System Administration Basics

System Administration Overview

• Managing and maintaining computer systems and networks within an organization
• Ensures IT systems function efficiently, securely, and reliably

What System Administration Involves

• Managing, configuring, and maintaining hardware, software, and networks of an organization's IT infrastructure
• System administrators or sysadmins are responsible for these tasks

Core Responsibilities of a System Administrator

• System Management: installing, configuring, and updating operating systems like Windows Server, Linux, and macOS
• System Management: managing user accounts, permissions, and authentication mechanisms
• Network Administration: configuring and maintaining network devices like routers, switches, and firewalls
• Network Administration: monitoring network performance and resolving connectivity issues
• Network Administration: implementing security protocols to protect the network from threats
• Hardware and Software Maintenance: ensuring servers, desktops, laptops, and other hardware are functional and up to date
• Hardware and Software Maintenance: managing software installations, updates, and patches
• Security Administration: implementing and enforcing security policies like password policies and access controls
• Security Administration: monitoring systems for vulnerabilities and addressing security incidents
• Security Administration: managing antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems
• Data Management: implementing data backup and recovery solutions
• Data Management: ensuring data integrity and compliance with organizational policies and regulations
• Data Management: managing storage systems and cloud services
• Performance Monitoring and Troubleshooting: monitoring system performance to identify bottlenecks or failures
• Performance Monitoring and Troubleshooting: troubleshooting hardware, software, and network issues
• Performance Monitoring and Troubleshooting: analyzing logs and using diagnostic tools to resolve problems
• Automation and Scripting: writing scripts to automate routine tasks like backups, updates, and monitoring
• Automation and Scripting: using configuration management tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef to manage large-scale deployments
• Documentation and Reporting: maintaining detailed documentation of systems, configurations, and procedures
• Documentation and Reporting: generating reports on system performance, security incidents, and updates

Key Skills for System Administrators

• Technical Proficiency: knowledge of operating systems, networking, databases, and scripting languages
• Problem-Solving: ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues effectively
• Communication: clear communication with team members, vendors, and stakeholders
• Adaptability: staying current with emerging technologies and adapting to new challenges
• Security Awareness: proficiency in recognizing and mitigating security threats

Common Tools Used by System Administrators

• Monitoring Tools: Nagios, Zabbix, SolarWinds
• Backup Solutions: Veeam, Acronis, Bacula
• Virtualization Platforms: VMware, Hyper-V, KVM
• Cloud Services: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform
• Configuration Management: Ansible, Puppet, Chef
• Version Control Systems: Git, GitHub, GitLab

Challenges in System Administration

• Keeping systems secure in an evolving threat landscape
• Managing complex IT infrastructures in hybrid or cloud environments
• Ensuring minimal downtime during updates and maintenance
• Balancing multiple responsibilities with limited resources

Career Path and Certifications

• Professionals pursue certifications such as CompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Certifications validate knowledge/skills for competitive job market

Conclusion About System Administration

• System administration ensures the stability, security, and efficiency of IT systems
• System administrators manage complex systems and enable organizational success through technical expertise, adaptability, problem-solving skills, and continuous learning

Computer System Hardware Overview

• Aims to explain how various components of the computer work together
• Each component serves a specific instructions

Motherboard Details

• Central printed circuit board (PCB)
• Connects all the components, which includes CPU, memory, storage, and peripheral devices
• Functions include providing slots/sockets for components like CPU, RAM, and GPUs
• Houses the chipset which manages data flow between CPU, memory, and peripherals
• Includes BIOS or UEFI for booting the computer
• Serves as the communication hub

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Often called the "brain"
• Performs calculations, processes instructions, and manages tasks
• Executes instructions from software
• Performs arithmetic and logical operations
• Controls data flow
• Uses internal caches (L1, L2, L3) for quick data access
• Communicates with RAM, processes them, and sends the results to output devices or storage

Random Access Memory (RAM)

• Computer's short-term memory
• Stores data that the CPU is currently using
• Provides fast read/write access and holds instructions and data for running applications
• Works with the CPU, acting as temporary storage
• Retrieves data from slower storage (SSD or HDD) when necessary

Storage Devices

• Permanently holds data even when the computer is off
• Common storage types are Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid State Drives (SSDs)
• Stores operating system, applications, and user data
• Allows retrieval and saving of files for long-term use
• Data is loaded into RAM and CPU retrieves data indirectly through motherboard bus

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

• Converts electrical power from a wall outlet into usable power for the computer's internal components
• Supplies power to all components through connectors
• Provides voltage regulation for stable power delivery
• Powers motherboard, CPU, storage, and peripherals

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

• Handles rendering images, videos, and animations
• Integrated into CPU or exists as a separate card
• Accelerates graphics rendering for gaming, video editing, and 3D modeling
• Offloads graphical computations from CPU
• Interacts with the CPU and RAM to process graphical data to the display

Input and Output Devices

• Allow users to interact with the computer and receive output
• Examples = keyboards, mice, monitors, and printers
• Input Devices: provides data and instructions to the computer, like typing on a keyboard
• Output Devices: display results from computations such as a monitor showing processed data
• Input devices send data to the CPU via the motherboard
• Output devices receive processed data for display or action

Cooling Systems

• Fans and heat sinks prevent overheating of components like the CPU and GPU
• Dissipates heat generated by components during operation
• Maintains optimal operating temperatures to avoid hardware damage
• Ensures CPU, GPU, and other hardware operate efficiently without thermal throttling or shutdowns

