System: a group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent elements that together form a complex whole.”

In the context of this class, we generally consider computer-human systems consisting of

 

• The computer(s), the network, the user(s), the organization’s goals and policies.

Administrator is to manage or supervise the execution, use, or conduct of System Administration frequently also includes other tasks such as: system design and architecture, reliability studies, resource management, system fault diagnosis, all of which me involve a fair amount of software development, programming and scripting.

 

 

What exactly does a System Administrator do?

• No precise job description, often learned by experience, “makes things run”, work behind the scenes, often known as Operator, Network Administrator, System Programmer, System Manager, Service Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer etc.
• System administrator: one who, as a primary job function, manages computer and network systems on behalf of another, such as an employer or client.
• To identify strategies used to create implementation and roll out plans to successfully manage your system and plan for the unexpected. To provide participants with examples of setting up queries, reports, and training strategies to help manage the end users.
• System administrator is responsible for: User administration (setup and maintaining account) Maintaining system Verify that peripherals are working properly, quickly arrange repair for hardware in occasion of hardware failure, Monitor system performance, create file systems, install software, Create a backup and recovery policy, Monitor network communication.
• To discuss strategies for maintaining a good working relationship with your application vendor
• To identify strategies used to create implementation and roll out plans to successfully manage your system and plan for the unexpected.
• To provide participants with examples of setting up queries, reports, and training strategies to help manage the end users. Install, configure, and support an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet system or a segment of a network system. Maintain network hardware and software. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May supervise other network support and client server specialists and plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures.

 

 

Diagnose hardware and software problems, and replace defective components.

 

> Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
> Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
> Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures in order to protect data, software, and hardware.
> Operate master consoles in order to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks, and to coordinate computer network access and use.
> Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records.

> Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.
> Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.
> Confer with network users about how to solve existing system problems. Train people in computer system use.
> Load computer tapes and disks, and install software and printer paper or forms.

> Gather data pertaining to customer needs, and use the information to identify, predict, interpret,  and evaluate system and network requirements.
> Analyze equipment performance records in order to determine the need for repair or replacement.
> Maintain logs related to network functions, as well as maintenance and repair records.
> Research new technology, and implement it or recommend its implementation.
> Maintain an inventory of parts for emergency repairs.
> Coordinate with vendors and with company personnel in order to facilitate purchases.

 

The goals of a System Administrator

 

The person who is responsible for setting up and maintaining the system is called as the system administrator.

Supervise system functionality. Every system must work and be connected to the network. Create backups on media, better if automatic backup, Create and install desktop and servers.

Create users and assign to them customizable Graphical User Interface.

Update systems for the maximum performance, share system resources for the maximum network flow, share disks between heterogeneous systems in the better position, share printers to save superfluous investment.

 

Most important skill to a system administrator

• Knowledge of common protocols like SMTP, SFTP, FTP, HTTP, DNS,
• Ability to communicate problems and solutions both verbally and in writing to customers and management.
• Ability to work independently and troubleshoot problems with speed and efficiency.

Ability to work closely with others in a small team environment.