Every company needs a system administrator in its IT department. The system administrator is tasked with controlling a wide range of technology support.
Being a system administrator goes beyond just installation of the server, troubleshooting, and providing technical support for various projects in the company. With the currently evolving world and the application of technology to every field and sector, a system administrator is a must-have in every company or organization.
Are you interested in figuring out what is a system administrator means exactly? This article will highlight a system administrator job description giving you in-depth knowledge of every aspect of system administration.
Table of contents
Who Is A System Administrator?
A system administrator can also be shortened to Sysadmin. System administrators specialize in configuring, maintaining, and continuously controlling computer systems and servers.
A system administrator’s job description will include the installation of both hardware and software and continuous research participation to ensure that the IT requirement of the organization or company is in perfect condition. For any problems or issues that develop in the servers or computer systems in the organization, the system administrator is tasked with bringing it back to mint condition.
A system administrator must always interact with end-users to solve their problems or proffer appropriate solutions.
Most system administrators tend to branch out in their careers as they progress. A system administrator can become a system engineer or a System Architect.
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What Does A System Administrator Do? Roles And Responsibilities
Being a system administrator involves multiple duties and responsibilities which you are in charge of in an organization. The main responsibilities of a system administrator include:
1. Application compatibility
Whenever new applications or software are about to be introduced into the organization, System administrators ensure that the applications are compatible with the existing systems.
You might need to test the server load performance to ensure that new software releases are still compatible with the IT programs being used.
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2. Web service administration & configurations
System administrators specialize in performing web service administration and configuration management activities, including ensuring that adequate configuration changes are properly documented and following certain policies of the organization. Organizational policies associated with cyber security and access.
3. Network administration
Administration is one of the major roles played by system administrators. You should control network interactions to follow the policies and regulations of the organization.
4. Security administration
Security is one of the key responsibilities of the system administrator. Every organization is always eager to protect their system program and data from external attacks; the system administrator is instrumental in setting up the security administration of the organization.
Activities involved in Identity and access management, network monitoring and analysis, maintaining the security of hardware components, and controlling the patching, and updates of software licensing. System administrators can work with engineers outside the organization to implement a secure security administration.
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5. User administration
A system administrator’s basic role and responsibility in an organization is user administration. The system administrator will provide effective and reliable use of a high-level IT system to end-users including customers and fellow staff members. You might be required to provide complex technical support to users or help in managing their identities.
A system administrator is usually the first point in an organization’s IT department for a tech-related issue to be moved to to be solved.
6. System maintenance
System administrators are tasked with ensuring that an organisation’s system and tech performance is at the maximum level. You are responsible for dependable access and availability to IT systems.
Every role that falls into maintaining and ensuring adequate system performance and better access to IT services falls into the system, maintaining the role of the Sysadmin. To ensure adequate system maintenance, you might need regular system improvements, troubleshooting and fixing issues, and continuous system upgrade.
7. User training
Last but not least of the system administrator’s job description is the educative duty. System administrators may need to communicate directly with end-users to help solve technical issues. Sometimes, you may also conduct training programs to bring users up to pace with new software installations or IT system changes.
These training programs may not be directed to specialized engineering tools, but the Web portal and the specific procedures required to access the IT services and corporate network.
8. Documentation
Documentation is another vital responsibility of system administrators. A good system administrator will maintain a complete record of all IT asset’s usage.
Appropriate documentation of the IT assets will enable you to plan ahead for future upgrades required in the systems. Most companies or organizations have documentation as regulatory compliance that must be adhered to.
A system administrator will document IT issues, various business requirements, and requests from end-users.
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9. System health monitoring
A system administrator should be able to prevent an issue from reaching end users by adequate system monitoring. A system administrator will monitor the system health in an organization to detect wrong behaviour early on.
System health monitoring as a system administrator will help detect any security-sensitive activity on the company’s network, like data transfer and unauthorized network access.
10. Backup & disaster recovery
System administrators will control the backup and disaster recovery process in the organization’s systems. You’ll be tasked with helping end-users to access any data they might have mistakenly deleted.
The backup and disaster recovery process might involve replacing the hardware and software components of the system or implementing automatic software solutions.
11. Database administration
The database of an organization is a very important part of its assets. System administrators are tasked with maintaining database systems’ integrity, performance, and efficiency.
Various Database management activities include migration, design, configuration, installation, and security of the organization’s data assets. Most System administrators act with users to address database-related issues, including backup and restoration activities.
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What Are The Skills Required For A System Administrator?
Being a system administrator will require you to possess some core skills to perform your required duties. The following are the top skills you’ll need to develop to become a successful System administrator:
1. Problem-solving skill
You should know how to deal with problems as system administrators are the first contact point whenever an IT problem develops in an organization.
2. Cloud computing skills
With the availability of many cloud applications like office 365, having basic cloud computing skills will give you an edge when applying for system administrator job descriptions.
3. Knowledge of opperating systems
Employers are normally scouting for system administrators with in-depth knowledge of operating systems like Windows, Mac, or Linux. Being very knowledgeable in the operating system you’re focusing on is a basic requirement for system administrators.
4. Knowledge of networks
Expertise in setting up network security features like firewalls, maintaining local area networks (LAN), and Wide area network (WAN) is a basic skill expected of system administrators.
5. Communication and interpersonal skill
Developing strong communication and adequate interpersonal skills will give you an advantage when applying for jobs as a system administrator. As a system administrator, you might have to help out end users that don’t have the same level of technical knowledge as you do, the way you communicate with them will always leave an impression and will determine if they will enlist your help later on.
Communicating well and developing an effective interpersonal relationship with other employers will ensure the success of your day-to-day activities in your organization.
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How Do I Become A System Administrator?
Are you thinking of how to become a system administrator? With the continuous upgrade and release of new technology, the system administration domain is ever-evolving and witnesses continuous learning in response to these changes.
To become a successful system administrator, you need to:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information technology, system administration, or a closely related field to tech.
- Accumulate years of experience in network administration or database administration.
- Have a strong knowledge of VMware, virtualization, systems and networking software, and networking protocols.
- Gain experience with automating and scripting tools.
- Develop your ability to implement IT strategy and plans.
- Gain knowledge of data protection, security, storage, and disaster recovery protocols.
How Much Does A System Administrator Earn?
The average salary of a system administrator is estimated to be $84,810 per year with highly experienced system administrators earning up to $115,750.
The average amount of money a system administrator earns depends on factors like organization, location, level of experience, and the complexity of jobs. With the system, the administrator employment rate is estimated to grow by over 5%.
Conclusion
System administrators are necessary for every organization, especially with our ever-evolving and changing Tech space. The various duties and responsibilities in the system maintenance job description open our minds to the benefits of having them in our organizations.
References
- glassdoor.com – System Administrator Job Description
- resources.workable.com – System Administrator job description
- computerweekly.com – How to become a system administrator
- indeed.com – System Administrator Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications
- betterteam.com – System Administrator Job Description
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