Introduction to System Administration and Maintenance

Objectives:

Students must have;

1. Define What is a Computer System.

2. Distinguished Different Types of Administrator Jobs
3. Perform troubleshooting procedures as Future System Administrator/Maintenance

A computer system is a set of integrated devices which takes input, process it and give output.
Also it stores data and information. computer system allows users to input, manipulate and
store data. Computer systems include a CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse and other optional
components.

What Is a Computer Systems Administrator? Computer systems administrators are in charge of

configuring and maintaining all computer software, hardware and telecommunications
operations within a specific firm or corporation. They install hardware and software and make
sure all systems are running properly.

Computer systems administrators design, install and support computer networks for businesses
and other organizations. Prior to this, however, they are responsible for establishing the exact
computer needs of that business or organization. They are also responsible for maintaining
desktop and mobile computing equipment and software used by employees as well as training
of those employees in the proper use of the technology. They also act as troubleshooters when
problems arise in the operation of the system.

The following chart provides an overview about this career.

Degree Required Bachelor's degree

Education Field of Study Computer science, information

systems, computer engineering,
electrical engineering

Key Responsibilities Analyze computer system needs for

the organization; install, maintain,
upgrade and repair computer system
and equipment; set up user
accounts; maintain system security

Certification Employers may require certification

offered by software design
companies

Job Growth (2020-2030) 5%*

 Median Salary (2020) $84,810 per year

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

What Education Do I Need to Be a Computer Systems Administrator?

To pursue a career as a computer systems administrator, you should first equip yourself with a
bachelor's degree in network and computer-systems administration. These degree programs
introduce you to the fundamental concepts behind systems administration, including Windows,
Unix and Linux infrastructure and systems programming. As a student, you also study related
topics such as database administration, systems security and Web programming. You should be
able to complete this program in four years of full-time study.

What Will My Job Duties Be?

As a computer systems administrator, your primary responsibility is supporting and maintaining

an organization's computer network. This entails maintaining the efficient operation of wireless
and local area networks along with the Internet and intranet systems. In addition, you are
responsible for ensuring that these networks are secure from cyber threats. Some of your time
may be spent troubleshooting network problems, such as system compatibility issues or the
introduction of new technologies. You may also work on an on-call basis to provide 24-hour
network support.

Will Certification Help Me Get a Job?

Product vendors, vocational schools and other organizations offer industry certifications. These
are designed to demonstrate proficiency with a particular product or system. They are usually
voluntary, but some employers may require job candidates to have a specific certification.
Industry certification does not guarantee employment, but can make you more marketable.

What Can I Expect to Earn?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for computer
systems administrators was $84,810 as of May, 2020. Because computer systems
administrators are employed in nearly every segment of industry and commerce, there exists a
wide salary range for this occupation. Maryland and California were reported by the BLS as the
two top-paying states for this position as of May 2020.

What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?

Computer programmers write the code that enables computer systems to operate as they are
intended. They are actually translators, who render the programs designed into a language that
the computer can understand and put into effect. They are also responsible for testing existing
programs and updating them as necessary.

In order to ensure optimum operation, businesses and organizations also use the services of
computer systems analysts. These individuals are essentially efficiency experts who examine an
organization's computer systems. Through consultation with management, they design
modifications to systems to improve the overall operation of that organization.
 Four Types of System Administrators
1. Network and Computer Systems Administrators

A network and computer system administrator designs and installs entire computer systems for
companies, including local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Internet and
intranet systems. Once they have installed a computer system for an organization, they
typically monitor that system and analyze its performance, providing maintenance and
troubleshooting problems when necessary.

Tasks and responsibilities of system administrator’s job description might include:

 Managing Windows, Linux, or Mac systems

 Upgrading, installing, and configuring application software and computer hardware

 Troubleshooting and providing technical support to employees

 Creating and managing system permissions and user accounts

 Performing regular security tests and security monitoring

 Maintaining networks and network file systems

SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION VS. NETWORK ADMINISTRATION

Organizations might use system administrator and network administrator interchangeably, and
there are many overlapping responsibilities. But there’s technically a difference. System
administration focuses on servers and computer systems, while network administrators work
more specifically with network-related tasks and equipment, like setting up routing, IP
addresses, and maintaining Local Area Networks (LAN).

