Intro to SysAdmins & Network Management

Workstations

• Workstations require management through automation for updates and deployments, enabling consistency.
• Standardization of hardware and software simplifies troubleshooting and updates.
• Workstation security involves implementing user access controls and performing regular updates.

Servers

• Servers must prioritize reliability, scalability, and manageability.
• Redundant components, such as RAID storage and power supplies, help avoid single points of failure.
• Use automation tools like Ansible, Chef, or Puppet for consistent server configurations.
• Continuous monitoring of server performance and health is essential to preemptively address issues.

Services

• IT services need to be designed for high availability and performance.
• Scalability and redundancy are vital for minimizing service downtime.
• Monitoring tools should track service performance, allowing for quick issue resolution through automated alerts.

Data Centers

• A well-maintained data center is crucial for infrastructure uptime and reliability.
• Efficient power management, cooling systems, and organized cabling are foundational for physical infrastructure.
• Data centers should be scalable to accommodate future growth in power, cooling, and space.
• Redundant networking, power supplies, and storage systems mitigate hardware failure impacts.

Networks

• Reliable and high-performance network design is essential for connectivity.
• Redundant paths and failover mechanisms ensure continuous network connectivity.
• Network performance and congestion issues can be tracked with monitoring tools.
• Security measures, including firewalls and VPNs, prevent unauthorized access.

Documentation

• Thorough documentation of systems and configurations is critical for effective management and transition.
• Configuration documentation should include network diagrams, server specifications, and software versions.
• Change tracking allows administrators to maintain a history of system updates and issues.
• Documentation aids in knowledge sharing, supporting new team members and process consistency.

Disaster Recovery

• Disaster recovery (DR) planning is essential for business continuity and maintaining data integrity.
• Regularly scheduled and tested backups ensure preparedness for data recovery.
• Comprehensive DR plans outline procedures for service restoration.
• Backup integrity must be verified to prevent corruption during recovery processes.
• Periodic testing of disaster recovery plans ensures swift system restoration after outages.

Security Policy

• Clearly defined security policies are crucial for protecting systems and data.
• Adopt the principle of least privilege for access control, limiting user permissions to essential functions.
• Regular application of security patches protects against vulnerabilities in all systems.
• A defined incident response plan is necessary to effectively manage security breaches.

Ethics

• System administrators wield significant power and must adhere to ethical standards.
• Privacy and confidentiality of user data require appropriate handling.
• Transparency in actions, especially involving user data or impactful changes, is vital.
• Administrators bear responsibility for the reliability and security of systems, necessitating ethical behavior to sustain trust.

Helpdesks

• The helpdesk is the main communication interface between IT and users.
• Implementing a ticketing system helps track and prioritize support requests, preventing oversight.
• A comprehensive knowledge base allows users to resolve common issues independently, reducing helpdesk workload.
• Collaboration between helpdesks and system administrators enhances problem resolution for complex issues.

Customer Care

• Providing outstanding customer service is a core aspect of system administration.
• Clear communication with users involves explaining technical issues effectively and managing resolution expectations.