What a system administrator should know. How I became a system administrator. What personal qualities should a system administrator have?
If you are just a beginner... The tax office is all on Windows, it is impossible to get away from this. I know, I worked there too :)
In general, the development of a system administrator looks something like this:
1. You study Windows entirely. What, where, how to set up printers, what’s different network printer from local, shared over the network. What does port 9100 have to do with it?
2. You immediately study the structure of the printer; in the future it will be useful when you look for an office that will service you.
3. Study yours local network. Most likely this will be the “star” typology, which was made back in 2003, when there was the first mass purchase of PCs. Of course, they won’t let you do anything with it, but in the server room there are quite interesting pieces of hardware from the FSB, a couple of 2-core servers, and storage. If the boss is competent (or you find contacts in your government), you can safely ask what’s what and why.
In general, the path of enikey ends here. Then the flight of fancy begins, what to do when it actually cannot be done.
4. Take it old computer, install Ubuntu or Debian on it, for example. You try to install Samba, LDAP authorization, learn what Kerberos tickets are and why nothing works for you, although you did everything according to the instructions. Here you should already have an understanding of what a system based on the Linux kernel is and how it differs from Windows. At this stage, you will need to acquire such a thing as a KVM router (you will find it in the server room).
5. Take another old computer. You install a software router on it, for example pfSense. You configure it and at the same time figure it out than FreeBSD better than Linux. The main thing here is to understand the idea of everything you do. In parallel with the setup, you raise questions such as what a firewall is, a routing table, why the computer is turned on and visible on the network, but does not respond to ping. Along the way, you set up a VPN and proxy (if your eye falls on the 3rd squid, you can fool around with substituting certificates).
6. You pick up the old Cisco. If the inspection doesn’t have it, then you go to the store and buy Mikrotik. For example, 2011. It is relatively inexpensive, and it will come in handy at home. Well, or for the future, you can stick it in some office when you work part-time or retire from the tax office. In general, you understand the device, configure the same VPN and connect to your gateway, which should work on FreeBSD.
This is where you will become an intelligent specialist who will be useful in every organization. There is quite practical work experience, there is an idea of what is correct and what is not, and a theoretical basis that will not let you get into the mud at an interview.
But then, you can choose where to move in development, just like . Stay on Windows, study server solutions and the Azure cloud, go towards nix, network administration, etc.
The position of system administrator is included in the staff of most large companies. A specialist of the appropriate profile performs important functions for his organization related to ensuring correct operation computer networks and other elements of digital infrastructure. What should a system administrator know to successfully solve the tasks assigned to him?
“Sysadmins” can have different specializations. Among the most common:
- server management;
- database maintenance;
- ensuring the operation of the corporate network;
- maintenance of digital equipment and PCs (usually in small companies).
Let us consider in more detail the features of these areas of activity of system administrators.
Server management
A company may own its own servers because it is a service provider (for example, web hosting), or because of objective business needs (for reasons of security or economic benefit). System administrators of the corresponding profile are responsible for the operability of the infrastructure associated with the operation of the servers of the most different types. For example, those used to host web pages and content or to organize corporate mail.
The system administrator responsible for the area of activity under consideration must, first of all, have a good understanding of software, in particular the specifics of the functioning of operating systems that manage servers. Now the most common solutions in this area are Linux, FreeBSD, Windows Server. In organizing the operation of servers, solutions such as Apache, IIS, mail standards Sendmail, Postfix, etc. are also used.
It is also useful for a “sysadmin” to have knowledge in the field of hardware used in organizing the corresponding infrastructure. If, for example, HDD If the server fails or begins to malfunction, then an administrator with the necessary skills will be able to quickly recognize this problem. Although, it should be noted that in many corporations such activities are not included in job responsibilities specialists who are engaged in the area of work in question. “System administrators” in this case are responsible only for the software component of the servers.
Database Maintenance
The need for database maintenance may arise not only in large organizations, but also in small and medium-sized enterprises. The DBMS contains data about company employees, transactions, management orders and other information important for business development.
It happens that adjustments in the content of one type of database directly affect the information posted on other resources. If, for example, in the DBMS, which reflects information about the company’s employees, data about the employee changes (as an option, he receives a promotion), then the corresponding changes must be made to the sources that record wages, leave and other significant aspects of labor relations with human participation.
Such synchronization is usually carried out automatically, but the system providing this option must function correctly. This is what the “sysadmin” responsible for working with databases is supposed to monitor. At the same time, the range of administrator responsibilities can be much wider.
