how to become system admin

[il_maniscalco]

I was hired as a webdeveloper, but my firm needs also a system admin. At the moment, there's a person who cares about all the network, tools, softwares, and so on, but he's a bit overwhelmed as he has also other duties.
I have some light knowledges about all the matter, but sure I need solid fundamentals.
I should know every single machine duties and needs, I should know the IP hiearchy, how the email are provided, where are the network storages, how the network is arranged and everything else.
You for sure thought I should ask to that person (I can't define him a system admin as as I said he has other duties, and because of he's an engineer and a bit capable to maintain all, but I'm sure the network is not optimized and every day there's a problem.
Is there any book, course, etc, which can teach me the basis of the system administration art?

(Ok I'm a programmer but still junior but I like to learn and I think it's always useful for developing knowing all the matter).

Thanks

[HermanAB]

Do a Redhat system administration course, followed by a Microsoft course. Two of those together would be a good start.

[irv]

I am a retired IT guy and years ago I took a course that was given by Cisco on Networking. It was a course to become a certified Network Engineer. There were level in the course that brought you up to speed in steps. It was one of the best courses I ever took.

First you need to know about computers. Many many years ago I took some course on computer architects. But I never got into Computer science.

I always said if a young person became good at and was a certified Network Engineer he would have a very good future.

I guess the one good thing for me was the company I worked for paid for me to take this course. If you find that they are still offering this course, and I would think there are, go for it.

[Frogs Hair]

There are classes at many community collages with an IT department.At my collage many of the IT programs require the same basic classes and the administrator and other programs branch out from there with more specialized courses.

This is what the course covers and there are internships required.


Implement and manage system administration security.
Install and maintain server hardware, software and operating systems.
Manage a network environment with various network operating systems such as Windows and Linux.
Configure a variety of network equipment including routers and switches.
Develop and maintain technical documentation.
Implement methods to monitor and increase network performance.
Implement emerging technologies such as virtualization.
Manage network projects.
Support, monitor and maintain desktop computers.
Install desktop computers, printers and peripherals.
Evaluate hardware and software and recommend improvements and upgrades.
Solve problems both individually and in a team environment.
Communicate effectively with team members and customers.

[il_maniscalco]

Thanks, but I was thinking to begin with a book.
I've picked "Essential system administration" and hope will be good choice.

[irv]

Thanks, but I was thinking to begin with a book.
I've picked "Essential system administration" and hope will be good choice.

Reading is good. I learned a lot by reading, but if you are really series about becoming a system administrator you will have to take the next step after reading is to start taking some good courses.

[rk0r]

What you should do is ask if you can sit with the system admin team and watch them do their daily tasks. By doing this you are showing that you are keen to learn and want to delve in the system admin function.

The job title " System Admin " aka " LAN Admin " is usually confused as someone who maintains network connectivity ( network engineer) or Wintel Admin ( server patches builds).

It would prove pointless to learn cisco networks unless you wanted to be a network engineer, a specific title held in larger organisations as a specialist role ( contracted ).

What company do you work for ?

[il_maniscalco]

What company do you work for ?

oh well medium sized-company where the boss thinks there's no need of system admin. So there's a solo engineer who in the spare time cares about the systems. I found a lot of mess in the company and that person says he needs help...

[Frogs Hair]

Thanks, but I was thinking to begin with a book.
I've picked "Essential system administration" and hope will be good choice.

I posted the program description to give you an idea what was covered in a system administrator program. If you able to get the position and be successful without further formal education that's wonderful.