Encyclopedia of Computer Science and Technology

464 system administratorsystem administratorA system administrator is the person responsible for managingthe operations of a computer facility to ensure that itruns properly, meets user needs, and protects the integrityof users’ data. Such facilities range from offices with just afew users to large campus or corporate facilities that may beserved by a large staff of administrators.The system administrator’s responsibilities often include:• setting up accounts for new users• allocating computing resources (such as server space)among users• configuring the file, database, or local area network(LAN) servers• installing new or upgraded software on users’ workstations• keeping up with new versions of the operating systemand networking software• using various tools to monitor the performance ofthe system and to identify potential problems such asdevice “bottlenecks” or a shortage of disk space• ensuring that regular backups are made• configuring network services such as e-mail, Internetaccess, and the intranet (local TCP/IP network)• using tools such as firewalls and virus scanners toprotect the system from viruses, hacker attacks, andother security threats (see also computer crime andsecurity)• providing user orientation and training• creating and documenting policies and proceduresSystem administrators often write scripts to automate manyof the above tasks (see scripting languages). Because ofthe complexity of modern computing environments, anadministrator usually specializes in a particular operatingsystem such as UNIX or Windows.A good system administrator needs not only technicalunderstanding of the many components of the system,but also the ability to communicate well with users—good“people skills.” Larger organizations are more likely to haveseparate network and database administrators, while theadministrator of a small facility must be a jack (or jill) of alltrades.Further ReadingCulp, Brian. Windows Vista Administration: The Definitive Guide.Sebastapol, Calif.: O’Reilly Media, 2007.Frisch, Æleen. Essential System Administration. 3rd ed. Sebastapol,Calif.: O’Reilly Media, 2002.———. Essential Windows NT System Administration. Sebastapol,Calif.: O’Reilly Media, 1998.Information for Linux System Administration (Librenix). Availableonline. URL: http://librenix.com/. Accessed August 22, 2007.Limoncelli, Thomas A., Christina J. Horgan, and Strata R. Chalup.The Practice of System and Network Administration. 2nd ed.Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Addison-Wesley Professional, 2007.Nemeth, Evi, Garth Snyder, and Trent R. Hein. Linux SystemAdministration Handbook. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.:Prentice Hall PTR, 2006.systems analystThe systems analyst serves as the bridge between the needsof the user and the capabilities of the computer system. Thesystems analyst goes into action when users request thatsome new application or function be provided (usually in acorporate computing environment).The first step is to define the user’s requirements and toprepare precise specifications for the program. In doing so,the systems analyst is aided by methodologies developedby computer scientists over the last several decades (seestructured programming and object-oriented programming).Often flowcharts or other aids are used to helpvisualize the operation of the program (see also case).After communicating with the user, the systems analystmust then communicate with the programmers, helpingthem understand what is needed and reviewing their workas they begin to design the program. Although the systemsanalyst may do little actual programming, he or she must befamiliar with programming tools and practices. This maymake it possible to suggest existing software or componentsthat could be adapted instead of undertaking the cost andtime involved with creating a new program. As a programis developed, systems analysts are often responsible fordesigning tests to ensure that the software works properly(see quality assurance, software).Depending on the organizational structure, all or part ofthe analysis function may be included in the job description“programmer-analyst” or included as part of the duties of asenior software engineer or manager of program development.Experienced systems analysts are likely to be calledupon to participate in the evaluation of possible investmentsin new software or hardware, and other aspects oflong-term planning for computing facilities.Further ReadingSatzinger, John W., Robert B. Jackson, and Stephen D. Burd. SystemsAnalysis & Design in a Changing World. 4th ed. Boston:Course Technology, 2006.Shelly, Gary B., Thomas J. Cashman, and Harry J. Rosenblatt. SystemsAnalysis & Design. 7th ed. Boston: Course Technology,2007.Systems Analysis Web Sites. Available online. URL: http://www.umsl.edu/~sauterv/analysis/analysis_links.html. AccessedAugust 22, 2007.Whitten, Jeffrey L., and Lonnie D. Bentley. Introduction to SystemsAnalysis & Design. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2007.———. Systems Analysis & Design Methods. 7th ed. New York:McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2005.systems programmingApplications programmers write programs to help userswork better, while systems programmers write programsto help the computer itself work better (see operating system).Systems programmers generally work for companiesin the computer industry that develop operating systems,