Inside the World of System Administrators (and What They do)

Inside the World of System Administrators (and What They do) | Information Technology | Emeritus

Amid the rapid pace of digitalization, computer systems have become the heartbeat of nearly every organization. From small businesses to large enterprises, everyone relies on these systems for seamless operations and communication. But just as a bustling kitchen needs a skilled chef to keep things running smoothly, every organization needs a system administrator (sysadmin) to ensure their technology functions without a hitch.

Sysadmins are the unsung heroes working behind the scenes, meticulously maintaining and managing an organization’s IT infrastructure. They possess a unique blend of technical expertise and problem-solving skills, enabling them to keep servers, networks, and systems up and running. Their role is akin to a chef controlling the kitchen, making sure every component works together flawlessly to deliver a perfect dish—in this case, a perfectly running IT environment. In this blog, we explore the world of system administrators, their key responsibilities, the essential skills they bring to the table, and how you can become one.



What Does a System Administrator do?

System administrators, or sysadmins, are the backbone of an organization’s IT infrastructure. Furthermore, their core responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, ensuring that systems operate efficiently and securely. Here are the key duties of a system administrator:

1. Monitor System Performance

System administrators regularly check system logs, CPU usage, memory usage, and network performance to ensure optimal functioning. Moreover, they analyze performance data and trends to identify potential issues before they escalate, maintaining system health and efficiency.

2. Perform Security Audits and Backups

Sysadmins conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with security policies. Additionally, they manage daily security backups and periodically test restore processes to ensure data integrity and prevent data loss.

3. User Administration

Managing user accounts, permissions, and access rights, system administrators create, modify, and delete user accounts as needed. Further, this ensures appropriate access to resources and maintains security across the organization’s IT infrastructure.

4. Install and Configure Software and Hardware

IT system administrators set up new hardware, including servers and workstations, and install and configure operating systems, applications, and software updates. Much like a chef ensuring the kitchen has the right ingredients, this ensures all devices and systems are up-to-date and functioning properly.

5. Network Maintenance

Overseeing network components such as routers, switches, and firewalls, a network systems administrator ensures that network file systems are correctly configured and accessible to authorized users. Thus, this maintains reliable and secure connectivity across the organization.

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6. Troubleshoot Issues and Outages

A network administrator quickly diagnoses and resolves system issues and outages to minimize downtime. Similar to an orchestra conductor harmonizing a sudden change in the music, they work collaboratively with other IT professionals to address complex problems and ensure continuous system availability.

7. Patching and Updating

Regularly updating firmware and software, IT system administrators protect systems against vulnerabilities. Additionally, they test and deploy patches carefully to minimize disruption to users, ensuring system security and stability.

8. Documentation and Internal Wiki Maintenance

Sysadmins maintain comprehensive documentation of system configurations, procedures, and changes. Further, they use internal wikis to document processes, best practices, and troubleshooting guides, ensuring information is accessible and up-to-date.

9. Database Administration

System administrators also manage database servers and ensure data availability and security. Most importantly, they perform regular backups, recovery, and maintenance tasks to keep databases running smoothly and protect against data loss.

10. Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning

Network administrators develop and implement backup strategies to safeguard critical data. For this reason, creating and maintaining disaster recovery plans ensures quick recovery from data loss events.

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Essential Skills of a System Administrator

As a network systems administrator, you need to develop a core set of skills that ensure the computer systems in your organization run smoothly. Here are the top skills you want on your resume:

1. In-depth Knowledge of Operating Systems

Whether it’s Windows, Linux, or Mac, hiring managers look for competency in administering the operating system used in their company. Windows and Linux operating systems are widely embraced and are good systems to start with. Hence, it’s a good idea to check if your industry favors one over others.

2. Familiarity With Hardware

Working with physical devices, such as servers and printers, is an essential part of a network admin’s job. Consequently, understanding the intricacies of hardware maintenance and troubleshooting ensures that the IT infrastructure remains robust and efficient.

3. Cloud Computing Skills

Familiarity with cloud applications such as Office365, Google Cloud Platform, and AWS can give you a boost in the hiring process. Furthermore, with the growing reliance on cloud-based solutions, these skills are increasingly valued in the job market.

4. Knowledge of Networks

Being able to set up and maintain Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN), in addition to configuring network security features such as firewalls, is often expected of a network admin. This is particularly true at smaller companies, where IT professionals are required to wear many hats.

5. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

In addition to working on a team, system administrators often help other employees who lack the same technical knowledge. Moreover, providing help desk support and other means of assistance requires strong communication skills, making this an essential part of a sysadmin’s successful day-to-day tasks.

6. Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking

System administrators must be adept at identifying and resolving issues promptly. As a result, analytical thinking helps in diagnosing problems accurately, while strong problem-solving skills ensure that solutions are effective and efficient.

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Importance of a System Administrator –A Day in Their Life

A typical day for a system administrator starts with executing tasks related to hardware and software across various applications and infrastructure. Here are some of the tasks handled by a sysadmin on a daily basis:

  • Provisioning, managing, and optimizing systems to improve performance
  • Installing and scheduling updates for software and applications
  • Establishing and maintaining user profiles and passwords
  • Performing recovery tasks as well as backing up data for future use
  • Managing firewalls and implementing security protocols to protect the network from external threats
  • Maintaining cloud infrastructure and network files
  • Keeping internal documentation up-to-date
  • Managing various operating systems and troubleshooting when needed
  • Ensuring data consistency and organizing how files are shared within the company

From start to finish, a system administrator’s day is filled with critical tasks that keep the organization’s IT infrastructure running smoothly and securely.

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How to Become a System Administrator in India

In India, the average base salary for the position of system administrator ranges between ₹405,836 to ₹500,000 per year, according to Glassdoor. To become one, start by obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or IT. In India, many institutions, such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) offer reputable programs. Furthermore, gain technical skills by focusing on areas such as networking, operating systems, and security. Do remember though, that soft skills are equally important. So, work on your communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.

Online courses and boot camps offer practical training that can boost your expertise. Consider obtaining certifications such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) to specialize in key areas. Additionally, networking with industry professionals and seeking mentorship can provide valuable insights and guidance. Lastly, gain experience through entry-level IT jobs, building a strong foundation for your sysadmin career.

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Chefs are the masters of their kitchens, and system administrators are the masters of their computer systems. As someone once said, the computer is a wonderful invention that can do everything. It just needs a master to tell it what to do. 

A system administrator is the unsung hero ensuring smooth and secure IT operations within an organization. Their blend of technical expertise and problem-solving skills is vital in the digital world, not unlike a head chef seamlessly managing and facilitating the smooth functioning of a kitchen. So, if you are inspired by this role, consider pursuing a career as a system administrator and becoming the backbone of digital innovation. Learn more about this rewarding career path or express appreciation for the sysadmins keeping your digital world running smoothly. Learn with Emeritus’ cutting-edge online information technology courses and take the next step in your career today.

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About the Author


SEO Content Contributor, Emeritus

Promita is a content contributor to the Emeritus Blog with a background in both marketing and language. With over 5 years of experience in writing for digital media, she specializes in SEO content that is both discoverable and usable. Apart from writing high-quality content, Promita also has a penchant for sketching and dabbling in the culinary arts. A cat parent and avid reader, she leaves a dash of personality and purpose in every piece of content she writes.
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