As in the case of ensuring the operation of servers, the bulk of the tasks solved by the “sysadmin” involve the use of “software”. A specialist in the relevant profile must be proficient in the key types of software used as a DBMS or as a tool for their maintenance. Among the most common solutions are MySQL, Oracle, Firebird, Informix. Knowledge in the field of operating systems under which databases operate is important - Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris and others based on Unix, Windows Server. Possession will be useful for the “sysadmin” SQL language, used in the DBMS.
Ensuring the operation of the corporate network
In most Russian small and medium-sized enterprises, not to mention large businesses, employee computers are combined into shared network. Company employees exchange messages, files, and communicate in a social format - both on intranet and external resources. Integration of corporate networks is possible different companies. In some cases it is necessary to organize remote access to the relevant resources of the organization - for example, if an employee is on a business trip and needs to receive certain files or, for example, he wants to send a message to a colleague via a secure channel.
What should a system administrator responsible for the correct functioning of a corporate network know and be able to do? First of all, a person will need skills that reflect the specific implementation of the TCP/IP protocol and VPN standards, the features of hardware and servers. It is also useful for a “sysadmin” to be able to work with software related to organizing the functioning of the company’s digital infrastructure. As in the case of specialization in the profile of server management and database maintenance, this can be a Unix-based OS, Windows Server, or various auxiliary interfaces.
The job responsibilities of a “sysadmin” who solves problems within the area of activity under consideration often also include ensuring the secure operation of the network. Although, it should be noted that in many companies this is a separate specialization due to the large amount of work performed by the administrator. The main task within this area of activity is to ensure secure exchange of files between company employees, as well as with external entities: partners, tax authorities, supervisory structures.
A “sysadmin” specializing in network security must know how data encryption protocols work - for example, SSL, RAS, RADIUS, file access control mechanisms (such as SecurID). Administrator responsibilities may also include operating systems Reserve copy information. They are presented in a wide range of solutions: Acronis Backup & Recovery level software is designed to work with large and small networks, the Cloud Backup Robot program and its analogues are used to copy data from personal computers.
The main thing is that everything works
In small companies and those organizations in which a developed digital infrastructure is not the main criterion for efficiency (although there are not very many of them anymore - even the most conservative government agencies are actively computerizing), the duties of “sysadmins” can essentially be reduced to maintaining the PCs of employees, and also accessories for them. Management will demand one thing from the administrator - that everything works.
In most cases, a specialist in the profile in question may have basic, sometimes even theoretical knowledge about any aspect of the work computer equipment. Therefore, graduates or students without experience are often attracted to such positions. At the same time, in their work book the position is often indicated in exactly the same way as in the case if a specialist is engaged in solving complex problems related, for example, to organizing the work of servers.
By the way, it should be noted that the most important fact is that the profession of “system administrator” has not yet been approved in the Russian legal system. The main source of data from which job titles are taken for making entries in the work book is OKDDR, an all-Russian classifier that reflects the professions of blue-collar workers. It can be found on the website etks.info. Thus, OKDDR does not contain information about system administrators.
There is a draft order of the Ministry of Labor of the Russian Federation on the approval of the corresponding professional standard. You can view it here: http://base.consultant.ru/cons/cgi/online.cgi?req=doc;base=PNPA;n=9168. However, the official status this document does not have. Therefore, HR specialists have to register “system administrators” as “information security engineers” or, for example, as “programming technicians” - in accordance with OKDDR. But it is possible that soon one of the most popular professions in Russia will receive official status.
The IT sector is one of the most attractive areas of development in this moment. It is very young, dynamically developing, and unlike many niches that are already familiar to us, it is distinguished by freedom and sometimes an informal atmosphere, which attracts many young professionals.
Also, sometimes you can start your career there even without specialized education.
There are people who for a long time cannot decide on the choice of niche and direction of development, and when they realize that they need the IT field, they discover that the necessary knowledge and skills are too little. Fortunately, it is in IT that you can climb the career ladder, starting from the very first step - a person with no experience. One of these first steps is a system administrator vacancy.
What specific steps do you need to take to become a system administrator? Where and from whom can you acquire basic knowledge and skills?
A system administrator can be compared to a conductor who controls an entire symphony orchestra of computers, and without him, the entire work of the enterprise can stop, which will result in huge losses, depending on the direction of the company.
Where can I learn?
The places where you can get an education and acquire the skills and abilities of a system administrator are quite typical.
1. College;
2. Institute or university;
3. Courses;
4. Internship;
5. Mentor;
6. On your own.
The sooner you start learning, the more useful it will be for you in the future. Those who begin studying systems administration in college can have a significant advantage over other applicants.
