A system administrator, or system admin, is a person who is responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems; especially multi-user computers, such as servers. The system administrator seeks to ensure that the uptime, performance, resources, and security of the computers he or she manages meet the needs of the users, without exceeding the budget. To meet these needs, a system administrator may acquire, install, or upgrade computer components and software; provide routine automation; maintain security policies; troubleshoot; train and/or supervise staff; or technical support in projects.
A system administrator's responsibilities might include:
Analyzing system logs and identifying potential issues with computer systems.
Introducing and integrating new technologies into existing data center environments.
Performing routine audits of systems and software.
Applying operating system updates, patches, and configuration changes.
Installing and configuring new hardware and software.
Adding, removing, or updating user account information, resetting passwords,etc.
Answering technical queries and assisting users.
Responsibility for security.
Responsibility for documenting the configuration of the system.
Troubleshooting any reported problems.
System performance tuning.
Ensuring that the network infrastructure is up and running.
Configuring, adding, and deleting file systems.
Skills required
The subject matter of system administration includes computer systems and the ways people use them in an organization. This entails knowledge of operating systems and applications, as well as hardware and software troubleshooting, but also knowledge of the purposes for which people in the organization use the computers.
Perhaps the most important skill for a system administrator is problem solving—frequently under various sorts of constraints and stress. The sys-admin is on call when a computer system goes down or malfunctions, and must be able to quickly and correctly diagnose what is wrong and how best to fix it. They may also need to have team work and communication skills; as well as being able to install and configure hardware and software.
System administrators are not software engineers or developers. It is not usually within their duties to design or write new application software. However, sys-admin must understand the behavior of software in order to deploy it and to troubleshoot problems, and generally know several programming languages used for scripting or automation of routine tasks.
Particularly when dealing with Internet-facing or business-critical systems, a sys-admin must have a strong grasp of computer security. This includes not merely deploying software patches, but also preventing break-ins and other security problems with preventive measures. In some organizations, computer security administration is a separate role responsible for overall security and the upkeep of firewalls and intrusion detection systems, but all sys-admin are generally responsible for the security of computer systems.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Many organizations staff other jobs related to system administration. In a larger company, these may all be separate positions within a computer support or Information Services (IS) department. In a smaller group they may be shared by a few sys-admins, or even a single person.
A database administrator (DBA)
A network administrator
A security administrator
A web administrator
Computer Operator
A Storage (SAN) Administrator
In some organizations, a person may begin as a member of technical support staff or a computer operator, then gain experience on the job to be promoted to a sys-adminposition.
Earnings
Network and computer systems administrators earned a median of $72,560 or approximately $34.88 per hour. The best-paid 10 percent earned more than $115,180 while the lowest-paid made less than $44,330
Recruiting Companies
Microsoft
Oracle
SAP
Symantec
CA Technologies
Adobe Systems
Amadeus IT group
How do I get there?
Option 1:
The B.Sc.IT and other computer related programs provide students with broad knowledge in computer architecture, operating systems, software application development and IT allied areas. The successful B.Sc. (IT) graduates may progress into a career such as software application developer, system administrator, system analyst, database administrator, among other careers.
Life Sciences are helpful in improving the quality and standard of Life. A degree in a Life Sciences subject will prepare you for a career in research and development.
Given the nature and diversity of the discipline, business and economics provides a solid background for management, finance, public policy and international business relations.
Engineering is a profession where creativity and ingenuity knows no bounds. If you are looking for challenging opportunities then, engineering is the most ideal profession to opt for.
Navigating an evolving legal system, advances in technology, vast bodies of case law and the demands of profession creates an intellectual environment for the legal professional.
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