A sysadmin (or system administrator) is a wizard in the network world. He monitors computers, networks, and printers to make sure everything works and no one cries. If everything works, they don't remember him. When it breaks, he is a god.
🤖 Who are these system administrators?
A system administrator is a person who is responsible for technical stability within the company. He knows where each cable is, why this blinking box is under the table, and why Maria Ivanovna's "everything is lost".
📌 The main tasks of the system administrator:
Setting up and maintaining a local area network
Installing and updating programs
Setting up servers (file, mail, databases, etc.)
Control of employee access to data
Data backup and recovery
Video surveillance and IP telephony support
Protection against viruses and leaks
📍 Examples of workplaces:
Where they work | What they do |
|---|---|
Large company office | Configure servers, accesses, equipment |
School / University | They monitor Wi-Fi, update computers in offices |
Hospital | Ensure stable operation of patient bases and equipment |
Government agencies | Maintain security and access to documents |
Small business | They decide everything: from replacing the cartridge to setting up CRM |
🧠 Real tasks of a system administrator are like in war
The accountant can't print a report — the system administrator. A new employee cannot access the mail — the system administrator. The printer prints in the style of "Japanese opera" — guess who?
A system administrator is a person who knows that "rebooting" is not magic, but a path to salvation.
🛠 Example of a system administrator's everyday life:
9:00 — Arrived, accepted 12 tickets, one of them from the director: "The Internet does not work"
10:00 — The director's cable is disconnected 🤦♂️
11:00 — Installed the update on the server
13:00 — Someone deleted the entire department from Active Directory
14:00 — Restored everything from the backup and went to drink tea
📈 How much do they earn?
Level | Salary (in rubles/month) |
Junior | 50 000 — 90 000 |
Middle | 90 000 — 150 000 |
Senior | 150 000 — 250 000+ |
💡 In Moscow and St. Petersburg, salaries are higher, in the regions — more modest. In companies with foreign capital, they are even higher.
🌟 Pros and cons of the profession
Pros | Cons |
Demand | Frequent stress |
Stable income | Lots of routine |
Flexible schedule | You need to be in touch at all times |
Fast career growth | Often "invisible" work |
🔧 What are the types of system administrators
1. Windows admins — support Windows servers, Active Directory, Exchange, etc. 2. Linux admins - work with Ubuntu, CentOS, Red Hat. They are adored by startups and data centers. 3. DevOps engineers — system administrators 2.0, automate everything through scripts and CI/CD. 4. Network admins — configure routers, firewalls, VPN. 5. L1 Support / Helpdesk - those who help users at the first line (like an IT therapist).
📚 How to become a system administrator from scratch
Understand the base - how networks work, what is IP, what is OS, how servers are arranged
Master Windows and Linux - at least within the framework of basic administration
Understand the networks — TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN
Get certified — for example:
CompTIA A+ / Network+
Microsoft MTA / MCSA
Cisco CCNA
Learn by doing — your own server at home, virtual internships
📱 By the way, you can start learning IT through the app Code — there are simple lessons, practices and explanations even for those who have never written code.
👻 Memes that only system administrators understand:
— Does your Wi-Fi work? — Yes. — And I don't have it. — Well, then you don't have it.
User: "I DIDN'T PRESS ANYTHING!" Computer: "Rebooting in Windows 98 style..."
When the server is running, no one thanks you. When it breaks down, the admin is to blame.
🎮 Conclusions
A system administrator is not just a person who "fixes the printer." This is a specialist who is responsible for the entire IT infrastructure of the company. Without them, the business will simply stop.
If you like technology, logic, order, and you know how to solve problems, this profession can open up good career prospects for you. And you can start learning right now — with a mobile app Code. It's simple, clear and fun, even if you're not from IT at all.