System administration is a job done by IT experts for an organization. The job is to ensure that computer systems and all related services are running smoothly and efficiently. A system administrator, also known as a sysadmin, is an information technology professional who supports a multiuser computing environment and ensures continuous, optimal performance. The responsibilities of a system administrator may vary depending on the organization, but some common tasks 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, and maintaining networks and network file systems.
System administrators are responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems, especially multi-user computers, such as servers. They seek to ensure that the uptime, performance, resources, and security of the computers they manage meet the needs of the users, without exceeding a set budget when doing so. In some organizations, computer security administration is a separate role responsible for overall security and the upkeep of firewalls and intrusion detection systems, but all sysadmins are generally responsible for the security of computer systems.
The subject matter of system administration includes computer systems and the ways people use them in an organization. This entails a knowledge of operating systems and applications, as well as hardware and software troubleshooting, but also knowledge of the purposes for which people in the organization use the computers. System administrators need to have a broad range of skills, including knowledge of systems administration concepts, enterprise information technology (IT) architecture, routine hardware maintenance, Virtual Private Network (VPN) security, file system implementations, and more. They also need skills in monitoring and optimizing system/server performance, recovering failed systems/servers, operating system administration, and conducting functional and connectivity testing to ensure continuing operability.
