FREE ESSAY ON SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION AND ME

SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION AND ME

System Administration and Me
What is system administration? System administration is basically adding and configuring
new workstations, setting up user accounts, installing system-wide software, performing
procedures to prevent the spread of viruses, and allocating mass storage type. While
there are a lot more things that make up the job description of most system
administrators, these are the ones that I'll be touching on in this report. But before
getting into what that stuff means, let's talk a little bit about what's required for a
system administration position. 
Many things are needed. First and foremost, you should have some knowledge in hardware.
If you know what the difference between a scanner and a monitor, that's a good start. But
there is a lot more than that. Some good things to learn are the difference between a
server and a workstation, routers, hubs, cables, the difference between a NIC (Network
Interface Card) and a modem, and firewalls. There are many more pieces of hardware that
make up a computer network. Also, knowing how to troubleshoot, replace, or even fix
hardware will come in quite handy.
Once you have a good grasp on hardware, then you should look into software. The main
software of a network is the OS (Operating System) that the network is based on. Some of
the main operating systems that run networks are Windows NT, Unix, and Linux. These are
the main programs that all the other programs run off of. It's not very likely that one
can completely master all, or even one of these operating systems. There is a lot of
knowledge pent-up in operating systems, and to be considered a master in one of them
would take a while. But luckily, you don't have to know everything about them. A good,
solid foundation in an operating system is usually enough. If you know all of the
commands, or know where to find them, you should be fine. 
When you get a firm grasp on operating systems, then you should learn some other
software. Things such as Perl, Oracle, and Apache are good to know. Perl is a programming
language that can be used to create many, many things. Among them being web sites. The
system administrator is oftentimes called upon to also double as webmaster for the
company. Therefore, knowing how to create and maintain a web page is very helpful. Oracle
is a database program. It would come in handy for keeping track of employees...where they
go while on the internet, their phone number, salary, and a number of other things.
Apache is a server software. It got its name from being a spin-off of a previous software
that was patched (a patchy). It hosts more than 50% of all the sites in the world. As
before, there is almost an infinite amount of knowledge of software that could all be
helpful, but knowing everything is almost impossible. So if you don't know it all, don't
worry. You can always take classes at LSSU!! 
Ok. Now that we have the basics out of the way, let's get back to some of the job
descriptions. 
? Adding and Configuring New Workstations
When the network gets setup, it's basically a bunch of computers (workstations) connected
to a central computer (server) using NICs and cables. Making sure that valid computer and
workstation names is a major part in this. Also, using the correct protocols, adapter,
and client are also important.
There is much more involved, such as file sharing, but due to space conservation, that is
a good start.
? Setting Up User Accounts
Once you get the network operating (all of the workstations can communicate and share
with the server) then you have to set up users to have access to whatever you want them
to. User names and passwords must be chosen, as well as a list of who can have access to
what. Things such as email addresses and web space could be allocated by giving users
specific amounts of space on the server.
? Installing System-Wide Software
Some software would be better run off of the server, as opposed to installed and run off
of each workstation. Others would be better run off of each workstation. Depending on the
size of the network, software such as MS Word would probably be better run off each
system, while others such as Vantive would be better run off of the server.
? Performing Procedures to Prevent the Spread of Viruses
Viruses and security are usually major factors in network management. Regularly updating
the ant virus software is a huge responsibility. Not only does anti virus software
detect, clean, and prevent viruses, many of them can also detect back door software, such
as Netbus, Back Orifice, or SubSeven. An employee (not management) who has access to
payroll or scheduling could be a bad thing.
? Allocating Mass Storage Space
Back we go to users having web space or email addresses. Having large quantities of hard
drive space on the server can do this. Another way is using RAID devices. Raid devices
use 2 or more drives in combination for fault tolerance and performance. The more space
you have, the more space you may want to let users have. This space can be specified
whenever you add a user or at will by...you guessed it....you!
Well, that's a brief description of what it takes to be a system administrator. Keep in
mind that if you should choose to pursue this career, I'm only giving the basics. There
is a lot of work, time, and knowledge involved. Not to mention the numerous people who
are trying to get the same job that you are. So once you get those basics down, don't
stop. Keep learning all that you can and maybe, someday, you could be a system
administrator.
Bibliography
http://www.dice.com
http://www.headhunter.com
http://www.geekfinder.com
http://www.userfriendly.org
http://www.webopedia.com