Best program for logging down time with ISP..

[Conundrum]

I was just wondering what everyone would recommend along this course. I've been having a REAL problem with my local service lately. It has been getting worse and worse ever since AT&T bought out TCI.

Here's the status now. The cable goes out about every 5-10 minutes. The cable service claims that they don't see it happening on their end. Their technicians see it when they come out though. They do something outside and/or on the pole(s) and then they come back in and say, "Looks like it's working fine now. Bye". Then it works for a day... or a few days. Then it starts up again... degenerates until finally it's just down all the time. Then they come out again and the process repeats itself.

It's insanely frustrating.. and even moreso when they claim that they don't see it happening on their end when it's quite obviously happening. I was wondering what any of you would recommend in terms of a program that would generate a simple log with date/time showing when the service would go down. Something that doesn't generate huge active logs with all activity. I was thinking of something very simple that just checks to see if there's a signal and when there isn't.

I would really appreciate it. I'd like to have something to show them. Just print it out and go, "Look, here's a list of just how bad it is.". I wish I would've asked this here before. This has been going on for a very long time now. I can't wait to relocate somewhere. I seriously doubt any broadband service I could get would be worse than what I've had to endure so far. I would really appreciate any suggestions. Thanks again..

 

[ZZZZZZ]

I am not aware of any applications to help you log this sort of thing, but normally good old Pen and Ink is the best way. Keep a log in neat, legible handwriting, recording whenthe service was lost what the sypmtoms were leading up to it and when it came back up , as well as what steps you had to take to get it fixed. IE ... called tech supportr and complaining for 3 days... that knid of stuff.

In my experience this is the best way and is also strong and reliable evidence if you have to go into the court room. Alot more believable if it is in yuur own hand writing as well.

Hope this helps

Rob

 

[beamrider]

I've seen a prog to do exactly that, but can't remember any details on it, but it does exist.

 

[indianduddawg47]

Try this

 

[AreEss64]

I use WhatsUp from IPswitch. VERY useful program. Allows you to monitor multiple hosts, services, etcetera, etcetera. You can set it up to email when something goes down, page, call a cellphone, delivery a voice message, etcetera. Neat stuff. You can get a 30 day demo from here.

 

[Conundrum]

Thanks for all your replies people.

If anyone has anymore ideas, keep 'em comin'.