How to Learn Server Administration

Server administration is the job role of maintaining, updating, and securing servers and networks. Server administration can be a fulfilling career for problem solvers who enjoy helping end-users, learning new technology, and having a vital role in a company’s success. The number of options for learning server administration might be overwhelming at first glance. There are books, video tutorials, classes, and more to choose from; it all depends on your learning style and personal preferences. 

Here, we’ll discuss the various methods of learning server administration so you can make an informed decision about how you’d like to get started.

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.

In-Person Server Administration Training

There are numerous perks to in-person training. Physical classrooms can reduce or remove distractions a student might find when learning online from home. A physical classroom can allow for direct engagement with the instructor. Thus, students may find it easier to ask for help, or it may be easier for a teacher to identify struggling students. In-person learning also encourages students to engage with and learn from each other.

Many in-person server administration training options exist, depending on where a potential student lives. To truly learn server administration, an individual must attend a comprehensive class, likely lasting several weeks or months. However, short classes are available, lasting only a day or two. These classes are ideal for beginners who want an overview of server administration techniques or want to learn the fundamentals of a server administration tool. Noble Desktop offers short classes in Linux and cybersecurity fundamentals. These courses are offered in-person in NYC or online from anywhere.

Live Online Server Administration Training

One popular reason students sign up for online training is its availability. Students can learn from anywhere they find convenient, as long as the location boasts a reliable internet connection. Online classes remove the commute time from a student's schedule and allow them to learn in a comfortable environment. Plus, the large number of online courses means more scheduling options. Sometimes online courses offer more flexible programs than in-person classrooms, which works well for parents or those with outside responsibilities like jobs. In terms of engagement, live online classes replicate physical classrooms with hands-on projects, live instructors, and student interaction, all in real-time.

There are several live online server administration training options. An individual wishing to jump-start a career in cybersecurity will need to attend a comprehensive course, likely lasting several weeks or months. However, short classes are available, lasting only a day or two. Noble Desktop offers short classes in Linux and cybersecurity fundamentals. These classes are ideal for beginners wanting an overview of server administration techniques or wishing to learn the fundamentals of a tool used in server administration.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

Not ready to dive into a complete course on server administration? You can start learning server administration for free online. Free online courses teach necessary server administration skills, such as Linux for server management and security, SQL for server management, Windows server administration, database administration, IT support, and cybersecurity fundamentals. You can find these courses through skill-sharing websites such as Youtube, Coursera, or Udemy. 

Free online courses are ideal for beginner learners as they embark on their journey. Free courses can be helpful since they often feature overviews of a skill or program. While these classes can be valuable and cost-effective for beginners, most provide only basics. Free courses also often feature outdated programs or industry standards. Individuals looking to learn server administration to jumpstart a new career likely need to attend professionally-led classes. 

Read about more free server administration videos and online tutorials.

On-Demand Server Administration Classes

On-demand and self-paced server administration training options are often free and ideal for students who prefer to learn at their own pace or are too busy to attend regular training. On-demand training on beginner and advanced techniques for server administration is available through skill-sharing websites such as YouTube, Udemy, and Coursera. Some on-demand training that covers skills useful for Server Administrators includes cybersecurity, AWS, Python, and SQL. However, a disadvantage of this method is that students must rely on self-motivation to progress through the material. They also lack an instructor for guidance if they encounter any problems. Free training is often outdated since it may have been recorded months, if not years, earlier.

Which Learning Method is Right for Me?

With the many different resources available to help beginners learn server administration, you might be unsure which one is best for you. Everyone has different learning styles and preferences, and you can experiment with multiple tools to see which one feels right for you. One of the great things about directing your learning is that you pick which combination of tools you prefer; you don’t have to stick with what a teacher chooses.

It’s also essential to consider your current schedule before selecting a learning method. If you have a lot of responsibilities like a full-time job or family commitments, you may not be able to devote time to a structured course that requires you to attend at the same time every day. In this case, a self-paced class or video tutorials may be better since you can access them when your schedule allows. On the other hand, those with a more flexible schedule may prefer a structured course offered in-person or live online. 

Why Learn Server Administration?

Anyone wishing to work in cybersecurity or web development should know server administration. The skill is essential for entrepreneurs and small businesses to manage their servers, protect against cyberattacks, and deploy stable web applications. 

Even if you don’t pursue server administration as a career, learning server administration can give you various skills that will improve your resume or assist with a future career in computer science, IT, or web development. Such skills include coding languages, database administration, and cybersecurity. Server Administrators also gain soft skills in organization, problem-solving, attention to detail, and customer service. 

Server Administrators play a vital role in maintaining and securing company data and personal employee information. They also assist in troubleshooting and keeping hardware and software up to date. Without Server Administrators, a company puts its data and digital security at risk. Professionals pursuing server administration can be assured of job security and take pride in their essential role within a company. 

Read more about why you should learn server administration. 

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost 

Server administration on its own is relatively easy to learn. However, it requires computer science basics, such as hardware and software management, network management, cybersecurity, database management, and programming languages. Individuals who are more creatively inclined or aren’t interested in computer science will struggle more to learn server administration.

There are no knowledge prerequisites to beginning your learning journey in server administration or attending professional classes other than basic computer comprehension skills. Individuals who know a little about computer science fundamentals will feel more comfortable with server administration concepts. Server administration also involves a healthy amount of troubleshooting and end-user assistance. Problem solvers and individuals who enjoy helping others would be best suited to the profession.

There are no upfront costs to begin learning server administration since free resources and seminars are available online and through skill-sharing websites. However, those who wish to master server administration concepts to start a new career must attend professional classes. Comprehensive courses that teach server administration cost from $8,000-$14,000. Outside of class, coding languages the Server Administrators use, such as Python and SQL, are open source, have robust communities, and can be learned for free. Tools that Server Administrators may use, depending on their specialization or company, such as Amazon Web Services or Windows Admin Center, are also available for free and offer free training resources. 

Read about how difficult it is to learn server administration.

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.

Key Insights

• In-person training features professional instructors and comprehensive learning.
• Live online training shares the benefits of in-person training without the commute!
• On-demand training allows you to work at your own pace but with little direction.
• Free courses and tutorials can be great resources to start your learning journey.
• Those looking to advance or start a new career would gain the most from professional training. 
• Ultimately, only you can choose the training method that is best for you.
• You can receive comprehensive server administration training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.