what does a system administrator do?

[jeff-/qp0DKbAOldBDgjK7y7TUQ at public.gmane.org]

#1 rule, don't ever get bored :) Most of the time it's routine checking
logs, performing updates, backup, budgeting, repair, listen to users
complaints, etc.. and helping other users cope with their problems. Other
than that I spend time finding ways to better the current systems. Also,
like what they say make sure you're ready to drop whatever you are doing
i.e. not critical to help out a fellow employee. Make sure you get a lot of
face time just roam around and ask if they need any help. Also, be prepared
to spend long hours fixing problems :)

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-tlug-lxSQFCZeNF4 at public.gmane.org [mailto:owner-tlug-lxSQFCZeNF4 at public.gmane.org] On Behalf Of Franco
Saliola
Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2005 3:26 PM
To: tlug-lxSQFCZeNF4 at public.gmane.org
Subject: [TLUG]: what does a system administrator do?

Hello there everyone.

In September I took over a part-time system administrator position for
small university computer lab. It has about 20 computers. They're all
linux machines, running RedHat Enterprise Linux. The position is
supposed to be the equivalent of a teaching-assistantship (10-15 hours
per week) at the university (I'm a graduate student and avoiding
freshman by administering). I basically got the job because no one
else wanted it (and because I have some linux experience).

Besides a near hard drive failure on the mail/http server, there have
not been many problems. In fact, this job has required very little of
me, most of my time is spent helping users with specific problems (How
do I listen to CBC radio online? How do I set environment variables?
How do I print single-sided?) So I'm wondering if I'm doing something
wrong. So here is the question.

What should a system administrator be doing? Or what is expected of a
system administrator?

Do you have any suggestions for resources for a good administrator
book (with an emphasize on security preferably)?

Thanks for your time,
Franco

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