Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Other Titles
Information Analyst, Information Systems Manager (IS Manager), Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), LAN Specialist (Local Area Network Specialist), Local Area Network Administrator (LAN Administrator), Network Administrator, Network Coordinator, Network Manager, Network Specialist, Systems Administrator
Install, configure, and support an organisation'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.
Network and Computer System Administrators are assigned with ensuring the upkeep of a company's networks. This involves making sure that communication across the company's networks takes place normally and that the relevant hardware and software stay functional and up-to-date. On a routine basis, their main tasks include identifying problems that may occur within a network and then resolving them as quickly as possible. Administrators may have a more specific focus resulting in many sub-types such as network administrator and server administrator.
Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks, and to coordinate computer network access and use.
Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments need to be made, and to determine where changes will need to be made in the future.
Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
Analyze equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement.
Confer with network users about how to solve existing system problems.
Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.
Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.
Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records.
Load computer tapes and disks, and install software and printer paper or forms.
Train people in computer system use.
Maintain logs related to network functions, as well as maintenance and repair records.
Gather data pertaining to customer needs, and use the information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements.
Coordinate with vendors and with company personnel to facilitate purchases.
Implement and provide technical support for voice services and equipment, such as private branch exchange, voice mail system, and telecom system.
Maintain an inventory of parts for emergency repairs.
Research new technologies by attending seminars, reading trade articles, or taking classes, and implement or recommend the implementation of new technologies.
Critical Thinking→ Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making→ Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension→ Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Systems Analysis→ Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Active Listening→ Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving→ Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring→ Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Systems Evaluation→ Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Troubleshooting→ Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Programming→ Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operation Monitoring→ Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Quality Control Analysis→ Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Active Learning→ Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Operations Analysis→ Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Time Management→ Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Writing→ Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Coordination→ Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Equipment Maintenance→ Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Management of Personnel Resources→ Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics→ Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operation and Control→ Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Repairing→ Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Service Orientation→ Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness→ Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Interacting With Computers→ Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems→ Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge→ Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Getting Information→ Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work→ Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events→ Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Processing Information→ Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates→ Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others→ Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Documenting/Recording Information→ Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Analyzing Data or Information→ Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Thinking Creatively→ Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings→ Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Developing Objectives and Strategies→ Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Scheduling Work and Activities→ Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Controlling Machines and Processes→ Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles.
Training and Teaching Others→ Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
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.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources→ Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Maintain computer networks to enhance performance and user access.
Implement security measures for computer or information systems.
Create electronic data backup to prevent loss of information.
Resolve computer network problems.
Resolve computer software problems.
Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
Monitor the performance of computer networks.
Develop computer or information security policies or procedures.
Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
Provide technical support for computer network issues.
Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements.
Identify information technology project resource requirements.
Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.
Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
Design integrated computer systems.
Test computer hardware performance.
Test software performance.
Document operational activities.
Install computer hardware.
Train others in computer interface or software use.
Document network-related activities or tasks.
Collect data about customer needs.
Coordinate resource procurement activities.
Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
Maintain the inventory of equipment.
Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.
Problem Sensitivity→ The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Information Ordering→ The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g. , patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Written Comprehension→ The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning→ The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning→ The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Near Vision→ The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension→ The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Speech Recognition→ The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Category Flexibility→ The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Fluency of Ideas→ The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Written Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Flexibility of Closure→ The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Originality→ The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Selective Attention→ The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Clarity→ The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Mathematical Reasoning→ The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility→ The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Perceptual Speed→ The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Computers and Electronics→ Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Language→ Knowledge of the structure and content of the language - English, French; Swahili et cetera - including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service→ Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Engineering and Technology→ Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics→ Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Telecommunications→ Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Clerical→ Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Access software -- Access management software; Remote desktop control software; Citrix; Mac HelpMate
