How to Be System Support Administrator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 7, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The System Support Administrator is a critical role in any organization, and is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the technical infrastructure. A well-trained and experienced System Support Administrator can have a huge impact on the overall efficiency and effectiveness of an organization, as they are responsible for the maintenance of the computer systems, networks and software. By providing the necessary technical support, the System Support Administrator can ensure that employees are able to work in an efficient manner, with minimal disruptions.

Furthermore, regular maintenance of the systems can minimize the occurrence of security threats and other potential issues, which can result in costly repairs or downtime. As such, the System Support Administrator plays an important role in facilitating the success of an organization.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step toward becoming a system support administrator is to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field. Courses in this degree program may include software development, computer hardware, computer networks, and programming.
Gain Experience. After earning a bachelor's degree, it is important to gain experience in the field. This may include working as a computer technician or in a help desk setting. It is also beneficial to gain experience with network systems and security.
Obtain Certifications. System support administrators should obtain multiple certifications to demonstrate their expertise in the field. Certifications may include Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), CompTIA A+, and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
Find a Job. Once the necessary qualifications have been met, job seekers can begin searching for system support administrator positions. Many employers require applicants to have relevant experience or certifications.
Maintain Certification. It is important for system support administrators to stay up-to-date with their certifications. This often requires taking continuing education courses and passing exams every few years in order to maintain certification.

To stay ahead and qualified as a System Support Administrator, it is important to stay up to date with the latest technology trends, keep up with software and hardware updates, and become certified in related areas. Keeping up to date with the latest technology trends allows System Support Administrators to quickly identify problems, anticipate potential issues, and find solutions. Staying current on software and hardware updates helps ensure that systems remain secure and reliable.

Finally, becoming certified in related areas gives System Support Administrators the knowledge needed to quickly diagnose and solve problems. By staying ahead of the curve with these three areas, System Support Administrators can remain qualified and successful in their field.

You may want to check Technical Support Manager, IT Support Technician, and IT Support Analyst for alternative.

Job Description

Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
Monitor performance and maintain systems according to requirements.
Troubleshoot hardware and software problems and replace defective components.
Manage user accounts, permissions, email, anti-virus protection, and malware detection.
Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
Monitor network traffic to ensure system performance and security.
Install and configure software and hardware components.
Manage network resources, such as firewalls, routers, switches, and other related devices.
Develop and implement system security measures such as firewalls and data encryption techniques.
Create and maintain system documentation, diagrams, and network maps.
Provide technical support to users for hardware, software, and network-related issues.
Monitor system logs and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
Research new technologies and recommend solutions to improve system performance.

Skills and Competencies to Have

System installation and troubleshooting
Networking and security
Server configuration management
Knowledge of Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems
Virtualization technologies
Cloud computing
Database management
Knowledge of scripting languages
Ability to use monitoring and performance-measuring tools
Problem-solving and analytical skills
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to prioritize tasks and multitask
Project management experience

Having strong problem solving skills is the most important skill for a System Support Administrator. This is because they must be able to quickly identify and troubleshoot any issues that arise with the system. By being able to think critically and systemically, they can develop solutions that are effective and efficient.

having strong communication skills is important, as System Support Administrators must be able to explain complex technical information in an easy-to-understand format. Finally, having a thorough understanding of the system and its components is essential for administrators to be able to support users effectively. All of these skills combined allow System Support Administrators to keep the system running smoothly, and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.

Help Desk Support Analyst, Client Support Manager, and IT Systems Support Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a System Support Administrator?
How would you go about troubleshooting a system issue?
What techniques do you use to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies?
How comfortable are you working on servers and in a server environment?
Describe your experience working with users to diagnose and solve technical issues.
What methods do you use to ensure that the systems you maintain are secure and compliant?
Describe how you handle multiple requests and prioritize them in a timely manner.
What is your experience in developing and maintaining system documentation?
How do you handle difficult customers, and how do you handle and resolve their complaints?
What tools do you use to monitor system performance and detect potential issues?

Common Tools in Industry

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). A tool used to access a remote computer or server. (e. g. Windows Remote Desktop Connection)
SSH. A secure network protocol used to access a remote computer or server. (e. g. PuTTY)
Network Monitoring Tools. Tools used to track and analyze network health and performance. (e. g. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor)
System Administration Tools. Programs used for system configuration and maintenance. (e. g. Sysinternals Suite)
Backup/Restore Software. Tools used to create and manage backups of data and systems. (e. g. Acronis True Image)
Patching Software. Programs used to manage software updates and patches. (e. g. Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager)
Virtualization Software. Applications used to emulate computer hardware and operating systems. (e. g. VMware Workstation)
Security Software. Software designed to protect networks and systems from malicious activity. (e. g. McAfee VirusScan)

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2
System Administrators Guild (SAGE)
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
Linux Professional Institute (LPI)
International Association of Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (IAMCSE)
American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T)
International Webmasters Association (IWA)

We also have Network Support Technician, Technical Assistance Center/Help Desk Technician, and Network Support Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Network Administrator. An individual responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting and optimizing a computer network.
System Administrator. An individual responsible for the configuration, management, and maintenance of a computer system.
Database Administrator. An individual responsible for ensuring the availability, performance, and security of a database.
Security Administrator. An individual responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining security measures on a computer system.
Backup Administrator. An individual responsible for setting up and maintaining backups of data on a computer system.
Cloud Administrator. An individual responsible for managing and administering a cloud computing environment.
Help Desk Technician. An individual responsible for providing technical support to customers regarding computer software and hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What does a System Support Administrator do? A1: A System Support Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems, networks, and related infrastructure. They provide technical assistance to users, troubleshoot issues, and ensure that systems are running smoothly. Q2: What qualifications are necessary for a System Support Administrator? A2: Qualifications for a System Support Administrator typically include a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Knowledge of operating systems, networks, and hardware is also required. Q3: What type of environment do System Support Administrators work in? A3: System Support Administrators typically work in office settings, but may occasionally work remotely. Q4: How much does a System Support Administrator typically earn? A4: The average salary for a System Support Administrator is around $50,000 per year. Q5: What skills are important for a System Support Administrator? A5: Important skills for a System Support Administrator include strong technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, communication skills, and the ability to work independently.