MONITOR ALL THE THINGS
First things first, lets start by creating a test, this is what we we can use to check if your server,switch or potato is on or offline. Create your test with a useful name like 1234-SWITCH-CORE or 1234-BACON-COOKER Choose from HTTP,HTTPS,RDP or ICMP and specify your address.
Groups are used to collect your tests into logical units, tests can be members of multiple groups. Groups are what we assign alerts to. Give your group a name like Hogwarts or Greendale and add your test or tests to it.
Alarms are what you use to let you know when something is wrong. Alarms can only be assigned to groups not tests directly. Give it a shot, create a alarm specify a name, email, delay *grace period before sending first email* and interval *how often it will send a reminder*.