What does a
System Administrator Do?

System Administrator Duties

• Technical: hardware, software, infrastructure
• Customer Service: education, communications
• Managerial: policy, finance, planning
• Change Management: upgrades, implementation

Best Practices

• Documentation & Recordkeeping
• Backup, Redundancy & Uptime
• Logging & Auditing
• Automation & Time Management
• Conservative, Incremental Changes
• Using Policies Effectively
• Teamwork!

From the Readings

• Sysadmins used to "put out fires" & document as time allowed
• Machines were set up by hand


• Today they use configuration management tools like Puppet
• Not everyone can know everything anymore, so teams are needed

Chief Information Officer

• Oversee entire IT operation
• Interact with upper administration
• Set overall IT goals and direction
• Formulate IT strategy
• Work with diverse groups on projects

Services Administrator

• Manage server applications
• Administrate servers
• Manage server configurations
• Monitor system status
• Research new technologies

Database Administrator

• Design database structures
• Administrate database servers
• Build concise data queries
• Monitor and improve performance
• Plan for future data storage needs

Systems Coordinator

• Design application systems
• Develop linkages between systems
• Work with subject matter experts
• Develop interfaces and reports
• Implement new features and enhancements

Systems Specialist

• Fully understand application systems
• Monitor system status and performance
• Provide training
• Develop interfaces and reports
• Implement new features and enhancements

Systems Analyst

• Research needs of organization
• Provide software and hardware recommendations
• Ensure systems meet business needs
• Perform system testing
• Design new system components

Systems Administrator

• Operate and maintain server systems
• Perform audits of systems
• Install and configure new systems
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues
• Apply updates and patches
• Manage user accounts and permissions

What does a system administrator do?
Great video from Alberta Learning Information Service.

Also...

Network Administrator

• Monitor network performance / health
• Design network systems and layouts
• Manage network core systems
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues
• Configure and install new equipment
• Watch for network intrusions

Chief Information Security Officer

• Protect sensitive data
• Ensure regulatory compliance
• Perform risk analysis and mitigation
• Respond to threats and intrusions
• Guard against cybersecurity threats
• Train users to avoid risky behaviors

Security Analyst

• Audit systems to ensure compliance
• Conduct user training
• Monitor systems for intrusions
• Perform forensic analysis
• Configure firewalls and routing
• Ensure systems are secured properly

Help Desk Staff

• Respond to user issues
• Troubleshoot and resolve problems
• Configure and deploy user systems
• Perform routine maintenance
• Coordinate repairs and warranties
• Hold user training sessions
• Report issues to appropriate groups

Review

• Chief Information Officer
• Chief Information Security Officer
• Services Administrator
• Systems Administrator, Analyst, Specialist, Coordinator
• Network Administrator
• Security Analyst
• Help Desk Staff