System Administrator

System Administrator Job Description

A system administrator (sysadmin) is responsible for managing a computer system, such as a database, network, web server, or database server. From setting up user accounts to installing software, system admins ensure that the server is secure, virus-free, and well maintained. To meet these requirements, they purchase, install, or update computer components and software, maintain security policies, monitor intrusion detection systems, provide routine automation, oversee employees, and provide technical support for projects. They are responsible for organizing, installing, and supporting the company’s computer systems and ensuring all users’ computers are operational and connected to the network servers.

The sysadmin ensures that the organization's computer systems and network systems are up to date with the latest security tools and performance information. They look at the configuration of the company, start, stop, resume, and restart enterprise servers if necessary, and monitor performance.

On an average day, a sys admin can expect to install network software and hardware, maintain network security, evaluate and optimize network systems, perform system upgrades and repairs, and maintain and update network infrastructure. Other system administration responsibilities include adding users to the network, managing the organization's servers and information systems, database server operations, systems software procurement, and solving technical problems, such as handling storage on a network system that is not working properly.

A system admin holds the organization responsible for the performance, security, and integrity of the network infrastructure and systems. The IT system administrator designs, builds, organizes, supports, and modifies the computer system. Based on their knowledge of the IT infrastructure, a system administrator is tasked with ensuring access to computers with multiple user accounts, especially those connected to LAN networks. System administrator responsibilities include working with access control, network management, security, data protection, authentication, monitoring, and control of network infrastructure.

The system and network administrator supports end users and can also install operating systems and programs directly on the user's hardware. They may also provide technical support by helping users install software, fixing hardware and software problems (such as ensuring that the software works with their computer and network settings), fixing connection and performance issues, and providing guidance on IT-related processes and procedures. The system administrator supports various IT teams to ensure that software and system functions are compatible with the IT infrastructure.

To maintain the integrity of the network system, the system administrator ensures that all network interactions follow organizational policies and protocols. The sys administrator performs a variety of administrative tasks, including ensuring that configuration changes are documented and that they follow the organizational policies associated with access and cybersecurity.

The system administrator job description includes configuring a resilient and secure architecture to ensure the success of the company. System administrators are usually entrusted with a variety of administrative tasks, such as network management and security. The system administrator who assumes this responsibility works closely with other system administrators in the organization, as well as with the IT security team and other management teams.    

System administrator requirements include keeping up with the latest technological changes to maintain the most efficient system for their business. Depending on the size of the company they work in, a sysadmin may also be responsible for backup, security, and recovery. Other system administrator tasks may include installing software updates and troubleshooting issues. System administrators may benefit from learning some programming and scripts to perform tasks and actions on the application infrastructure. The system administrator needs to maintain an in-depth understanding of the system infrastructure, such as the operating systems, computer networks, and databases.

In a small company, a system administrator job description can include IT tasks like ensuring data security and backups. At the most basic level, the difference between a system administrator and a network administrator is that the network administrator is responsible for monitoring computer networks or groups of connected computers, while the system administrator is responsible for the parts that make the computer work. The system administrator should have a background in information technology and be a strong Windows administrator to be successful in a system administration role.