Top 12 Systems Administrator Skills That You Should Possess

System Administrator Skills are essential for anyone who wants to become a System Administrator. A System Administrator is a person who manages and maintains various IT systems in an organisation. They are responsible for installing, configuring, updating, troubleshooting, and securing the software and hardware that run the business. However, being a System Administrator is not easy. It requires a lot of technical skills, soft skills, and certifications. 
 
Glassdoor reports an average annual salary of £39,499 for Systems Administrators in the United Kingdom. If you're looking for valuable insights into the role of a System Administrator, the required skill set, and ways to enhance your career in this field, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, you will learn what a System Administrator is, what roles and responsibilities they have, what skills they need, and how to improve them. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced System Administrator, this blog post will help you grow your career in IT. 

Table of Contents 

1) Who is the System Administrator? 

2) Roles and responsibilities of System Administrator 

3) Skills required to be a System Administrator 

a) Technical skills 

b) Soft skills 

c) Other important considerations 

4) How to improve the skills of a System Administrator? 

5) conclusion  

Who is the System Administrator?  

The System Administrator is a skilled professional responsible for maintaining and managing an organisation's computer systems and networks. They are the architects behind the seamless operation of the digital infrastructure that powers our modern world. Think of them as the custodians of the digital realm, ensuring that everything runs smoothly, from your company's internal servers to the servers that host your favourite websites. 

System Administrators are versatile problem solvers. They handle a multitude of tasks to keep the digital world turning. They perform routine maintenance to ensure systems are up-to-date and secure. It includes managing user accounts, setting up access controls, and safeguarding data from threats. When things go awry, they step in to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, getting systems back on track quickly. 

Additionally, System Administrators are responsible for backup and recovery strategies, ensuring that data is protected and can be restored in case of unexpected failures. They're the ones responsible for configuring and managing network devices, keeping communication flowing smoothly between devices, and overseeing hardware and software installations, updates, and upgrades.
 

Roles and responsibilities of System Administrator 

A System Administrator is an IT professional who manages and maintains the software and hardware that run the computer systems in an organisation. They ensure that the systems are secure, efficient, and reliable. Some of the jobs and responsibilities of a System Administrator are:


 

a)  Installing and configuring software, hardware, and networks:

 A System Administrator installs and updates the operating systems, applications, and servers that the organisation uses. They also configure the network settings, protocols, and tools that enable communication and data transfer among the systems. 

b) Monitoring and troubleshooting system performance and issues:

 A System Administrator monitors the system status, performance, and usage. They also troubleshoot and resolve any problems or errors that affect the system's functionality or availability. They may use various tools and techniques to diagnose and fix the issues, such as logs, scripts, or backups. 

c) Ensuring security and compliance of IT infrastructure:

 A System Administrator implements and maintains security measures to protect the systems from unauthorised access, attacks, or data loss. They may use firewalls, encryption, passwords, or backups to secure the systems. They also follow the policies and procedures for IT compliance and audit. 

d) The process of establishing and overseeing user accounts and access permissions. 

A System Administrator creates and manages the user accounts that access the systems. They also assign and control the permissions and access rights for each user account, depending on their role and responsibility in the organisation. 

e) Documenting and reporting on system configuration and maintenance:

A System Administrator documents and reports on the system configuration, performance, and maintenance. They may use technical documentation, manuals, or wikis to record the system information. They also report on the system status, issues, or solutions to the management or stakeholders. 

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Skills Required to be a System Administrator


 

A System Administrator is an IT professional who manages and maintains the software and hardware that run the computer systems in an organisation. They ensure that the systems are secure, efficient, and reliable. In order to excel in their role, a System Administrator must possess a blend of technical expertise, interpersonal skills, and industry certifications. In this article, we will explore some of the most important skills needed for a System Administrator. 

