How to Learn Server Administration Online

If you’re just starting to learn a new skill, you can find dozens of tips and resources online; learning server administration is no different.Server Administration is the practice of maintaining, updating, and securing servers and the information they contain. Skills required in server administration include basics in coding, cybersecurity, and computer science. If you’ve always wanted to learn server administration, there are plenty of options at your fingertips. From free tutorials to live classes, your options are outlined here so you can decide how to learn in a way that works best for you. 

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.

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.

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.

Free Intro 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.

Comparing Online Methods with In-Person Learning 

You can learn server administration through three training formats: live online, in-person, and on-demand. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and each individual will find that different approaches work best depending on their schedule, learning style, and training goals.

Live online and on-demand classes are the most accessible training options. As they are online, students can attend classes from anywhere (with an internet connection) and don't face the time-consuming and sometimes expensive commute required by in-person classes. Students can also choose their preferred learning environment, home, work office, library, coffee shop, or another favorite study area. Online classes often offer more curriculum options than can be found in the nearest in-person courses. On-demand classes win out slightly in accessibility because they aren't tied to set class schedules. Students with busy lives may choose on-demand training to learn at their own pace.

The downside of on-demand classes lies in engagement. On-demand training often lacks instructors or classmates. Students are left to their motivation to advance through coursework and have no one to turn to with questions or for support. When on-demand training does offer an instructor’s contact information for assistance, students may wait days or longer for a reply. Live online and in-person training rank far higher in student engagement. Students can ask instructors for immediate feedback, interact with peers, and often receive guidance in job searching or building portfolios. In-person training wins out slightly over live online courses in that some people feel more comfortable initiating engagement with their peers or instructors in a physical setting.

When it comes to affordability, on-demand training wins out again. As these classes are self-led, they are often free. However, it's important to weigh other pros and cons discussed in this section, especially regarding engagement or career advancement. The famous adage "you get what you pay for" often holds when comparing on-demand courses vs. in-person or live online. While live online training isn't free, many professional institutions offer free seminars or introductory courses. Additionally, live online classes are often cheaper than in-person training.

If you're looking to advance your career, live online and in-person training offer the comprehensive learning you need. While on-demand training is likely enough to learn the basics of a skill, self-led learning can't replace the knowledge a professional instructor possesses and passes on to their students. On-demand resources are also often dated or don’t meet industry standards. Professional instruction is typically necessary to advance your career.

Overall, live online training is the best well-rounded option, offering most of the benefits of in-person and on-demand classes. Students have no commute and usually have the option of more flexible schedules than with in-person training. Live online training replicates the interactivity of in-person classrooms with live instructors and classmate interaction. Some live online training can be found for free and offers the same self-led benefits as on-demand training. Paid live online training is an excellent and affordable option for professionals looking to advance their careers.

Tips to Succeed when Learning Server Administration Online

Online learning can be full of distractions, especially at home, without a dedicated workspace. Children, pets, and other people working or engaging in other activities around the home can quickly pull one’s attention. Thus, it’s essential for online learning that students create a decided workspace that is quiet and distraction-free. For this reason, some students prefer to learn online from a coffee shop or library, but it’s possible to design a calm space at home.

Interacting with your peers and the instructor is essential to learning and may be less evident in a virtual environment. While sitting in front of your computer screen, resigning yourself to being on your own can be easy. However, seeking interactions with your peers and the instructor is crucial for motivating one another, overcoming struggles, and making learning an engaging and collaborative process. While you may be alone in your physical learning environment, you’re not alone in your learning experience! Don’t be afraid to engage.

With online learning, you should also plan for troubleshooting. Technology doesn’t always work as expected. The WiFi going down or your student portal crashing are a couple of examples of possible technical issues. Troubleshooting may take extra time, so plan to start class and turn in assignments early to allow for time to find solutions if anything goes wrong.

Key Insights

• You can learn live online from anywhere with an internet connection.
• On-demand training allows you to learn at your own pace but withholds professional guidance.
• Free intro courses and tutorials can be a great starting point for learning server administration.
• Live online training offers the closest experience to in-person engagement without the cost of a commute.
• Succeeding with online training involves having a dedicated and distraction-free learning space and remembering to interact with your peers and instructor.

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.