How Can You Screw up a Network?

aztektum asks: "Like a lot of Slashdot readers, I have setup my own home network. It isn't tricked out with all the fanciest hardware, but I do have a switch, BSD based firewall, I have configured e-mail (again on BSD), NFS and Samba, as well as remote access services like SSH and FTP. Now my line of work isn't networking or computer related at all. This is a personal hobby and a fairly new one for me (relatively speaking compared to others). I'm looking to learn more about managing problems with networks, but have no idea where to start. With such a small setup and only supporting two users (myself and a roommate) this isn't exactly enterprise level with enterprise level ups and downs. What are some ways I can screw up my network to troubleshoot problems and gain some insight? Also, what are some reference materials that you have found to be educational with relation to network administration?"

Your roommate's computer

[PM4RK5]

Use a very small piece of scotch tape, and place it over only the right or left four copper traces on the end of an ethernet cable. Then plug the cable back into its jack.

When done right, it will take a VERY long time for your roommate to realize why the network isn't working quite right.

Reference Materials

[pyrrhonist]

Also, what are some reference materials that you have found to be educational with relation to network administration?

This [amazon.com] should help with Windows networks.

Give us access

[pv2b]

Open sshd to permit access from the outside world, as well as root logins. Then post your root password and your IP address in a reply to this thread.

That is bound to screw *something* up sooner or later.

Screw up networks

[secolactico]

Install windows 2000 + IIS 5, no service pack, on one machine.

Install solaris 2.6 or 2.7, default install (full + OEM). Don't patch anything. Don't close any service.

Ditch the firewall.

Wait 10 minutes.

Presto.

But seriously, with a network that simple, the only problems you are likely to encouter are mis-configuration on the firewall and physical (wiring) trouble.

Humor

[flood6]

What are some ways I can screw up my network

-You should have hosted a site on it and posted the link.

-Go buy some new Sony CDs

I couldn't decide which response was funnier, so you get them both.

Slashdot Effect

[_Splat]

Put up a web server and link it from /. For added effect, get it linked from fark.com as well.

Duh.

Better Yet,

[Doc Squidly]

Put all the user and computers in Active Directory in the Domian Controller OU.

Yes, I've seen it done.

Re:Easy way

[Daxster]

http://www.fiftythree.org/etherkiller/ [fiftythree.org]

Try this at home, really! One day the local salesmen reps of a major networking company (that rhymes with Nabisco) came by to talk to my boss. Since he was on the phone they came in and talked to me so I showed them the etherkiller. I think it scared the shit out of them. I also got yelled at by my boss since he thinks we might not ever get warranty support again.

Re:Your roommate's computer

[lanswitch]

This guy [theregister.co.uk] is an expert in network management. His site contains lots of useful tips.

UPS

[Alef]

[...] with enterprise level ups and downs.

Did anyone else read that as Uninterruptible Power Supply?

I actually pondered for a brief second on what a "down" was...