What does a system administrator do and how to become one?

Depending on your interests, specialized skills, education and even certifications, different types of system admins might be more attractive. For example, a system administrator vs cloud administrator would allow you to specialize in cloud-based networks with an extensive understanding of migration techniques, maintenance strategies and more. 

Network administrators 

Mainly responsible for managing network infrastructure, network administrators manage an organization's entire network from installation to monitoring and troubleshooting. They also need extensive computer hardware knowledge as well as strong problem-solving and communication skills. For example, a system administrator vs a network administrator both maintain critical infrastructure, but a system admin focuses on operating systems, software platforms and servers. 

Database administrators (DBA) 

DBAs maintain databases by creating and organizing systems to secure a variety of data. Their skills include using specialized software for capacity, planning, database, design, performance monitoring and Moore. They also need extensive knowledge of cloud-based servers, hybrid environments and on-premises data centers. 

Server and web administrators 

These specialized IT roles oversee servers and web services by ensuring smooth functioning. They might perform tasks like creating new user accounts or implementing network maintenance standard operating procedures. 

Security systems administrators 

With a focus on cyber security, security systems administrators are responsible for monitoring and maintaining security systems. They focus on planning and implementing security measures that protect data and infrastructure from unauthorized access. 

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Skills required for a system administrator 

Like many IT roles, system administrators require a unique blend of technical skills and soft skills. 

Technical skills 

For technical skills, system administrators need to be experts in cloud computing, SQL, scripting and coding. They also need extensive hardware and troubleshooting skills. Technical skills are built with real-life, on-the-job applications or through extensive boot camp training. 

Soft skills 

System administrators might work closely with many different departments or even lead a small team themselves. Soft skills like communication, decision-making, leadership and attention to detail are extremely important in building an effective work environment. System administrators also need strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills along with the ability to work under pressure like a system outage or cyberattack. 

The relationship between system administration and cybersecurity 

System administrators are needed to set up and maintain strong cybersecurity protocols. With strong cyber security skills, systems administrators can proactively improve defenses, patch vulnerabilities and follow best practices regarding network infrastructure. With strong cyber security skills, systems administrators can proactively improve defenses, patch vulnerabilities and follow best practices when it comes to network infrastructure. This ensures systems function at the highest and safest level. In the case of a cyberattack, operations can resume much faster with minimal downtime when system administrators have security skills. 

System administrators are responsible for identifying and mitigating cybersecurity threats proactively by ensuring software updates happen on time, patch schedules are followed, database recovery best practices are implemented and vulnerabilities are kept at bay. There is significant overlap between system administrators and security administrators, as even the best system administrator could not ignore cybersecurity functions. While they’re not security experts and well-versed as trained security analysts, they understand and implement basic best practices. 

When it comes to career growth and advancement trends, many systems administrators are choosing to specialize in specific areas. Whether that’s cyber security, cloud, environments or databases the opportunity for higher pay with specialization is great. Overall, systems administrators are ranked in the top ten of best technology jobs. 

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