Technical skills 

These are the abilities and knowledge that a System Administrator uses to install, configure, update, troubleshoot, and optimise IT systems. Some of the technical skills that a System Administrator should have are: 

1) Operating systems knowledge: 

OS serve as the foundation of any computing environment. System Administrators must have a deep and nuanced understanding of various operating systems, including but not limited to Windows, Linux, and Unix. They are tasked with the installation, configuration, and ongoing maintenance of these systems, with a strong emphasis on security and regular updates. 

a) Windows: Understanding the intricacies of Windows Server operating systems is crucial. It includes managing user accounts, group policies, Active Directory, and ensuring the security and stability of Windows-based servers. 

b) Linux and Unix: Proficiency in Linux OS and Unix OS is essential, as these open-source platforms are prevalent in server environments. Skills in using command-line interfaces, package management, and shell scripting are invaluable for System Administrators in these ecosystems. 

2) Network administration: 

Network administration is a fundamental part of a sysadmin's job. They are responsible for configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting network devices like routers, switches, firewalls, and access points. This also involves an understanding of network protocols, IP addressing, and ensuring data can flow seamlessly and securely between devices within an organisation's network. 

a) Routing and switching: System Administrators need to understand how routing and switching work to effectively manage network traffic, ensure redundancy, and maintain network performance. 

b) Firewalls and security: Knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) is crucial for safeguarding the network from external threats. 

3) Scripting and automation: 

Automation is a game-changer in the world of system administration. System Administrators frequently use scripting languages like Python, PowerShell, and Bash to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflow. These scripts can range from automating software updates to configuring system settings, improving efficiency, and reducing the likelihood of human error. 

a) Python: Python is a versatile scripting language often used for automating tasks and creating custom tools for system management. 

b) PowerShell: Developed by Microsoft, PowerShell is especially valuable for managing Windows-based systems and services through scripting. 

c) Bash: Commonly used in Unix-based systems, Bash scripts are essential for automating tasks and performing system maintenance. 

4) Cybersecurity: 

System Administrators are at the forefront of an organisation's cybersecurity efforts. In an era of ever-evolving threats, Sysadmins must be well-versed in security best practices to protect the organisation's sensitive data. 

a) Firewall configuration: Configuring firewalls to permit legitimate traffic while blocking malicious activity is essential to protect an organisation's network. 

b) Encryption: System Administrators should be familiar with encryption methods and technologies to secure data in transit and at rest. 

c) Regular patching and updates: Staying on top of system updates and patch management is crucial to address vulnerabilities and protect against cyber threats. 

5) Database Management: 

Many organisations rely on databases to store and manage their data. System Administrators often play a role in managing these databases, including setting up, configuring, and maintaining database systems. This includes a solid understanding of SQL (Structured Query Language) for querying and managing data, as well as optimising database performance. 

a)  SQL expertise: Proficiency in SQL is crucial for interacting with and managing relational databases, which are widely used in business applications. 

b) Database backup and recovery: Developing and implementing backup and recovery strategies is vital to ensure data integrity and availability. 

6) Cloud Computing: 

The rise of Cloud Computing has revolutionised the approach to IT infrastructure management for businesses. System Administrators should possess expertise in cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) to effectively navigate this paradigm shift. 

a) Cloud Infrastructure Management: Understanding how to provision, configure, and manage resources in the cloud is crucial for organisations that have adopted or are considering migrating to the cloud. 

b) Cloud security: System Administrators need to be aware of best practices for securing data and applications in a cloud environment, including access control and encryption. 

Soft skills 

Soft skills are the personal attributes and behaviours that a System Administrator uses to interact with others and achieve their goals. Some of the soft skills that a System Administrator should have are: 

7) Communication: 

Effective communication is paramount for System Administrators. They often serve as a bridge between technical and non-technical teams. Clear and concise communication is essential for explaining complex technical concepts to non-technical colleagues, creating comprehensive documentation, and troubleshooting issues effectively. 

