Picture this: You’re the guardian of an organization’s digital nervous system, responsible for keeping vital technology infrastructure running smoothly 24/7. When employees arrive at work, their computers, networks, and systems are functioning perfectly because you’ve been monitoring and maintaining them.
Think about the last time you logged into your work computer, accessed company files, or sent an email. A systems administrator made all of that possible through careful planning, implementation, and maintenance of the technology infrastructure.
They serve as the backbone of modern business operations, bridging the gap between complex technology systems and the people who use them daily.
Total employment: 335,400 (2023)
Common Names for Network and Computer Systems Administrators
- Information Analyst
- Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist)
- LAN Specialist (Local Area Network Specialist)
- Local Area Network Administrator (LAN Administrator)
- Network Administrator
- Network Manager
- Systems Administrator
What Network and Computer Systems Administrators Do
Network and Computer Systems Administrators are responsible for the daily operation of computer networks and systems.
Core responsibilities include:
- System Maintenance and Reliability: Perform regular system updates, patches, and maintenance to ensure continuous operation of computer systems and networks, minimizing downtime and maintaining business continuity.
- Network Security Management: Monitor and protect networks from security threats by implementing firewalls, encryption, and access controls to safeguard sensitive organizational data and maintain system integrity.
- User Administration: Create and manage user accounts, set appropriate access levels, and provide technical support to ensure employees can effectively access and use organizational systems.
- Infrastructure Management: Install, configure, and maintain essential network components including servers, routers, and switches to support reliable organizational communications and data flow.
- System Performance Monitoring: Track system performance, analyze metrics, and optimize resources to maintain efficient operations and prevent potential issues before they impact users.
- Backup and Recovery: Implement and manage data backup systems and disaster recovery procedures to protect critical business information and ensure quick recovery from any system failures.
- Documentation and Reporting: Maintain detailed records of network configurations, system changes, and security incidents to support troubleshooting, compliance requirements, and knowledge transfer.
- Problem Resolution: Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues affecting network operations and system performance to minimize disruption to business operations.
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