# What is a Sysadmin? Celebrating the Quiet Heroes of IT

Today is system administrator (sysadmin) [appreciation day](https://sysadminday.com/). As a company operating in the tech industry, we want to stop and highlight the crucial, but often underappreciated, work of these professionals that keep our computers and servers alive, our people in communication and organisations around the world in business.

In this blog post, we will delve into the world of sysadmins, explore their roles and the traits that make them successful. For those curious about a career in this field, we’ll also provide insights into how to get ahead in the profession.

## What Does a Sysadmin Do?

Sysadmins are so ubiquitous and manage so many tasks that it’d be easier to ask, “what don’t they do?” But here are some of the responsibilities their roles may cover on a daily basis. 

![Macrium-Software-Sysadmin-Day-Graphic-LinkedIn-Twitter-1200x627-July-2023-01.jpg](https://strapistoragemacrium.blob.core.windows.net/strapi-uploads/uploads/Macrium_Software_Sysadmin_Day_Graphic_Linked_In_Twitter_1200x627_July_2023_01_60939b1463.jpg)

### Build Machines

A fundamental task of a sysadmin is building and configuring machines that meet their business’ specific needs. This includes setting up workstations, servers and other hardware components, ensuring they function optimally to support the company’s operations.

### Data Security

Data security is crucial in today's digital landscape. Sysadmins play a critical role in implementing and maintaining security measures to safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access, data breaches and cyber threats.

### Virus Protection

Protecting systems from viruses and malware is an ongoing battle. Sysadmins are responsible for installing and managing antivirus software, conducting regular scans and promptly responding to any security threats that may arise.

### Write Code

Automation is key to improving efficiency. Sysadmins often write code or use scripting languages to automate repetitive tasks, manage configurations and streamline a business’ processes.

### Keep Users Connected

Sysadmins are the bridge between technology and end users. They provide technical support, troubleshoot issues and ensure that users can connect and collaborate seamlessly.

### Maintain Servers

Maintaining servers is a core responsibility of sysadmins. They monitor server performance, address hardware and software issues and ensure that critical systems operate smoothly.

### Configure Servers

Sysadmins also configure servers, which involves setting up user accounts, managing permissions and optimizing server performance.

### Update Servers

Keeping software and operating systems updated is vital to their security and performance. Sysadmins are responsible for applying patches and updates to servers and other systems to ensure they remain secure and efficient.

## What Traits Do You Need to Be a Successful Sysadmin?

Being a sysadmin requires a unique set of traits that go beyond technical skills. Successful sysadmins possess a combination of technical expertise and personal qualities that allow them to excel in their roles. Essential traits a sysadmin needs include the following. 

### Clear Communication

Effective communication is essential for sysadmins, as they often need to explain technical concepts to non-technical users. Clear and concise communication helps them provide instructions, troubleshoot issues and collaborate across teams.

### Responsiveness

In the fast-paced world of IT, being responsive to user requests and technical issues couldn’t be more important. A successful sysadmin promptly addresses problems and ensures minimal downtime to keep business operations running smoothly.

### Curiosity

Curiosity drives sysadmins to continuously learn and explore new technologies. Staying curious enables them to adapt to the ever-changing IT landscape and find innovative solutions to complex problems.

### Problem Solving

Sysadmins are natural problem solvers. They possess the ability to analyze issues, identify root causes and implement effective solutions to resolve technical challenges as quickly and painlessly as possible.

### Proactiveness

Being proactive is essential for Sysadmins. It allows them to anticipate potential problems and address them before they escalate. Proactive sysadmins implement preventive measures and monitor systems to prevent issues from occurring in the first place.

### Patience

Technical issues are frustrating and sysadmins often encounter complex problems that require patience and time to solve. Patience and persistence are essential traits for a sysadmin, equipping them to work through challenges methodically and solve problems - both for users and themselves.

## How Can I Become a Sysadmin?

If the role of a system administrator has your attention, there are various skills you can build and paths you can take to embark on a career in this much-demanded area.