In higher educational institution You can also learn things that are necessary for a system administrator. The most important thing is that you will receive the diploma that is so often required for employment.
There are a lot of training courses available today. You can choose either face-to-face lessons or take training online, which is much more convenient. A lot depends on who your teacher will be. Theory for the sake of theory will not help you much; you need to be taught by professionals who practice the discipline being taught every day.
Many companies conduct internships for their future employees or hire based on the results of the internship. A lot depends on what kind of company you want to join. If you are a system administrator in one office, then most likely you will need to perform many different tasks and functions. When you get a job in a large corporation, they usually look for employees for specific tasks and turn a beginner into a professional with a narrow specialization.
For some, learning from a mentor is most effective. Communicate more with people who already work as system administrators - you will probably learn a lot of interesting things and information useful for the profession.
Self-study can sometimes give you more than a classical education, in the case when you approach the issue with full dedication and are ready to spend a lot of effort and time to cope with things that are incomprehensible to you. An additional advantage would be knowledge in English. Still, it is more an IT language than any other. New developments, professional articles, books and manuals first appear in English and you need to wait for some time for translation. So it’s better to learn the language permanently.
But all the learning is almost meaningless if there is no practice to back it up. To transform dry theory into a refined skill, and then into an ability, you will need to try to put everything into practice.
How to pass an interview?
Interviews are one of the most stressful experiences for new hires, and that's normal. Be calm and natural; excessive nervousness is unlikely to make a system administrator look good =).
Another nuance that will be useful to those who are going for an interview. It is important to find out who exactly will be interviewing you. Sometimes HR specialists have their own opinion about what kind of specialists the company needs. Interviews where you communicate directly with a future colleague or boss who can evaluate you and your skills and qualities are much more effective.
They will probably send you a test task or ask you questions about how you would act in a given situation, such as a computer failure or a power outage.
Sometimes they ask tricky questions or offer to solve problems that were prepared incorrectly in advance. Don't be afraid to speak up about your suspicions. Attentiveness is an important quality for a system administrator.
Programming skills will be a plus, since the system administrator must be able to automate repetitive processes in work.
Should a system administrator be a certified specialist?
Some people make this decision on their own, especially those people for whom their own status is important. Some people think that crusts are useless and you can get by with your own strength and skills.
But then you will be faced with what your future employer thinks about this. There are organizations for which having a specialized education and diploma is strictly necessary. For example, this is common in government agencies.
But for the most part, IT companies have a fairly free and informal atmosphere, and if you can prove that you are a truly valuable specialist, they will hire you without a diploma. You can demonstrate your achievements, focusing on the results that you have achieved.
It is important whether a core or non-core company wants to hire a system administrator.
Non-core ones can be considered those that do not relate to IT, for example a travel agency, a chain of beauty salons, an online store, etc.
In a non-core company, the system administrator is often required to provide repair services, hardware maintenance, user support, etc. When you are dealing with a profile company, there will be more complex tasks related to information protection and data security. Of course, it all depends on the specifics of the company and the work itself.
Today we talked about what specific steps you need to take to become a good system administrator. IT vacancies are great because you can always retrain and go into some other direction, taking with you knowledge from the previous one. This way you can become a specialist with many competencies. It is these people who are most valued by employers, because it is more profitable to hire one employee who is knowledgeable in several areas than to hire several specialists.
If you would like to learn programming, then there is an opportunity to undergo training in Novosibirsk -
Good day everyone and other differences.
in general, I’ve already said a lot (), but I’ll put my thoughts into the text, especially since it will probably turn out to be more structured, visual and useful for readers, both current and future. And in general for everyone who doesn’t like the audio format (although I haven’t met anyone yet).
I thought for a long time about where to start this, and therefore I even figured out two or three options for the structure on paper.. But then I decided to write conditionally spontaneously, i.e. the way it comes from the head, because this way it usually turns out more lively and brighter, which, however, is often used as the basis for the concept of writing text in my articles.
Okay, aside to the lyrics.
Let's get started.
Audio-video format of material
Actually, here it is (does not fully reproduce the text, so there are discrepancies and in general it is more complete or vice versa):
You can also watch it on our channel. Link above.
Text version. Concept
The first thing I want to start with is the concept. You see, the fact is that, probably, as in any profession, it is in principle impossible to love your work (and receive significant material rewards for it) without love for this area.
That is, how.. Yes, you can learn to master all sorts of technologies, approaches, methods, know a bunch of programs, be able to communicate with users and all that stuff, but only until this area becomes dear to you in your soul - There is little that shines for you in it. I know a lot of IT people... And there is only one reason for all this - the lack of love for the profession and this area in general at the level of consciousness, subconscious and everything else.
