Which Server Administration Training Format Is Right for Me?

Server administration maintains, updates, and secures servers and their information. Server Administrators have high job security and satisfaction knowing their skills are crucial to the success of their company and end-users. Server Administration skills apply to other computer science careers in information technology, cybersecurity, and software engineering. When comparing types of server administration training, there are many factors to consider. Everyone learns differently, and choosing the right training is critical to your experience.

Keep reading to discover more about the different formats of server administration training, how they compare to each other, and how to determine which is 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.

Training Formats for Server Administration

There are three training formats for learning server administration. Live classes, either online or in-person, feature a professional instructor and peers from which students can learn and ask questions. Online classes are best for students who prefer not to commute, desire a different learning environment than a physical classroom, or can’t find the in-person class they wish to attend at a location near them. On-demand training is ideal for students with busy schedules who can't commit to full or part-time training or who otherwise prefer to learn at their own pace. This training often includes free online videos, guides, and tutorials. Only you can decide which training format is best for you.

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 Classes

Cybersecurity is an essential aspect of server administration. One option for learning the needed skills includes on-demand, asynchronous, or self-paced learning. This type of learning is best for students who have experience setting their own learning pace or have work or family obligations that interfere with regularly scheduled classes. This option allows students more freedom but lacks an instructor or guidance. Self-motivation is required to progress through the material. 

Comparison of Server Administration Training Formats

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.

Is it Possible to Teach Yourself Server Administration?

It is possible to teach yourself server administration through free online courses and tutorials is possible. Popular websites for finding these tutorials include Youtube, Coursera, and Udemy. Noble Desktop also offers free Python and SQL seminars. These courses are under two hours in length and feature overviews of server administration for beginners and guides on using common server administration tools or coding languages. Such tutorials can be great for learners on a tight budget or even for professionals who need a refresher on specific tasks. 

The downside of these free resources is the missing instructor to offer guidance. If you find yourself stuck and unsure of how to progress, you could waste hours in troubleshooting. Free tutorials are usually outdated and don’t feature the latest industry trends. Tutorials on server administration tools may not feature the latest version and thus have missing features. For professionals wanting to learn server administration to advance their careers, these resources will lack the advanced features they need. 

Free videos and tutorials are also numerous. It can be overwhelming to sift through them all. And even then, not all tutorials are created equal. It can be time-consuming to search for one that is up-to-date, comprehensive, and professionally made. For a beginner, it can be impossible to know if the instruction you are receiving is quality or correct.

How to Decide the Best Way to Learn Server Administration

The best way to learn server administration will vary greatly on your individual training needs and why you wish to learn it. Do you consider yourself a beginner learner? Do you want not to spend money on your training? Are you looking for a simple overview of server administration? If you answered yes to these questions, free introductory courses would be best for you. However, these courses are often outdated and don't include the depth and complexity necessary to advance a career. They also lack an instructor, so students must troubleshoot solo and possess self-motivation to progress.

If you want to learn server administration to advance your career, a professional server administration bootcamp contains a well-rounded curriculum. These courses feature experienced instructors and cover important server administration aspects and tools. Professional instructors guide the class through a logical scope and sequence: from beginner to mastery skills and pepper in expert-level techniques and tips. Some courses may offer job search assistance, one-on-one career mentorship, or portfolio workshops. Professional training courses and bootcamps are available online and in-person and vary in cost depending on the provider and curriculum.

If you're looking to enter a new career or industry, you’re likely looking to demonstrate mastery of server administration to a potential employer. Certificate programs are likely the best choice for this goal. Gaining certification in server administration shows employers your dedication to training and mastering concepts. These programs are just like regular professional training courses and bootcamps but also include exam preparation for gaining certification. Certification exams have a separate cost from training courses. 

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

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.