- **Education and Training:** Pursue a degree or certification in computer science, IT or a related field. Formal education provides a strong foundation in IT principles and concepts.
- **Gain Technical Experience:** Obtain hands-on experience with computer systems, networks and operating systems. Internships, volunteer work, or personal projects can help you build practical skills.
- **Develop Problem-Solving Skills:** Nurture your problem-solving skills by tackling technical challenges and finding creative, independent solutions to common challenges.
- **Learn Scripting and Automation:** Automation is a key aspect of sysadmin work. Familiarize yourself with scripting languages like [Python](https://www.python.org/), [PowerShell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PowerShell) or [Bash](https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/bash-scripting-tutorial-linux-shell-script-and-command-line-for-beginners/). 
- **Networking and Collaboration:** Join IT groups, network within communities, attend industry events and connect with professionals in the field to expand your network and learn from experienced sysadmins.
- **Certifications:** Consider completing industry recognized certifications like [CompTIA](https://www.comptia.org/) [Network+](https://www.comptia.org/certifications/network) etc. These certifications validate your skills, catch the attention of recruiters and ultimately, make you more attractive to employers.
- **Stay Updated:** Keep yourself informed about the latest trends and developments in IT by reading [tech blogs](https://techworldtimes.com/top-technology-blogs/), attending webinars, listening to [podcasts](https://explodingtopics.com/blog/tech-podcasts) and exploring online resources.

## Happy Sysadmin Day - Explore Our Open Roles

We hope this blog shows our appreciation for sysadmins everywhere - thank you for all you do! If you’re looking for a career in IT, we invite you to explore our open roles - take a look and apply [here](/careers-and-culture). 

Macrium-Software-Sysadmin-Day-Blog-Hero-July-2023.jpg

Join us in celebrating sysadmin day as we highlight the quiet heroes of IT,  what it is they do and what it takes to become a successful sysadmin. 

What is a Sysadmin?

# 3 reasons why SysAdmins are more important than ever and deserve our appreciation

If you check Reddit or [Quora](https://www.quora.com/Is-the-role-of-the-sysadmin-dying-with-the-advent-and-increasing-popularity-of-cloud-computing "www.quora.com"), you’d think that the SysAdmin role is one from an era that is quickly receding into memory. Claims and assertions that System Administration is a career in decline and warnings that those currently in the role need to rethink their future and their skills abound.

While there’s certainly some truth to the argument that system administration is changing thanks to trends like cloud and DevOps, the reality is that the sysadmin remains a critical role for every organization that depends on software — so, just about every single one on the planet today.

It’s for that reason the SysAdmin Appreciation Day is so important. At a time when fashion and interest appear to be transfixed by ostensibly ‘sexy’ job titles, such as SRE or Data Scientist, paying tribute to the system administrators who ensure that software is reliable, secure, is a reminder that using technology effectively requires robust foundations.

What’s more, setting these foundations is particularly important today not just because technology is so intertwined with how organizations function day to day, but also precisely because the industry is changing so quickly. Change won’t leave sysadmins behind — instead, sysadmins will be alongside it, supporting us all to adapt to change in a way that is secure, reliable and ultimately successful.

_In this post we’ll take a closer look at some of the reasons why sysadmins remain such a valuable part of the tech industry, and continue to be integral to every organization’s tech team._

## SysAdmins align technology and people

It’s often commented that one of the trickiest things about working in tech isn’t so much the tech itself, but rather the relationship between technology and people. From this perspective, then, SysAdmins are in a particularly important — and challenging — position, as it is the SysAdmin who is invariably responsible for ensuring that employees can safely and productively use the technology at their disposal.

Perhaps this is part of the reason why the role is occasionally overlooked. Anyone involved in system administration has more than likely had to deal with mind-numbing account issues or machine problems early in their career. But that isn’t of course, the full scope of the sysadmin role. In reality, SysAdmins are the people that both identify ways to support employees and organizations to be more effective, more collaborative, maybe even more agile if you’re talking to senior management, and then develop plans and training to ensure that those tools and technologies are in place, accessible and ultimately useful for everyone — whatever their technical know-how.

Indeed, it’s this demand that they are accessible to everyone, from engineers to the technically clueless, that arguably makes SysAdmins some of the most impressive people in the tech industry. At a time when there is all too much talk around ninjas and rockstars, the reality is that not only is being truly innovative a team effort, you also need to bring everyone with you. It’s not enough to just blaze a trail somewhere out ahead, like a hubristic canary in the coalmine; support is required at all levels, whether you’re from basic productivity platforms or setting up Content Delivery Networks.