Administration software -- Network management software; Network documentation software; Network address management software; Network documentation software; Network shutdown software; Simple network management protocol SNMP software; Cisco Systems CiscoWorks; Hewlett-Packard HP Network Node Manager; SolarWinds
Analytical or scientific software -- Root cause analysis software; SAS; StataCorp Stata
Application server software -- e.g., GitHub; Citrix XenApp; Docker; Oracle WebLogic Server; Red Hat WildFly
Authentication server software -- Password management software
Backup or archival software -- System and data disaster recovery software; Symantec Ghost Solution Suite; Veritas NetBackup
Business intelligence and data analysis software -- e.g., Digiterra; MicroStrategy; IBM Cognos Impromptu; Qlik Tech QlikView; Tableau
Communications server software -- Collaborative client-server software
Compiler and decompiler software -- Command interpreters
Computer aided design CAD software -- Computer aided design and drafting CADD software; Dassault Systemes CATIA
Computer based training software
Configuration management software -- Application management software; Automated installation software; Microsoft Windows Sysprep; Chef; Perforce Helix software; Puppet; VMWare
Content workflow software -- e.g., TruEdit; Atlassian JIRA
Customer relationship management CRM software -- e.g., Sage; BluWave; Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
Database management system software -- Relational database management software; MySQL; Apache Hadoop; Elasticsearch; MongoDB; Teradata Database
Database reporting software -- e.g., SQL Server Reporting Services; SAP Crystal Reports
Database user interface and query software -- Data entry software; Transact-SQL ; Structured query language SQL; Microsoft SQL Server; Amazon Redshift; Microsoft Access; Oracle JDBC
Desktop communications software -- Secure shell SSH software
Desktop publishing software -- e.g., Adobe InDesign; Microsoft Publisher
Development environment software -- Systems and applications migration software; Integrated development environment IDE software; Common business oriented language COBOL; Apache Ant ; C; Microsoft Visual Basic ; Ruby; Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript etc
Document management software -- e.g., Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
Electronic mail software -- e.g., Zoho Mail; Microsoft Exchange Server ; Microsoft Outlook; Google Gmail
Enterprise application integration software -- Systems integration software; Extensible markup language XML; Enterprise application integration EAI software; Atlassian Bamboo; IBM WebSphere
Enterprise resource planning ERP software -- e.g., Sage ERP; Sapama ERP; Xero; Microsoft Dynamics; NetSuite ERP; Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne; SAP
Enterprise system management software -- e.g., IBM Power Systems software; Splunk Enterprise
Expert system software -- e.g., Ansible software
File versioning software -- e.g., Git; Apache Subversion SVN
Financial analysis software -- SWOT analysis; Ratio analysis software
Gateway software -- e.g., Microsoft Windows Terminal Services Access Manager
Graphical user interface development software -- Widget toolkit
Graphics or photo imaging software -- e.g., Adobe Systems Adobe Fireworks; Adobe Systems Adobe Flash; Microsoft Visio
Helpdesk or call center software -- Help desk software
Human resources software -- Human resource management software HRMS; Sage HR; Endeavour Africa HR Master; Oracle Taleo
Industrial control software -- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Internet directory services software -- Domain name system DNS; Network addressable storage NAS software; Active directory software; Berkeley Internet Domain Name BIND
Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software -- Voice over internet protocol VoiP system software; Open source routing protocols OSPF
Map creation software -- Geographic information system GIS software; ESRI ArcGIS software
Medical software
Metadata management software -- e.g., CA Erwin Data Modeler
Network monitoring software -- Remote monitoring software; Online traffic calculator software; Network and application load and performance testing software; Network and component performance analysis software; Network availability monitoring software; Network intrusion prevention systems NIPS; Network modeling, mapping, and analysis software; Network traffic flow monitoring and analysis software; Network traffic probe software; Novell NetWare Management Station; Nagios; Snort; Wireshark
Network operating system enhancement software -- Management information base MIB software; Network, server and operating system optimization software; Operating system process control software
Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software -- Firewall software; Network intrusion detection software; Virtual private networking VPN software
Network security or virtual private network VPN management software -- Network and system vulnerability assessment software; Intrusion prevention system IPS; OpenService Open NerveCenter; Security incident management software
Object or component oriented development software -- e.g., C++ ; jQuery ; Oracle Java ; Python
Object oriented Database management software -- e.g., Hibernate ORM; PostgreSQL
Office suite software -- e.g., Gogle Suite; Microsoft Office
Operating system software -- e.g., Microsoft Windows; Hewlett Packard HP-UX; Apple macOS; KornShell; Linux; Oracle Solaris; Shell script
Optical network management software
Pattern design software -- Diagramming software
Platform interconnectivity software -- Virtual network computing VNC software
Portal server software -- e.g., Apache HTTP Server
Presentation software -- e.g., Google Slides; Microsoft PowerPoint
Program testing software -- Computer system diagnostics software; Hewlett Packard LoadRunner
Project management software -- e.g., Sapama projects; Xero; Microsoft Project; Microsoft SharePoint; Confluence; Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Requirements analysis and system architecture software -- Requirements management software
Sales and marketing software -- e.g., Mailchimp; HubSpot; Marketo Marketing Automation
Spreadsheet software -- e.g., Google Sheets; Microsoft Excel
Storage networking software -- Storage area network SAN software
Transaction security and virus protection software -- Root kit detection software; Kaspersky; Symantec; Honeypot; McAfee
Transaction server software -- Customer information control system CICS
Web page creation and editing software -- e.g., Google Sites; Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
Web platform development software -- Hypertext markup language HTML; Extensible HyperText Markup Language XHTML; Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML; Django; Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP; Node.js
Cable accessories→ Cable verifiers
Computer tool kits
Desktop computers
Digital testers→ Bit error rate testers BERT
Hard disk arrays→ Redundant array of independent disks RAID systems
Interferometers→ Optical spectrum analyzers
Mainframe computers
Network analyzers→ Asynchronous transfer mode ATM analyzers; Communications analyzers; Synchronous optical network SONET analyzers; T-Birds
Network switches
Notebook computers
Power meters→ Powerline monitors
Protocol analyzers
Punches or nail sets or drifts→ Punchdown tools
Reflectometers→ Optical time domain reflectometers OTDR
Screwdrivers
Server load balancer→ Load balancers
Tape arrays→ Tape libraries
Wire lug crimping tool→ Wire crimpers
Investigative→ Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Realistic→ Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional→ Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Enterprising→ Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Analytical Thinking→ Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.
Cooperation→ Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Independence→ Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative→ Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Adaptability/Flexibility→ Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Innovation→ Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Concern for Others→ Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Leadership→ Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Social Orientation→ Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Working Conditions→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Support→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Achievement→ Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.