What does a server administrator do?

What is a Server Administrator?

A server administrator is someone who is in charge of a company's computer servers and makes sure that everything runs smoothly. He or she does this by upgrading software, maintaining hardware, designing and implementing new system structures, addressing technical problems, monitoring server activity, and auditing server security. A company's computer systems are one of the most important parts of an organization, so a server administrator must also be prepared for any potential disaster and have a recovery plan in place.

Each server operating system is unique, so server administrators have to be trained in each operating system and might be required to obtain vendor certification.

What does a Server Administrator do?

Server administrators are responsible for a company's servers, network, and workstations, and are in charge of a variety of responsibilities that keep the company's systems running successfully. They may install programs, update the operating system with the latest patches, manage the server's security policy, and add users.

Server administrators keep an eye on data flowing in and out of the network and are usually responsible for keeping the network secure, therefore a server administrator might also respond to network security concerns by tightening the firewall settings.

The server administrator needs to be able to replace or add new hardware to the servers, workstations and network devices, and may be expected to repair any issues in a reasonable period of time. Sometimes server administrators need to work odd hours in order to ensure the company's computer systems keep working properly.

What is the workplace of a Server Administrator like?

Server administrators often work for businesses that have a high volume of web activity. Most routine server administration tasks are completed during regular business hours. However, new system upgrades or server fixes must be completed during odd hours of the night or on weekends. This is when website traffic and office activity will be at its lowest and therefore have less of an impact on business.