performed our network audit.
Um, I am not sure how to put this so I will merely state my opinion .......  I wouldn't trust any company that recommends Milan Technology switches. You should get a switch that is proven and has tons of support such as HP or Cisco.
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wingatesl
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For 30 users do you really need managed switches? They are considerably more expensive!

Will you be doing VLANS, separating networks etc.

As a byline, I would put a vote in for 3Com. Been around  along time, reliable, lots of support, most have lifetime hardware warranties).

My advise; keep it simple.

John