_So, here’s to SysAdmins, the people tirelessly working to democratize **effective** software for **everyone**._

## SysAdmins manage and reduce complexity

The pace of change across business and technology is incredibly exciting, but it also means there is significantly more complexity for us all to contend with. From engineering teams exploring hosting and delivery tools, to HR teams exploring platforms for managing and supporting employees, everyone in the workplace is a decision maker or evaluator when it comes to technology.

It’s in this scenario that system administration takes on even greater importance. With more choice, and more options available, having someone in place that can manage and orchestrate different needs and demands is essential.

To a certain extent this cloud-first, XaaS world is one of the reasons often listed for the decline of System Administration as a job role. And although it’s nevertheless true that changes to the industry over the last decade have changed the scope of system administration, this doesn’t mean it’s less important. In fact, you might even say it’s now more important than it ever has been.

There’s [an article on Compare the Cloud](https://www.comparethecloud.net/articles/is-the-job-of-a-sysadmin-dead-or-just-moving-with-times/ "www.comparethecloud.net") that highlights how changes in the industry seem to have led to some strange revisionism when it comes to system administration. “Instead of just reacting to problems,” the article states, “a former SysAdmin should now be involved in designing, developing and engineering systems.” Not bad advice, sure, but the idea that SysAdmins were, at some point, just “reacting to problems” is a little insulting to those experienced SysAdmins having to manage software and infrastructure at a time when many companies just overlooked its importance. And the idea that you have to ‘move on’ from system administration to design and develop systems relies on a slightly misleading dichotomy between engineering and admin.

_So, here’s to SysAdmins — the people that have been making complexity manageable long before it was fashionable._

## SysAdmins ensure resilience and security

Today, it’s clearer than ever that technology is intimately tied to the bottom line. For eCommerce sites, for example, downtime can carry a significant cost, one that can sometimes has an impact every second. But even beyond the obvious examples, downtime can also have an impact on an organization’s productivity — if systems go down, or, perhaps you lose network connectivity or data availability, it becomes harder to move at pace as a business.

Moreover, when you add in the changing threat landscape, ensuring that systems and networks are safe and secure is inextricably linked to business continuity and the concept of resilience in general.

While there are a number of roles that attempt to address these sorts of challenges, the SysAdmin is nevertheless crucial in ensuring that things just work.

In a way, this aspect of a system administrators role links to both the earlier points. Security risks, after all, often stem from human error (or, manipulation through social engineering), while resilience and reliability issues occur when complexity isn’t properly managed or maintained.

For those people who see the system administrator role as in decline or outdated, the question needs to be answered: who’s going to manage all the competing interests and needs in a way that ensures both the security and resilience of a given organization? SREs, cloud architects, security engineers and analysts all play vital roles in tackling such issues, but even they still specialise in a way that prevents them from being impartial. SysAdmins can serve everyone by acting as impartial technologists mediating between everyone’s needs and demands.

_So, thank you to System Administrators, the people that ensure that everything just works — and more importantly, that everything just works at the same time._

## Support your local SysAdmin!

So, System Administrators are responsible for some of the most challenging aspects of working in the tech industry. Most importantly, they also ensure that the tech that so many of us depend on is up and running for us, that it’s configured and set up in the way we expect and need it to be.

It’s for that reason that they deserve our appreciation. And while one day a year might not be enough, it’s nevertheless a good opportunity to recognise that far from being a series of conjuring tricks, our software systems and applications require a good deal of effort, sweat, and probably even tears to ensure they’re working in the way they should.

**Protect what matters to your organization, and ensure resilience and security with [simple yet powerful backup from Macrium](/products/business).**

20200727-3-reasons-why-sysadmins-are-more-important-than-ever-and-deserve-our-appreciation.jpeg

While there’s certainly some truth to the argument that system administration is changing thanks to trends like cloud and DevOps, the reality is that the sysadmin remains a critical role for every organization that depends on software.

SysAdmins are more important than ever

If you check Reddit or Quora, you’d think that the SysAdmin role is one from an era that is quickly receding into memory. Claims and assertions that System Administration is a career in decline and warnings that those currently in the role need to rethink their future and their skills abound.

3 reasons why SysAdmins are more important than ever

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