Why Learn Server Administration?

Server Administration consists of updating server hardware and software, managing information, and implementing security policies and procedures. Have you ever explored all of the things server administration can do?Server Administrators are considered under the Information Technology umbrella, but they perform several essential cybersecurity-related tasks. Some Server Administrators advance their careers by pivoting to a cybersecurity position. Server Administrators learn several resume-boosting skills, including coding, problem-solving, and disaster recovery.Here, you’ll learn more about the types of careers that benefit from server administration and how it can enhance your professional life. Regardless of your goals, learning server administration is a valuable and impressive skill to add to your resume. 

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.

Common Professional Uses for Server Administration

Server Administrators are needed across virtually every industry to protect digital information in today's heavily digital world. However, a few sectors may rely on server administration more heavily than others. Telecommunications relies on the web to deliver services. Banking and other financial services are increasingly moving online and to mobile applications. The same applies to retail (especially ecommerce) and healthcare services. Servers are required to host all of these services, and Server Administrators are needed to keep hardware and software up to date and information secure. Similarly, it’s useful for Web Developers to have server administration skills to host their websites and keep them up to date independently. 

Server administration plays a significant role in information technology and cybersecurity. Server Administrators and IT teams work closely together to develop policies, assist end-users, and protect digital systems against attacks. While IT professionals manage information within a company, Server Administrators focus on a company’s servers. IT professionals and Server Administrators play integral roles within a company’s overall cybersecurity.

Build a Foundation in Coding

Server Administrators need to have some experience in coding to understand and work with computer systems and environments. They may know programming languages such as JavaScript, Python, and SQL. These coding languages apply to other careers, such as web development, cybersecurity, database management, and other computer science positions.

Noble Desktop offers several coding classes if you’re interested in increasing your coding skill. You may wish to attend the Python Programming Bootcamp, JavaScript Programming Bootcamp, or SQL Bootcamp. These bootcamps are comprehensive courses designed to bring beginners to coding languages to masters.

Build a Foundation in Cybersecurity

Server Administrators perform several job duties related to cybersecurity. These include installing security patches, managing antivirus software and firewalls, developing and implementing security best practices, and remaining up to date with the latest cybersecurity practices. This cybersecurity experience makes Server Administration an excellent stepping stone to a job position in cybersecurity.

If you’re interested in increasing your skills in and knowledge of cybersecurity, you may wish to attend Noble Desktop’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp. This course is designed to provide students with the skills and resources to launch a cybersecurity career.

Build Skills in Troubleshooting & Problem Solving

A key job role of Server Administrators is troubleshooting. Server Administrators must solve problems daily, whether it involves assisting an end-user with hardware connectivity, a software failure, or restoring a downed server. Problem-solving is essential for many careers, including computer science, finance, business, healthcare, customer service, and many others. It is always an excellent skill to add to your resume.

Build Skills in Disaster Recovery 

Disaster recovery is another crucial skill of Server Administrators. They are responsible for designing backup strategies and implementing recovery practices. When disaster strikes in the form of an outage or cyberattack, Server Administrators need to be able to respond quickly and calmly to solve the problem and get systems back on track. The ability to act cool in a crisis applies to other careers such as cybersecurity, marketing, business, finance, military, and healthcare.

How to Start Learning Server Administration

Cybersecurity is an essential aspect of server administration. There are a few options for learning this vital skill. The most popular learning option includes live classes, which can be taken in-person or live online. Live classes offer engagement with an instructor that will answer a student’s questions in real-time. However, in-person class options are dependent on where a student is located. Live online courses can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection and do their best to replicate the feel of in-person classrooms. They also don’t feature a commute, which can be time-consuming and costly.

A second option 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. 

Finally, students can select from various free options such as seminars, online tutorials, guides, blog posts, or videos. These options are great for individuals wanting to learn the basics of Adobe Creative Suite. However, like other learning options, they don’t feature a live instructor and may fall short for students pursuing more complex topics to advance their careers. Free tutorials can also be outdated. 

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

• Server Administration can be a fulfilling and intellectually satisfying career. 
• Server Administrators are needed across industries but are commonly found in telecommunications, finance, retail (especially ecommerce), and healthcare.
• The foundations in coding and cybersecurity learned through Server Administration can prepare you for other computer science careers.
• Skills in problem-solving and disaster recovery gained through Server Administration can boost your resume and be applied to various careers outside of computer science.
• You can receive comprehensive server administration training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.