The problem here is that an IT specialist is a person who lives on the crest of the wave of this industry. No other way. He should like her, she should be interesting to him, she should be a significant part of his life... Etc.
Those. by default, he reads the news about this whole thing, tries new hardware and reconfigures the old one, studies new programs / OS and does not stop comparing them with those already chosen, practices and teaches others to practice, communicates with colleagues and shares thoughts with them, searches and finds, argues and thinks.. Develops. Stays on topic. I don’t even know how else to say it.. Because flexibility and awareness are one of the key factors that shape professionals.
In general, he is really interested in the topic of this industry, its components and experience in it. Moreover, many narrowly focused specialists believe that it is worth limiting oneself to one thing, although this is not so - development and interest should not only be constant, but also omnidirectional.
You shouldn’t focus only on optimization / only on security / only on hardware / only on programming / only on something else. This sphere is multifaceted and therefore one thing almost always depends on the other or is simply connected with it. You don’t have to be a specialist in all areas at once, but you need to understand them at least in general terms or intuitively. Without understanding, there is no adequate perception of the area in which you are supposedly really special. As an example, it is difficult to be an ideal optimizer if you do not understand what code is and how it is connected to the hardware, system and other software.
As an alternative example not from this area, it is useless to be an architect if you do not know the strength of materials at all.
But, globally, the first and main thing is the desire and love for this business. Just to the point, not to money, technology and so on. Entirely - to everything. It’s some kind of feeling in your soul when... This is all dear to you and, at the same time, all this is dear! :) No, I'm not talking about stupid and blind fanaticism, but about... Love, probably. I don’t even know how to explain, but there is love - this is blind “fanaticism”, and there is love - this is an eternal feeling, an eternal craving and generally forever. Of course, if we are talking about a professional.
This is what the general concept is about.
In detail
Next, a reasonable question arises that, let’s say, there is a craving, there is a desire, there is an understanding, and there is more than enough aspiration... But there is not enough experience. Well, you still have to start somewhere, go somewhere and strive for something. It’s really impossible to immediately become an IT specialist based on desire alone. Hence the thought - what to do and how to be?
I won’t argue - you can’t get into this industry from floundering. More precisely, as I already said, you can become “someone”, but not an adequate specialist with a good income and development prospects. Therefore, many people have a large number of questions about where to start, and these questions are constantly asked to me. Actually, from the above it follows:
Understanding
First and most importantly, as I said in the concept, you must have a desire. Target. Traction. If this is not the case, but there is only a dream of making money in this area from supposedly suckers (namely, from those who simply do not know this area as well as you), then this is a disaster.
Most likely, you should look for yourself elsewhere, because work is good when you love it for yourself, and do not jump like a hound in an attempt to snatch funds for survival.
As one of the philosophers said: “Find something you like and you will never have to work a day in your life” (c).
Deep understanding
By training I mean several options, but their totality will give you even better results. More on this below.
Reading. Information
You need to read a lot. Read good, proven literature. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a website or a book. Moreover, even as a certain writer (if anyone doesn’t remember, I’m writing a book, and now there are more than 300 articles on the site) and a good specialist, I’ll tell you that 95% of books in this area are worth nothing - this is just that example when they are trying to make money from you, and not teach you something (in any case, we are talking about Russian authors).
Choosing good literature will take you a lot of time, but if you find it, success is guaranteed. I’ll tell you a secret, don’t take it for advertising and pathos, that at a minimum, you need to read this site in its entirety, and then move on to the next point, not forgetting about this one.
Practice. And almost only her
You can't get anywhere without practice. Even if you have read all the literature in the world on this topic, you will not become a good specialist until you practice. The thing here is that exactly as long as your experience has not been integrated at least somehow, you are still “nobody”, even if you are able to recite entire paragraphs by heart, and they are indeed correct in theory.
Almost everything you read somewhere needs to be tried. Even if you haven’t read it, you should try it too. Only by stumbling or actually doing something right can you form your own opinion, skills, knowledge base and experience.
There are no ideal solutions - there are personal ones, but they must be of high quality. There is a lot of controversy in the industry about the fact that some people have Linux for years, others have Windows without viruses and it’s perfect, and so, all of them were born because IT specialists practiced, tried, searched and found. They found their own solution, which, thanks to their experience, they were able to make ideal for their needs and framework.
Thank you for your attention. Stay with the project. And.. We are waiting for comments;)