|
Mike-- What do SysAdmins do? --applies PTFs, both for the system and applications--schedules upgrades of the operating system, making sure that application programs are also upgraded, and that you're not going to be raked over the coals with upgrade fees --makes sure the backups run correctly, that they're rotated off-site on the proper schedule, retained for the proper length of time before re-use, or are saved forever (depending on corporate requirements). --sees to the hardware-- keeps the stuff running, makes sure service gets called when necessary
--administers system hardware and software maintenance contracts --oversees the system operators--makes sure the UPS and Generator have maintenance contracts, and that they actually work (the ups, generator, -and- the contract) --schedules the running of daily jobs-- using a scheduler and/or a daily run sheet --plans for and executes the Disaster Recovery test annually - maintains The Plan,, updates it where necessary --restores objects from the backup tapes that programmers need for program debugging
What experience needed? --has caused or corrected any number of hardware problems--has spent weekends and evenings stringing cables under the computer room floor
--knows where the cables under the computer room floor go --knows where the suction cup thingy to open the computer room floor is--has ended the interactive subsystem in the middle of the day; created a duplicate subsystem and started it to cover his rump
Depending on your installation, some of these functions may be farmed out to others. In my situation, the maintenance of the UPS and Generator are handled by the building administrator, but we stay closely involved. Restoring objects for the programmers is handled by one of the system operators. But the ultimate responsibility is my boss's. He's -my- administrator!
Knowledge of the system, the applications, and all their interrelations lets a good administrator have a 'feeling' about the system and how it's supposed to function-- and gets a queasy feeling if a proposed idea is going to cause problems (even if it can't be verbalized). Also has a 'feel' for the normal functioning, and gets the same queasy feeling if something is going awry.
As one playright said, "It took about 6 months to write, after a lifetime of research." It's the same for a good SysAdmin-- it helps if you've been there!
--Paul E Musselman PaulMmn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
This mailing list archive is Copyright 1997-2024 by midrange.com and David Gibbs as a compilation work. Use of the archive is restricted to research of a business or technical nature. Any other uses are prohibited. Full details are available on our policy page. If you have questions about this, please contact [javascript protected email address].
Operating expenses for this site are earned using the Amazon Associate program and Google Adsense.
midrange.com