2. Database Administrators

Database administrators set up databases for companies and use database management
software to figure out better ways to organize and analyze data. Some projects may require the
administrator integrate data from an old database into a new one, while other projects require
creating a database from scratch. Like network administrators, database administrators also
monitor databases once they’ve been installed, and provide maintenance when needed.

Responsibilities

 Build database systems of high availability and quality depending on each end
user’s specialized role
 Design and implement database in accordance to end users’ information needs
and views
 Define users and enable data distribution to the right user, in appropriate format
and in a timely manner
 Use high-speed transaction recovery techniques and backup data
  Minimize database downtime and manage parameters to provide fast query
responses
 Provide proactive and reactive data management support and training to users
 Determine, enforce and document database policies, procedures and standards
 Perform tests and evaluations regularly to ensure data security, privacy and
integrity
 Monitor database performance, implement changes and apply new patches and
versions when required

Requirements and skills

 Proven working experience as a Database Administrator

 Hands-on experience with database standards and end user applications
 Excellent knowledge of data backup, recovery, security, integrity and SQL
 Familiarity with database design, documentation and coding
 Previous experience with DBA case tools (frontend/backend) and third-party
tools
 Familiarity with programming languages API
 Problem solving skills and ability to think algorithmically
 BS degree in a computer discipline or relevant certification

3. Web Administrators

Systems administrators may specialize in maintaining websites, which requires constant

observation and maintenance. These administrators monitor the speed of the website and
approve all content before it is published. As part of their mission to constantly improve the
website, web administrators analyze data regarding the site’s traffic patterns and may
implement changes based on user feedback.

Responsibilities
 Manage and maintain the company's websites and servers
 Ensure that the websites are up-to-date and secure
 Provide technical support and troubleshoot website-related issues
 Create and maintain backups of website data
 Create and maintain documentation related to website administration
 Monitor website analytics and create reports
 Collaborate with marketing and development teams on website projects

Requirements
 Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
 2+ years of experience in website administration or a similar role
 Proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
 Experience with web servers, such as Apache and Nginx
 Experience with CMS platforms, such as WordPress and Drupal
 Knowledge of website analytics tools, such as Google Analytics
 Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
 Strong communication and collaboration skills
4. Telecommunications Administrators
Many organizations use computer systems for communications, and it is the responsibility of
the telecommunications administrator to design and monitor those systems. For example, this
type of administrator may design and install a voice, video or data-communication system.
Telecommunications administrators also provide maintenance services by testing
communications lines and overseeing repair to any damaged or malfunctioning equipment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

 Analyze firewall, IDS & IPS logs for traffic meeting a certain criterion.
 Analyze debug messages by running debug commands on firewall to troubleshoot
connectivity or VPN issues.
 Configure switches to accommodate employee and contractors moves.
 Analyze network efficiency to make routing improvements
 Configure and administer Cisco Call Manager to add new phones and implement
employee changes.
 Modify & Configure Cisco Finesse platform supporting Customer Service Call Center.
 Assess wireless performance using Cisco Prime to review historical logs and real time
access point registration.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

 Ability to perform difficult work on highly complex or involved projects requiring

significant judgment, initiative, creativity and the ability to deal with complex factors
and making of decisions based on conclusions for which there is little precedent.
 Ability to work within defined objectives and broad and varying policies, procedures,
rules or precedents. Plans and arranges own work while the supervisor provides some
functional guidance. Details of accomplishing the objective are left to the position.
Unusual situations are referred to supervision.
 Ability to troubleshoot diagnose and repair telecommunication cabling.
 Advanced knowledge of Cisco Switches, Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers, and Cisco
Routers and intermediate knowledge of Cisco ASA Firewall, Cisco Call Manager, Cisco
Unity Voicemail Server, Redbox Recording Server.
 Strong time management skills.
 Strong communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-
technical people.
 Ability to understand and support business needs.
 Ability to research and resolve technical problems.
 Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
 Ability to engineer technical solutions for new projects.
 Ability to stay abreast of emerging technologies in Information Technology and present
those technologies for business use.