Patch Panel Spreadsheet Program
Every year Microsoft releases dozens of patches, security updates, and hot fixes. Keeping track of these items can be a real headache, especially for an overworked support pro with too much to do and not enough hours in the day. While forcing Microsoft to improve its software to the point where it never needs patching is beyond my power, our Microsoft patch-tracking Excel spreadsheet can help you manage the fixes it does release.Why you need itWhy should you track the Microsoft patches your organization installs?
First, Microsoft releases so many patches, service packs, security updates, hot fixes, and updates each year that it's often difficult to keep straight which items you've installed and which ones you haven't. Second, the next time your manager asks you how up to date your organization's systems are, you can give him or her a quick, definite answer. Third, if you're the person responsible for managing the installation of Microsoft patches and you leave the organization, there is a record of which patches have been installed and when. This will make it much easier for those who come after you to do their jobs.Our simple, yet highly effective, spreadsheet is based on a submission from TechRepublic member Stephen Bailey and allows you to catalog those Microsoft fixes that you choose to download and install. And then customize it to meet the needs of your organization.There are sections for the following characteristics:.
Security Bulletin: Microsoft numbers each security bulletin (e.g., ). Ticket Number: If your help desk uses a call/problem tracking system, use this column to log the ticket number associated with the patch's installation. Name (MSKB Number): Many patches are associated with Microsoft Knowledge Base (MSKB) articles. MS02-072, for example, corresponds to the MSKB article Enter that information here. Affected System(s): There are two ways to use this column.
You can either enter every application the patch affects, or you can enter just those affected systems that your organization has. While the later may allow you to save space, there's always the possibility that you could acquire a system at some point in the future, check your list for applicable patches, and not see that system listed.
Assessment (High, Medium, or Low or N/A): Not all patches are created equal. Critical security patches should be implemented immediately, while others can be implemented more slowly.
Response Plan Complete: If your help desk creates a response plan for each security patch installation, you can indicate the status of that plan here. If not, you can delete this column. Installation: Use this column to track how quickly the patch was installed. Date Complete: This column allows you to track the date all patch installations were completed. Add to standard install? (Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP): If your help desk has standard installation images for different Windows operating systems, use this section to note whether a patch should be added to that standard installation or not.
Superseded: Some Microsoft patches are occasionally (or even regularly) superseded by a newer patch. For example, Microsoft Security Bulletin —the December 2002 Cumulative Patch for Internet Explorer —is superceded by Microsoft Security Bulletin —the February 2003 Cumulative Patch for Internet Explorer. Use this column to indicate when a patch has been superceded by a more recent patch.Download our Microsoft patch-tracking Excel spreadsheetYou can download our Microsoft patch tracking Excel spreadsheet by following or by clicking on the Downloads link in the navigation bar at the top of this page. TechRepublic has many useful documents, templates, and applications available for download, so be sure to check out our other offerings.Our Microsoft patch tracking Excel spreadsheet was created using Microsoft Excel 2000.
To increase download speed, we've zipped the file. You'll need an unzip utility such as or to expand the zipped file. You'll also need Microsoft Excel 2000 or higher to edit the spreadsheet.
What is a Rack Diagram?A rack diagram is a two-dimensional elevation drawing showing the organization of specific equipment on a rack. It is drawn to scale and may show the front and the rear elevation of the rack layout. Typical Uses of Rack DiagramsRack diagrams can be extremely valuable when selecting equipment or racks to buy, since they are drawn to scale and can help determine what size to choose.
In addition, a rack diagram allows for efficient organization prior to moving the actual equipment.How to Draw a Rack DiagramInstalling equipment in a rack without planning in advance can create issues. You may not have adequate space for equipment, cables, and patch panels. Creating a rack diagram can help you plan and organize your equipment in an optimal fashion.SmartDraw has a number of rack drawings and elevations included that you can easily edit and customize. Add components, servers, wiring, cables easily from the included library of components and cabinets. Here are some tips for creating a rack diagram:.
Determine the purpose. Determine the equipment and racks to be organized. It may be useful to write a list of each item and its measurements. Also consider any special needs of a piece of equipment such as air flow.
Draw to scale. A relay rack typically uses universal hole spacing at 0.625, 0.625, and 0.5 inches. Each of these sets of holes is what is known as a rack-mount unit (RMU) of 1.75 inches. If you're drawing your rack diagram by hand you'll need to know the size of each component part and convert it into RMUs to allocate rack cabinet space. SmartDraw provides preformatted symbols for commonly used components such as servers, switches, patch panels and standard rack cabinets. This makes building a rack diagram much faster and more accurate than trying to draw one by hand. Create the rack.
Draw the racks on the page first. They should be drawn to scale exactly and should show every feature of the actual rack in real life. Arrange equipment. Draw each piece of equipment to scale. Placing a label inside the area of each will be useful for keeping track of them while organizing.
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Begin placing equipment on the racks where it will fit and continue rearranging until the desired organization is reached. It is good practice to place equipment that will be accessed frequently, such as patch panels, at eye level or slightly below. This will make servicing much faster and easier. Allow space for cabling. Don't forget to allocate space for cable troughs and raceways.
Old Spreadsheet Programs
This is particularly important in a multi-rack environment. The dead space at the top of the rack is often a good place for cable management. Use your rack diagram. Use the diagram you have made to arrange your equipment on your rack. Since the diagram is drawn to scale, everything should fit together as it does on the diagram.Rack Diagram TemplatesClick on any of these rack diagrams and drawings included in SmartDraw and edit them.