A UNIX® system administrator is an information technology (IT) professional who performs routine installations, maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting.
A UNIX® system administrator is an information technology (IT) professional who performs routine installation, maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting on a computer system running on this particular platform. This type of sysadmin job typically involves working in a data center with a group of networked computers. One of the primary roles of a UNIX® system administrator is to ensure that the operating system on each machine runs smoothly. As with other types of IT system administrator jobs, a UNIX® administrator typically has good experience in areas such as software security and user management.
A UNIX administrator can remove old, unused accounts.
Much of a system administrator’s job involves using the UNIX® command line to efficiently complete routine tasks. While many software updates and installations can be performed using a graphical user interface, this option can sometimes require more steps. Certain commands entered can automate many of these tasks to run in the background while users can continue working on each machine without any downtime. Many UNIX® administrator jobs require candidates to have specific credentials, such as an A+® or Linux+® certification. Each of these certifications indicates a thorough understanding of the fundamentals required to become a UNIX® system administrator.
A UNIX® system administrator makes sure that end users have access to saved files whenever they need them. Administrators are typically responsible for backing up each computer system to storage media, such as external hard drives. Even with these precautions, files can sometimes be accidentally deleted. The UNIX® administrator can usually retrieve these files and move them to their correct places on the hard drive. An administrator can also add new user accounts and remove old ones as needed.
Other responsibilities of a UNIX® system administrator include implementing security measures and dealing with potential risks. Administrators often install and update anti-virus and anti-spyware tools to prevent unauthorized users from remotely accessing the computer network and damaging the operating systems of machines. Sometimes a system administrator will also examine user activity log files to ensure that no user has introduced security risks, such as viruses, to the system.
User assistance is another focus of UNIX® system administrator roles. Some users encounter problems with the software due to bugs or the need for updates. Administrators can usually troubleshoot these routine problems and fix more serious problems, such as temporary system crashes.