Systems Administration

Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain organizations’ local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), data communication networks, operating systems, and servers. They may determine an organization’s network and system needs and install operating systems as well as applications. These networks include Local Area Networks (LANs), which connect devices in a single location, and Wide Area Networks (WANs), which connect multiple LANs or locations. Further, they may help computer network architects design and analyze network models.

Systems administrators manage an organization’s servers and desktop and mobile equipment and software. They ensure that email and data storage networks within an organization’s computer system work properly. They install and configure software and system updates and monitor system performance to ensure that employees’ workstations are efficient.

Computer systems analysts use a variety of techniques, such as data modeling, to design computer systems. Data modeling allows analysts to view processes and data flows. Analysts conduct indepth tests and analyze information and trends in the data to increase a system’s efficiency. Analysts calculate requirements for how much memory, storage, and computing power the computer system needs. They prepare diagrams for programmers or engineers to use when building the system.

Required Education

Topics may include an overview of system administration tasks, understanding user needs, system maintenance, and troubleshooting common issues. Scripting and Automation focuses on developing scripting skills using languages such as Bash, Python, or PowerShell to automate system administration tasks. Students learn how to write scripts to streamline routine processes, such as system configuration, software installation, log management, and backup operations. Through practical exercises and projects, they gain proficiency in scripting techniques, debugging code, and leveraging automation frameworks.

Virtualization and Cloud Computing introduces virtual machine (VM) management, using tools like VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V, containerization with Docker or Kubernetes, and cloud services offered by providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Students learn how to deploy, manage, and scale virtualized and cloud-based resources to meet the needs of organizations effectively.

System Monitoring and Performance Tuning to optimize system resources, improving efficiency and reliability. Topics may include capacity planning, load balancing, caching strategies, and tuning parameters for optimizing system performance under different workloads. Through practical exercises and case studies, students develop the skills needed to troubleshoot performance issues and implement solutions to enhance system performance.

Certification

The CompTIA A+ certification is an entry-level credential that validates foundational IT skills. It covers hardware basics, software troubleshooting, and fundamental operating system concepts. Holders of this certification demonstrate competence in installing, configuring, and maintaining computer systems. The A+ certification is often a stepping stone for those pursuing careers in IT support and system administration. It is recognized globally and is a valuable credential for entry-level IT professionals.

Certificate	Skills Required	Exam to be Taken
Linux Systems	Linux installation, configuration, command line, shell scripting	Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
Database Management	Installation, configuration, performance tuning	Oracle Certified Professional: Oracle Database Administrator (OCP)
Systems Admin	Configuration, routing, switching, network security	Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
IT Service Management	Service lifecycle management, ITIL framework, service strategy	ITIL 4 Foundation
CompTIA Systems Administration	Hardware analysis, networking, security	CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005)
Advanced CompTIA Systems Admin	Server management, troubleshooting, security	CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification is designed for Azure administrators. It validates skills in managing Azure resources, implementing and managing virtual networks, and securing identities. Azure Administrator Associate holders can deploy, monitor, and maintain Azure solutions. This certification is ideal for professionals working with Microsoft Azure cloud services. It demonstrates expertise in Azure administration and is recognized by employers utilizing Azure infrastructure.

Linux Professional Institute (LPI) certifications, such as LPIC-1 or LPIC-2, validate skills in Linux system administration. LPIC-1 covers basic Linux commands, file systems, and system administration tasks. LPIC-2 expands into more advanced Linux topics, including network configuration and security. These certifications are valuable for professionals working with Linux-based systems and servers. LPI certifications are vendor-neutral and demonstrate proficiency in Linux administration.

System Administrator Certificate

System administrators responsibilities range from configuring servers, monitoring the network, and setting up new users and computers. They handle many different things to maintain reliable computer systems in a multi-user environment.

Full Course

System administration involves creating a user account, taking reports, performing backup, updating configuration files, documentation, and performing recovery actions.

Server Architecture

This video explains the difference between Xeon server CPUs and Intel core desktop CPUs.

Administrators Life

Systems Administrators support the needs of one of their server infrastructure systems.

Systems Administration Curriculum

Operating Systems

Windows Administration: Managing Windows servers and desktops.
Linux Administration: Managing Linux servers and desktops.
macOS Administration: Managing macOS systems.
User and Group Management: Creating and managing user accounts and groups.
File Systems and Storage: Configuring and managing file systems and storage solutions.

Networking

Network Configuration: Setting up and managing network configurations.
DNS and DHCP: Configuring and managing DNS and DHCP services.
Network Security: Implementing network security measures.
VPN and Remote Access: Setting up VPNs and remote access solutions.
Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Monitoring network performance and troubleshooting issues.

Server Administration

Web Servers: Configuring and managing web servers like Apache and Nginx.
Database Servers: Managing database servers like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server.
Email Servers: Configuring and managing email servers.
Virtualization: Setting up and managing virtual machines using tools like VMware and Hyper-V.
Cloud Services: Managing cloud-based services and infrastructure.

Security

Security Fundamentals: Understanding the basics of cybersecurity.
System Hardening: Techniques for securing systems against threats.
Firewall Configuration: Setting up and managing firewalls.
Intrusion Detection and Prevention: Implementing IDS/IPS solutions.
Backup and Disaster Recovery: Planning and implementing backup and disaster recovery solutions.

Scripting

Scripting Basics: Introduction to scripting languages like Bash, PowerShell, and Python.
Automation Tools: Using tools like Ansible, Puppet, and Chef for automation.
Task Scheduling: Automating tasks using cron jobs and task schedulers.
Configuration Management: Managing configurations with automation tools.
Monitoring and Alerts: Setting up monitoring systems and alerts.

Optimization

System Performance: Monitoring and optimizing system performance.
Resource Management: Managing CPU, memory, and storage resources.
Load Balancing: Implementing load balancing solutions.
Scalability: Designing systems for scalability.
Capacity Planning: Planning for future growth and resource needs.

Troubleshooting and Support

Problem Diagnosis: Techniques for diagnosing system issues.
Log Management: Using logs for troubleshooting and analysis.
Help Desk Support: Providing support to end-users.
Documentation: Creating and maintaining system documentation.
Incident Management: Handling incidents and outages effectively.

Network Security

Ask yourself if you can see yourself as a systems administrator, responsible for maintaining and optimizing computer networks. In this environment, security issues can take precedence.

Systems Threats

Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks flood network resources or services with excessive traffic, rendering them unavailable to legitimate users, disrupting operations, and potentially causing financial losses or reputational damage to targeted organizations.

Phishing attacks often involve impersonating trusted entities to trick users into divulging sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details, posing a significant threat to both individuals and organizations' cybersecurity posture.

Data Leakage occurs when sensitive information is accessed, transmitted, or stored insecurely, emphasizing the importance of implementing encryption, access controls, and data loss prevention measures to safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized disclosure.

Insecure Network Configurations, such as improperly configured firewalls or misconfigured network devices, create vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to networks or compromise data integrity, underscoring the importance of regular security assessments and network hardening measures.

Inadequate monitoring practices hinder the detection and response to security incidents, making it challenging to identify suspicious activities or breaches in a timely manner, emphasizing the need for comprehensive logging, real-time monitoring, and incident response procedures to enhance network security posture.