What Do IT System Administrators Do?
December 20th, 2016 / By Eastern College
Computer systems play a large role in our work lives these days and many companies have extensive investments in information technology. This is necessary to provide the sort of fast and accurate performance expected of today’s firms.
IT Administrators are responsible for maintaining servers, ensuring internal systems are protected from breaches and viruses and maintaining data security within an organization.
Problems and even system failure can have a disastrous impact on a company’s ability to maintain its responsibility to clients and partners, so they rely on IT systems administrators. If problems arise, these individuals have the training to deal with the issue and get everything back in working order as soon as possible. However, there is more to the role of IT Systems Administrator (ITSA) than just being the person you call during computer emergencies.
Here are a few of the other duties they regularly perform:
Monitor System Performance
A company’s computer system must meet certain expectations and these allow the firm to meet its obligations to both customers and other organizations. However, if the system’s performance is not up to par, the company’s overall performance can begin to suffer. The ITSA keeps a close eye on the system in order to catch such fluctuations and correct them quickly.
Backup and Recovery
For some firms, their accumulated data is all but invaluable. If an IT disaster occurred and this information was lost, the company could suffer major damage. The ITSA backs up such data when needed and formulates a data recovery plan in the event of a crash or other incident.
If hardware does fail, the ITSA quickly initiates repairs or makes maintenance arrangements as soon as possible.
Install Software and Update the System
New programs are periodically available, but not all staff members are aware of how to install and use them. ITSAs help in this area where required, and their talents are particularly useful when a new program is being introduced across the company.
ITSAs are also often responsible for overall system updates. For example, graduating from Windows 8 to Windows 10 can be a major change for some users; ITSAs help to reduce the time needed to familiarize workers with such company-wide modifications.
Implement User Policy
While some firms may allow all of their employees to access the system, some with security concerns may restrict certain systems to approved users. ITSAs must be very familiar with the company’s data security system and who can and cannot have access to its various components.
The ITSA can also add people to the system, lock or unlock accounts, and unlock user passwords.
Are you interested in gaining the sort of education that will make you a viable candidate in this field? Enroll now in Eastern’s IT Systems Administrator program. Over the course of 89 weeks, students discover how to configure computer and network technologies such as Cisco routers and switches, Microsoft Exchange Server, and the Microsoft SQL server, as well as how to automate administration using PowerShell scripts. They also receive a four-month field placement, where they can demonstrate their newly acquired knowledge in a professional work environment.
Want to learn more about how you can sign up? Contact our knowledgeable customer service representatives today!
Visit our IT Systems and Security Administrator program page to learn more!