How to Be a System Administrator

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Have you ever wanted to be a System Administrator of a network? A system administrator is a person who maintains and manages a computer or computer network, and plans installations of network-wide software.

Steps

1. Study. A system administrator must understand how the mainframe server operates and know how to maintain the computer system, install software and patches, resolve problems, maintain data files, monitor the system, and execute systems backup and recovery.
   
2. Learn several types of software. This includes understanding UNIX-based operating systems as well as Windows operating systems. System administrators should thoroughly know how servers work as well as the webservers used with them (Apache, IIS, etc.)
   
3. Be patient. Many less computer inclined co-workers may get very frustrated and immediately call for you. Be prepared for several co-workers having problems with their computers.
   
4. Apply for a job. A wise manager will be looking for a specialized applicant, so that their business can be successful. Usually the more trained a person is, the higher the salary they receive.
   

Tips

• College degrees are usually required. The best degrees for the job would be in computer science, software engineering, network security, operating systems, database analysis, and systems analysis.
  
• A System Administrator isn't the only server/computer occupation in business. There is also Web Administrator, Security Administrator, and Database administrator as needed by the company in question.
  

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