Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for managing a computer network. A manager software system is installed on a network management computer system within the network, and one agent software system is installed on each of the server computer systems in the network. A knowledge module in the form of a text fie is stored on the network manager computer system so that the manager software system can transmit knowledge to the various agent software systems throughout the network, for use by the agents in monitoring and managing the server on which they are installed. Interpretable script language programs are present on all computers in the network, expanding and customizing the functionality of the agent software systems. A method is disclosed for using the high level interpretable script language programs in connection with the agent software systems for discovering resources on the network, monitoring aspects of resources, and taking recovery actions automatically in the event of an alarm condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring and managing the applications and resources on a distributed computer network. Preferably, at least one manager software system runs on at least one of the networked computer systems designated as a network management computer system or "console" system. An agent software system runs on each of the server computer systems in the network to be monitored. Each respective agent software system carries out tasks on the computer system in which it is installed such as discovering which resources and applications are present on the computer system, monitoring particular aspects of the resources and applications present on the computer system, and executing recovery actions automatically when such actions are warranted. The agents are capable of intelligent, autonomous operation.