8) Time Management: 

System Administrators face a constant stream of tasks and priorities. Excellent time management skills are indispensable. Sysadmins must efficiently prioritise and tackle critical issues to minimise downtime and disruptions. 

9) Problem-solving: 

Problem-solving is at the core of a System Administrator's role. They must be adept at diagnosing and resolving technical issues quickly and effectively. It requires critical thinking, the ability to adapt to new and unexpected challenges, and a systematic approach to troubleshooting. 

10) Adaptability: 

The technology landscape evolves rapidly, demanding that System Administrators remain receptive to learning new tools and technologies as they surface. Adaptability is a crucial trait for staying pertinent and proficient in an ever-changing digital milieu. 

11) Teamwork: 

System Administrators often work as part of a larger IT team, collaborating with network engineers, cybersecurity experts, software developers, and other professionals. Effective teamwork enhances problem-solving, fosters innovation, and ensures that the IT infrastructure runs smoothly. 

12) Customer service: 

System Administrators frequently interact with end-users who may be experiencing technical issues. Having good customer service skills helps in providing support and maintaining a positive relationship between IT and the rest of the organisation. Empathy, patience, and the ability to explain technical issues in a non-technical manner are valuable customer service skills. 

Other important considerations 

In addition to the core technical and soft skills, System Administrators should consider the following: 

a) Certifications and training: Many IT professionals pursue certifications to validate their skills and knowledge. Certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft MCSE, and AWS Certified SysOps Administrator are widely recognised in the field. 

b) Practical experience: Practical experience is invaluable. Setting up a home lab or using virtualisation technologies allows System Administrators to experiment, test, and develop their skills in a safe environment. 

c) Staying updated: The IT field is dynamic, with new technologies emerging regularly. System Administrators should stay informed about industry trends by reading tech blogs, attending conferences, and participating in online forums or user groups. 

d) Documentation: Maintaining thorough documentation of system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting steps is essential. Documentation not only helps the sysadmin but also assists in knowledge sharing, problem resolution, and training for team members. 

e) Disaster recovery and backup planning: Developing comprehensive disaster recovery and backup plans is crucial. System Administrators should have a strategy in place to recover data and systems in case of hardware failures, data loss, or other unexpected events. 

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How to improve Skills of a System Administrator? 

To perform their job effectively, a System Administrator needs to have a combination of technical skills, soft skills, and certifications. 

Here are some of the ways to improve your skills as a System Administrator:

 
 

a) Study coding and networking: One of the best ways to improve your System Administrator Skills is to seek formal education in essential computer skills such as coding, network maintenance and database management. You can join online courses or tutorials that cover the latest topics and trends in system administration. 

b) Gain practical experience: Working in an entry-level tech job is a great way to learn by doing. You can also look for internships, volunteer opportunities, or freelance projects that allow you to apply your skills in real-world situations. You can use  ed- tech platforms to find ideas and resources for your projects. 

c) Get certified: One of the best ways to get certified is to take exams that validate your skills and knowledge in system administration. Many organisations offer internationally recognised certifications for System Administrators, such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco, or Red Hat4. You can also showcase your portfolio or achievements in system administration using platforms like LinkedIn, Credly, or Acclaim. 

d) Keep learning: Technology evolves and changes rapidly, so you need to keep up with the latest developments and innovations in the IT industry. You can read books, blogs, podcasts, or newsletters that provide valuable insights and tips from experts and peers in the field of system administration. You can also attend industry conferences and networking events that allow you to learn from and connect with other professionals in the field of system administration. 

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Conclusion  

System Administrator Skills are essential for anyone who wants to manage and maintain IT systems in an organisation. A System Administrator needs to have a combination of technical skills, soft skills, and certifications to perform their job effectively. System Administrator also needs to constantly improve their skills and stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the IT industry. By following the tips and resources provided in this blog post, you can become a better System Administrator and advance your career in IT.

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