Systems Administration Course Overview

Introduction to System Administration

• Build upon operating systems knowledge.
• System administration: responsible for maintaining reliable computer systems in a multiuser environment.
• Role of a systems administrator (sysadmin): tech generalist handling diverse tasks to keep organizations running.

Key Responsibilities of a Sysadmin

• Configuring servers.
• Monitoring networks.
• Provisioning new users and computers.
• Managing IT infrastructure services.

IT Infrastructure

• IT infrastructure includes hardware, software, network, and services needed for operations.
• Essential for organizational functionality.

Role of Sysadmins in Organizations

• Sysadmins are unsung heroes, preventing IT disasters.
• Responsibilities vary with organization size.
  • Small Organizations: One sysadmin handles all IT needs.
  • Large Organizations: Teams of sysadmins with specialized roles (e.g., network, database administrators).

Skills and Knowledge to Learn

• User software management.
• Directory services for managing users and computers.
• Data backup and recovery skills.

Understanding Servers

• Definition: Software or machine providing services to clients (e.g., web servers, email servers).
• Client-server model: Clients request services; servers respond.
• Types of server hardware:
  • Tower servers.
  • Rack servers.
  • Blade servers.

Remote Management

• Remote connections (e.g., SSH) are essential for managing servers.
• KVM switch: allows control of multiple servers with one set of peripherals.

Cloud Computing Overview

• Cloud computing: access data and applications from anywhere with internet.
• Data centers store servers, enabling cloud services.

Cost and Dependency in Cloud Services

• Consider costs: upfront hardware vs. subscription services.
• Dependency on cloud providers for service uptime.

IT Policies and Security

• Sysadmin responsibilities in policy-making, especially in small businesses.
• Common policy considerations:
  • Software installation permissions.
  • Password complexities.
  • Access to non-work related sites.

Documentation Importance

• Maintain documentation of policies and procedures.
• Store documentation in accessible locations.

Services and Management

• Sysadmins manage IT infrastructure services such as:
  • Network access.
  • Secure connections.
  • User management.

Hardware Lifecycle Management

• Stages: Procurement, Deployment, Maintenance, Retirement.
• Standardize hardware and manage lifecycles effectively.

Troubleshooting and Customer Service

• Sysadmins need strong troubleshooting skills.
• Importance of customer service in IT roles.

Disaster Preparedness

• Backup data routinely and ensure offsite storage.
• Have recovery plans for disasters.

Using Administrative Rights Responsibly

• Avoid unnecessary use of admin rights.
• Document processes and maintain backups to facilitate rollbacks.

Testing Changes Before Deployment

• Always test changes in a safe environment before production.
• Risk assessment based on service importance and user impact.

Conclusion

• Course will cover further technical details of IT infrastructure services.
• Importance of documentation in troubleshooting and maintaining systems.