How Components Interact

• Data Flow: User inputs data > CPU processes data using RAM/storage devices > GPU renders visual output on a monitor
• Power & Communication: PSU provides power > Motherboard acts as communication hub
• Real-Time Operation: Cooling system maintains temperature > Operating system coordinates hardware operations via device drivers

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Defined

• Policies, procedures, and practices aimed at ensuring safety, health, and well-being in the workplace

OHS Objectives

• Prevent workplace injuries/illnesses by minimizing physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic hazards
• Promote a safe work environment by fostering a culture where safety is a priority
• Comply with legal/regulatory requirements by ensuring adherence to safety laws/standards
• Reduce absenteeism and increase morale/efficiency

Significance of OHS in Computer Hardware Work

• Essential for employee well-being
• Critical, as unsafe practices can lead to injuries, hardware damage, and reduced productivity

Why OHS Matters in Computer Hardware Work

• Protecting Workers from Physical Hazards: Handling tools, sharp components, and heavy equipment can cause cuts, sprains, and back strain
• OHS Examples: ergonomic lifting and wearing protective gloves
• Preventing Electrical Hazards: Improper handling of electrical hardware can result in shocks/short circuits
• OHS Protocols: workers understand safety procedures, such as turning off/unplugging devices before maintenance
• Minimizing Eye and Postural Strain: prolonged work with screens/hardware assembly strains eyes and musculoskeletal system
• OHS Solutions: ergonomic workstation setups and regular breaks
• Avoiding Environmental Hazards: Some components contain hazardous materials (lead, cadmium, mercury)
• OHS Policies: safe disposal practices and proper ventilation
• Ensuring Proper Use of Tools and Equipment: misuse of tools cause accidents
• OHS Training: workers use correct tools safely

OHS Best Practices

• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment to recognize risks and prioritize mitigation
• Ergonomic Setup: Adjustable chairs/desks, proper screen and keyboard positioning
• Proper Handling of Electrical Components: Antistatic wrist straps and mats to prevent ESD

Other OHS Practices

• Ensuring devices are off/unplugged before maintenance
• Using personal protective equipment (PPE): gloves, goggles, antistatic gear, closed-toe shoes
• Ensure proper space ventilation/dust control
• Safe Disposal of E-Waste: Adhering to environmental guidelines/designated bins
• Provide Training and Awareness of best practices

Benefits of OHS

• Improved Employee Safety: Reduced injuries, creating a safer workplace
• Better Hardware Protection: Proper handling prevents damage/reduces costs
• Enhanced Productivity: Workers focus without fear of accidents/discomfort
• Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to standards ensures compliance/avoids penalties
• Environmental Responsibility: Proper disposal of hazardous materials demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability

OHS Measures

• Technician ensures computer is unplugged/power supply discharged
• ESD is avoided with antistatic wristbands/gloves
• Well-lit, ventilated space with organized tools is used to prevent accidents
• E-waste is safely disposed

Troubleshooting in System Administration and Computer Maintenance

• Fundamental skill for diagnosing, analyzing, and resolving IT issues to minimize downtime, enhance performance, and ensure business continuity

Importance of Troubleshooting

• Reduces downtime and improves system availability, identifies recurring issues for long-term fixes; enhances security by detecting vulnerabilities, and optimizes system performance/user experience

Troubleshooting Methodology Steps

• Problem Identification: gather info from logs, replicate the issue, and check for recent changes
• Establish Cause Theory: analyze symptoms, utilize historical data, and eliminate potential sources
• Test the Theory: hypotheses validation, use diagnostic tools, and approach adjustment as needed
• Action Plan Development: identify best solution, considering potential risks and communicating disruptions
• Solution Implementation: execute the solution carefully and monitor unintended consequences
• Fix Verification: retest, gather user feedback, and monitor system logs
• Process Documentation: record issue, root cause, applied solution to aid future troubleshooting

Common Troubleshooting Scenarios

• Network Connectivity: check connections, use diagnostic tools, and verify configurations
• Hardware Failures: identify faulty components, check temps/power, and repair/replace
• OS/Software Errors: review system logs

Troubleshooting Additional Steps

• Reinstall or update problematic software and restore from backups if necessary

Security Breaches and Vulnerabilities

• Analyze logs, promptly apply security scans/patches, and reset credentials/enforce policies

Performance Degradation

• Check resource usage, terminate high-resource processes, and optimize configurations

Common Computer Issues

• Slow Performance: Clear cache, remove programs, upgrade hardware
• Startup Problems: Check BIOS, boot sequence, repair OS files
• Application Crashes: Update/reinstall, check compatibility
• Peripheral Issues: Ensure connection/driver updates
• Internet Issues: Restart router, update drivers, check ISP outages

Best Practices for Effective Troubleshooting

• Be methodical, use reliable tools, collaborate, and maintain documentation

Preventative Measures

• Performing regular updates, backups, and monitoring

IT Infrastructure Defined

• Combined hardware, software, networks, data centers, provides foundation for operations

Key Components of IT Infrastructure Include

• Hardware: Servers, computers, networking equipment, storage, and power/cooling systems
• Software: Operating systems, enterprise applications, cybersecurity tools, and cloud platforms
• Networking: Internet/intranet, LAN/WAN, VPNs/SD-WAN, and wireless networks
• Data: On-premise/cloud, redundant power/cooling, and high-speed
• Cloud Computing: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS); Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS); Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
• Cybersecurity: Firewalls, intrusion detection, endpoint security, IAM, and encryption
• IT Support Tools and Management: ITSM Platforms, monitoring, backup, and disaster
• IT Infrastructure Types include: traditional (on-premise), cloud (hosted), and hybrid (mixed)