A few tips for you, especially if this is your first time administering a system.
- When you are setting up the system, anything that you change, especially configuration files (i.e. in /etc) should be VERSIONED! You will not regret this. Take the time, and any time its changed commit the changes and leave a meaningful note for the next person. They will rip your head off if the only indication things have changes is a directory filled with config.GOOD and config.GOOD2.
- When shit hits the fan, and it will, be calm and make sure you take copious notes on every little tweak you are making. Do not count on remembering it later. You are under adrenaline when things are getting fixed and as soon as it settles all you will want to do it nap. Did youshut off monit for a service so it wouldn't restart? Note it. Did you see a weird error when remounting? Note it and come back later. No detail is to small. Really. My personal recommendation? Use paper. It helps you stay focused on the problem instead of tabbing between a gagillion screens and potentially losing notes.