Lecture-1-Introduction-to-Network-and-System-Administration.pdf

Introduction to Network and System Administration Network and system administration is a branch of engineering focused on operational management of human-computer systems. It involves assembling, running, and maintaining computer networks, balancing the needs of users and the broader community....

Introduction to Network and System Administration Network and system administration is a branch of engineering focused on operational management of human-computer systems. It involves assembling, running, and maintaining computer networks, balancing the needs of users and the broader community. by Joemarie Gelano Role of System Administrators 1 User Support System administrators support users to enable productivity. 2 Community Responsibility They balance individual needs with the benefit of the whole community. 3 Global Network Management System administrators manage a global network of machines and organizations. Challenges of Global Connectivity Interconnectedness Being connected to the Internet means interacting with all other connected computers. Security and Privacy Consider the security and privacy implications of global connectivity. The Complexity of System Administration 1 Hardware System administration involves hardware, software, user support, diagnosis, repair, and prevention. 2 Software It requires a broad skill set: technical, administrative, and socio- psychological. 3 User Support System administrators must be able to troubleshoot complex issues and provide effective support to users. Terminology in System Administration System Administration Network Administration Traditionally involves managing computers Focuses on managing network infrastructure (routers, (mainframes, UNIX systems), networked or not. switches). Applying Technology in an Environment Hardware Configurations Building hardware configurations. Software Systems Configuring software systems. Compatibility Ensuring hardware-software compatibility. Environmental Constraints Hardware Requires power, climate control, and standard conformance. Software Depends on hardware and operating systems but is less constrained physically. Purpose-Driven Technology Business Goals Technology decisions should align with business or operational goals. Action Guidance Guides actions and decisions in system administration. The Human Role in Systems System administration requires patience, understanding, and experience. Administrators act as doctors, psychologists, and mechanics, managing crises with limited resources. Ethical Issues in System Administration Ethical considerations must guide decisions in system administration. Protecting individual rights while maximizing productivity and minimizing costs is crucial. Is System Administration a Discipline? This presentation explores the evolving nature of system administration, examining its scientific foundations, challenges, and ethical considerations. by Joemarie Gelano Debate on Scientific Nature Lack of Experimental Data Potential for Scientific Approach System administration lacks the controlled System administration can adopt a more scientific experiments common to traditional sciences. approach through rigorous analysis and data-driven decision-making. Market and Academic Recognition 1 Growing Market 2 Career in Engineering The market for system administration System administration is increasingly consulting is expanding. recognized as an engineering career. The Challenges of System Administration Network Design Designing efficient and logical networks is a key challenge. Scalable Deployment Deploying scalable machines and services is crucial for growth. Security and User Comfort Planning for security, user comfort, and error resolution is essential. Knowledge Management Managing vast and evolving knowledge is a constant challenge. Common Practice vs. Good Practice Best Practice Skepticism Questioning the rationale behind widely accepted practices is important. Informed Skepticism Constant re-evaluation of practices is essential for adaptation. Bugs and Emergent Phenomena Reality of Bugs Operating systems and software are full of bugs. Creativity Working around bugs requires creativity and problem- solving skills. Sources of Bugs Poor quality control, software clashes, cosmic rays, viruses, etc. Meta Principles of System Administration Policy is the Foundation System administration starts with a clear policy outlining goals and tolerances. Predictability Aim for a predictable system to ensure reliability and security. Scalability Systems should grow in accordance with policy, maintaining predictability even as they scale.