The invention provides a method and system for monitoring status in a relatively continuous consistent and intelligent manner. A status monitor receives monitoring data, and adaptively and dynamically associates those known combinations with assessments of the monitored devices, systems, or networks. From an initial set of selected knowledge (or even no knowledge at all), the status monitor develops a database of information regarding anomalous conditions, and measurements of likely causes and faults and learns which of those anomalous conditions require response. Appropriate responses can include informing a system operator, taking remedial action, and altering or terminating the monitored device, systems or network.