Best Free Server Administration Resources & Tutorials

There are plenty of professionals who are eager to learn server administration but hesitate because of the perceived up-front costs. Comprehensive training in server administration can cost $8,000-$14,000 and last three to six months. However, individuals can learn popular tools and coding languages used in server administration for free. A surprising amount of free resources are available to help beginners get the hang of this exciting program. 

Read on to learn more about free resources and tutorials available to help you learn server administration. 

What is Server Administration?

Server administration involves the management of computer servers. It includes several tasks, such as upgrading software and hardware, storing and organizing data, and developing processes and protocols. Server Administrators work with end-users to access information, recover lost passwords, and troubleshoot technical problems with both hardware and software. Server Administrators also play an important role in cybersecurity. They are responsible for updating database security, including setting up antivirus and firewall programs. They work closely with the IT team to update protocols and processes and educate end-users on security best practices. 

Server Administrators play a crucial role in managing and securing company data and information. Individuals interested in a career as a Server Administrator require coding knowledge in programming languages such as Java, C++, and Python. They also need to know how to set up and create custom databases. Server Administrators make an average salary in the US of $70,000 a year, though this may swing heavily in either direction depending on your area. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for server administrators is expected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029. 

Read more about what server administration is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Server Administration?

Server administration can be an exciting and fulfilling career. Server Administrators play a vital role in maintaining company information and troubleshooting end-user issues. In this way, Server Administrators know their services are always needed to help the company and its employees flourish. Serving in an essential role can lead to a sense of fulfillment with seeing that one’s job duties have a daily impact. Every company needs ways to manage its data and keep information secure in today's digital world. Thus, Server Administrators can impact virtually any industry of their choosing.

Server administration is an excellent role for individuals who enjoy problem-solving. Whether troubleshooting hardware, identifying needed systems patches or analyzing system logs, Server Administrators face daily challenges and get to flex their intellectual muscles. Server Administrators also experience the thrill of working with new technologies. Over the past few decades, Server Administrators have moved from physical servers to cloud servers. Cybersecurity threats also continue to grow and involve. For individuals who like learning new things, Server administration possesses opportunities for gaining new skills and talents. 

Server Administrators learn various cybersecurity and database management skills and programming languages. Professionals who learn server administration skills can pursue other careers by further focusing on cybersecurity, database management, or computer science skills. Server Administrators can pursue positions in IT, Cybersecurity, or Web Development, to name a few.

Free Online Video Tutorials

There are several free online video tutorials for learning server administration. You can find these courses through skill-sharing websites such as Youtube, Udemy, and Coursera. These online video tutorials are ideal for beginners to learn the basic concepts of server administration. New career seekers can also find courses teaching overviews of various server administration specializations, such as Windows or Linux. These videos are generally only an hour or two long and can be excellent resources to start your learning journey. You can find more free learning resources through Noble Desktop’s Server Administration learn hub. 

Free Coding Resources

Server Administrators commonly need to know coding languages such as Python, SQL, and JavaScript (though usually not all at once). Python is an open-source coding language that curious individuals can learn for free through online tutorials, the python website, and skill-sharing resources. SQL and JavaScript also have free learning resources and websites. MySQL is a popular open-source database management system available for free download.

Python, SQL, and JavaScript also possess robust communities that are willing and able to advise new learners. Beginners in server administration should choose one language to learn since administrators can use different programming languages for different operating systems.

Free Tools & Trials

Server Administrators may use various tools depending on their specialization or the server operating systems they work with. Some server management tools include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Windows Admin Center, and Microsoft Azure. A manager can download AWS for free with limited features. All of these resources are excellent for beginners looking to learn basics.

Windows Admin Center is a free product. Microsoft Azure offers pay-as-you-go payment plans with limited features available for free for 12 months.

Free training resources are available on each of these tools through their respective websites. They all possess help-communities, and learners can find additional resources through skill-sharing websites. 

Key Insights

• Learning Server Administration does not have to be expensive as free resources exist.
• Skill-sharing websites such as Youtube, Coursera, and Udemy offer free video tutorials with overviews of server administration concepts and tools.
• Many popular server administration tools are free or offer free trials.
• Popular programming languages used in server administration are open-source or feature free training resources and learning communities. 
• Noble Desktop offers free Server Administration learn hubs.

Learn Cybersecurity & Tech Skills with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Server Administrators require cloud computing, cybersecurity, and database administration skills. Individuals can learn all of these skills through Noble Desktop. Their small class sizes feature industry-expert instructors with free retake options. Courses can be taken in-person in NYC or online from anywhere.

Cloud Computing with AWS focuses on Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the most popular cloud computing platforms. Students learn how to build and secure enterprise-level cloud environments with AWS. 

Python is a coding language commonly used by Server Administrators. Noble Desktop offers Python for Network Security, where students learn how to use Python for network monitoring and security. Students must be comfortable coding with Python or have attended Noble Desktop’s Python Programming Bootcamp. 

The previously mentioned courses are available through Noble Desktop’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp. In this extensive course, students learn cybersecurity threats and prevention practices and how to use Python for cybersecurity, Linux for cybersecurity, digital forensics, and cloud computing. Individuals can also view all of Noble Desktop’s cybersecurity courses should they wish to take them individually. 

An additional course not included in the Cybersecurity Bootcamp that Server Administrators may be interested in is the SQL Server Bootcamp. Students learn the coding language SQL for managing databases, querying information, and extracting insights.