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The term system administrator, abbreviated '''sysadmin''', designates an typically divide up computer staff according to specialization, in which case a system administrator is someone responsible for the Maintenance of an existing Computer System .


DUTIES OF A SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR


A system administrator's responsibilities typically include:
  • Performing Backup s

  • Applying Operating System updates, and configuration changes

  • Installing and configuring new Hardware / Software

  • Adding/deleting/modifying User Account information, resetting Password s, etc.

  • Answering technical queries

  • Responsibility for Security

  • Responsibility for Documenting the configuration of the system

  • Troubleshooting any reported problems

  • System Performance Tuning

  • Keeping the network up and running

  • In larger organizations, some of the tasks listed above may be divided between different system administrators. For example, there may be a dedicated individual or group responsible for testing and applying system upgrades.


In smaller organizations, the system administrator can also perform any number of duties elsewhere associated with other fields:


System administrators, in larger organizations, also tend not to be System Architect s, System Engineer s, or System Designer s, however, like many roles in this field, demarcations between systems administration and these other roles are often not well defined in smaller organizations. However, even in larger organizations, senior systems administrators often have skills in these other areas as a result of their working experience.

In smaller organizations, IT/computing specialties are less often discerned in detail, and the term "system administrator" is used in a rather generic way — they are the people who know how the computer systems work and can respond when something fails.


BECOMING A SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR


Unlike many professions, there is no single path to becoming a system administrator. Few colleges or universities have specific programs for system administration, so many system administrators have a degree in generic fields: , named "Masters programme in Network and System Administration". The founder of the programme is the creator of Cfengine , Mark Burgess.

In addition, because of the practical nature of systems administration and the easy availability of Open-source Server software, many systems administrators enter the field self-taught.

Generally, a prospective administrator will be required to have some experience with the computer system he or she is expected to manage. In some cases, candidates are required to possess industry certifications before being considered. For example, someone applying for a job administering , RHCE and Linux+ . Administrators of systems in certain fields using specialized software may also be required to have experience or have received certification to use said packages.

Sometimes, almost exclusively in smaller sites, the role of system administrator may be given to a skilled user in addition to or in replacement of his or her duties.


ORGANIZATIONS


Professional Organizations



Unions



SEE ALSO



EXTERNAL LINKS


Certification Organizations




Periodicals



Books



Online Resources



Technology Unions and related links

  • TechsUnite

  • Communication Workers of America

  • [http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/01/26_horwichj_unionstechies/ The blue collar workers of the 21st century], Minnesota Public Radio, January 27, 2004