Network Administrator

What do Network Administrators do?

• Every company with a set of computers need a Network Administrator. 25% of all jobs in IT are in this area.
• A computer network is a set of computers all hooked to each other or to one main computer that share information. Networks allow for all users to be able to access the same set of information and resources. The World Wide Web is a kind of global network. Computers in offices are often part of a local area network (LAN).
• The Network Engineers and Administrators hook computers together so that networks can function.
• A Network Administrator needs to know about software and operating systems like Windows NT or Novell Netware and needs to know about hardware, like which cables to use or how to install modems or network cards.

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What's the work like?

Network technicians keep the network running smoothly. This includes:

• making sure that no unauthorized users have entered the network.
• making sure there is enough memory for the network to run efficiently.
• adding new users to the network and configuring new devices, such as printers, to be used in the network.
• making regular backups of the information in the network so that if it crashes, nothing is lost.
• When things are running smoothly, the job of a network technician can be routine and predictable.
• When something goes wrong, though, the network technician has to be ready and able to respond to users quickly.
• The network technician must be able to troubleshoot and problem-solve so that the network gets up and running quickly again. The work of the network technician can sometimes be quite exciting then.