Network and Computer Systems Administrators

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Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Careers / Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Summary Description


	Install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May monitor and test Web site performance to ensure Web sites operate correctly and without interruption. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. May supervise computer user support specialists and computer network support specialists. May administer network security measures.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Application Systems Administrator

2.	Certified Novell Administrator (CNA)

3.	Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

4.	Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

5.	Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

6.	Computer Support Specialist

7.	Computer Systems Administrator

8.	Computer Systems Security Administrator

9.	Database Administrator (DBA)

10.	Desktop Support Technician

11.	Director of Information Services

12.	Director of Technology

13.	e-mail System Administrator

14.	Enterprise Systems Administrator

15.	Hardware Installation Coordinator

16.	Head of Computer Operations/Technical Services

17.	Information Analyst

18.	Information Systems Administrator

19.	Information Systems Coordinator (IS Coordinator)

20.	Information Systems Manager (IS Manager)

21.	Information Systems Specialist

22.	Information Technology Administrator (IT Administrator)

23.	Information Technology Director (IT Director)

24.	Information Technology Manager (IT Manager)

25.	Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist)

26.	Information Technology Support Specialist (IT Support Specialist)

27.	Information Technology Systems Analyst (IT Systems Analyst)

28.	Information Technology Technical Support Specialist (IT Technical Support Specialist)

29.	Internet Systems Administrator

30.	LAN Analyst (Local Area Network Analyst)

31.	LAN Specialist (Local Area Network Specialist)

32.	LAN Systems Administrator

33.	Local Area Network Administrator (LAN Administrator)

34.	Mainframe Systems Administrator

35.	Management Information Systems Administrator (MIS Administrator)

36.	MIS Manager (Management Information Systems Manager)

37.	Network Administrator

38.	Network Analyst

39.	Network Coordinator

40.	Network Engineer

41.	Network Manager

42.	Network Security Administrator

43.	Network Services Supervisor

44.	Network Specialist

45.	Network Support Administrator

46.	Network Support Coordinator

47.	Network Support Manager

48.	Network Support Specialist

49.	Network Systems Administrator

50.	Network Systems Analyst

51.	Network Systems Coordinator

52.	Network Technician

53.	Networking Administrator

54.	Programmer Analyst

55.	Server Administrator

56.	Software Engineer

57.	Systems Administrator

58.	Systems Analyst

59.	Systems Engineer

60.	Systems Integrator

61.	Systems Network Analyst

62.	Systems Operator

63.	Technical Analyst

64.	Technical Component Administrator

65.	Technical Solutions Engineer

66.	Technical Specialist

67.	Technical Support Engineer

68.	Technical Support Specialist

69.	Technology Coordinator

70.	Telecommunications Analyst

71.	Telecommunications Manager

72.	Unix Administrator

73.	Unix Systems Administrator

74.	WAN Systems Administrator

75.	Wide Area Network Administrator (WAN Administrator)

Job Tasks

	Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations. Maintain computer networks to enhance performance and user access.

	Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations. Implement security measures for computer or information systems. Create electronic data backup to prevent loss of information.

	Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary. Resolve computer network problems. Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems. Resolve computer software problems.

	Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware. Develop computer or information security policies or procedures. Implement security measures for computer or information systems.

	Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software. Implement security measures for computer or information systems.

	Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks, and to coordinate computer network access and use. Monitor the performance of computer networks.

	Load computer tapes and disks, and install software and printer paper or forms. Install computer hardware.

	Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software. Test computer hardware performance. Test software performance. Design integrated computer systems.

	Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments need to be made, and to determine where changes will need to be made in the future. Monitor the performance of computer networks.

	Confer with network users about how to solve existing system problems. Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues. Provide technical support for computer network issues.

	Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records. Maintain computer networks to enhance performance and user access. Document operational activities.

	Research new technologies by attending seminars, reading trade articles, or taking classes, and implement or recommend the implementation of new technologies. Conduct research to gain information about products or processes. Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends. Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.

	Analyze equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement. Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.

	Implement and provide technical support for voice services and equipment, such as private branch exchange, voice mail system, and telecom system. Provide technical support for computer network issues.

	Maintain an inventory of parts for emergency repairs. Maintain the inventory of equipment.

	Maintain logs related to network functions, as well as maintenance and repair records. Document network-related activities or tasks.

	Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes. Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements. Identify information technology project resource requirements. Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.

	Gather data pertaining to customer needs, and use the information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements. Collect data about customer needs. Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements. Identify information technology project resource requirements.

	Train people in computer system use. Train others in computer interface or software use.

	Coordinate with vendors and with company personnel to facilitate purchases. Coordinate resource procurement activities.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Network and Computer Systems Administrators
	Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Network and Computer Systems Administrators
	Network and computer systems administrators work with the physical computer networks of a variety of organizations and therefore are employed in many industries.

	Read More >>

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