UNIX Administrator

Introduction to UNIX Administrator

An administrator is necessary to handle the issues related to hardware and software in the system to analyze the areas that are prone to errors to make sure our work is secured while working on Unix systems. When the Unix administrator comes into the picture and his task is to manage all the risks and foresee any upcoming risks and take necessary measures to eliminate them.

Roles and Responsibilities

UNIX administrator is the only person who is responsible for the settings and maintenance of the Unix server on which we are working. They set up the working environment for us so that our whole concentration goes on developing new things. These administrators can be from the IT department also.

Although their responsibilities vary according to the organization and its requirements but here we will list some of the common responsibilities all administrator performs.

1. Installation of System
2. Supporting and maintenance
3. Scripting and programming for system issues
4. Ensuring the working of peripherals
5. File System creation
6. Analyse System performance
7. Creating new users
8. Maintaining users identity and passwords
9. Making arrangements in case of hardware failures
10. Creation of backup and recovery policy
11. OS updation
12. Setting Security policies. for users and sysadmin.
13. Network communication monitoring.
14. Documenting wiki inside the organization.

 When a large number of users are connected through the internet / WAN then a need arises to handle those users’ identities, setting up the server for them. Thus it is sometimes responsible for maintenance tasks of these clouds and its technology also which include below responsibilities:

1. Automation support using software like a chef.
2. Maintenance of infrastructure of clouds such as Google or Azure cloud.
3. Monitoring of network services in cloud including DNS servers or delivery networks.
4. Maintaining source control process.
5. Following best practices to design backups and whole infrastructure.

SCOPE

It is responsible for installations, security and much other work to monitor servers of an organization. We should not consider their scope in the following areas mentioned.

• Cookie cutting software engineers.
• Developing any program.
• Designing of new software.

Unix administrator’s scope is related to the maintenance of existing software designed for the organization so that u are able to reply to it. With this, they must be able to understand the working of the software and the server to troubleshoot in case any technical issue related to software pr hardware occurs. One must have good hand in scripting languages such as Python, Perl, awk, shell, etc. to automate the work done in routine tasks. While entering as a fresher, one must concentrate on learning various IT skills in all areas including the leading IT technologies such as Cloud, IOT, etc. For entering as a professional with 3-4 years of experience, one must have good hands-on experience in a wide range of technologies such as networks, scripting, etc.

Tools Used

To help system administrators get their jobs. There is a number of tools available these days to help UNIX administrators perform their task with greater performance and flexibility.

1) Putty

2) Wireshark and Microsoft Message Analyzer

3) Clonezilla

4) PowerShell ISE with its Script Browser and Script Analyzer Add-ons

5) RSAT Tools for Windows 10

6) Tools from the Sysinternals Suite

• System Monitor (Sysmon)
• AccessChk
• Autoruns
•  Process Explorer
•  Process Monitor

7) 7-zip

8) Notepad ++

9) Netwrix Account Lockout Examiner

10) Process Hacker

Why UNIX Administrator Account?

While working with the UNIX server we always need one account to supervise the working and information of other user’s accounts. These accounts are also known as superusers who have many authorities related to file systems, security even the whole server that has been set up for an organization. This superuser or root account belongs to the UNIX administrator’s account. This account has all access without any restrictions to do anything within the file systems. For example- the critical files can be deleted using this account, and that deleted file cannot be recovered later. Some of these root tasks need to be done on regular process thus can be automated using Perl/Python or shell scripts. Some of the tasks for which we need root account are as follows:

• Creation of  new users
• Reset the user password
• Lock or unlock user account
• Monitoring the security of the server
• Providing various services in the organization.

Want to become a Unix Administrator?

Becoming a Unix administrator is really a tedious task as one needs to handle a lot of tasks from managing the server security to the management of various user accounts. Thus a  lot of skills are required to become a Unix administrator.

1.  Problem Solving:– One must have a good hand in diagnosing and solving the technical issue faced in the minimum time possible.
2. A Technical Mind:– A person must be able to think technically while handling any issue and must be able to work as efficiently as possible.
3. An Organized Mind:– One must be organized so that he can manage the steps to be taken to solve the issue so that no rework needs to be done. The organization is also required to handle the responsibilities of the important files of the organization.
4. Attention to Detail:– You must also have the patience to give attention to all the details to diagnose even small details of the technical issue.
5. Enthusiasm
6. Ability to describe technical information in easy-to-understand terms
7. Good Communication Skills:- To communicate with the clients and users and understand the real issue and diagnose it and solve it efficiently.

Certifications Required

For becoming a UNIX Administrator one can have any of the below certification

• Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
• Red Hat: RHCSA and RHCE
• Linux Professional Institute (LPI)
• VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV)
• GCUX: GIAC CERTIFIED UNIX SECURITY ADMINISTRATOR
• CompTIA Linux Certification

Conclusion

It has great importance in any organization for monitoring various server issues faced on a daily basis. This profession requires a lot of knowledge of technical tools. A lot of technical knowledge is required. No prior experience required and they properly monitor every single hardware included in the system is working properly. The conditions under which these people work become hectic when issues occur and troubleshooting it. This work consumes normally 40 hours per week. If we see towards the career progression side, it can choose a lot of areas like network administrators and security administrators. There are a lot of employers who provide employment to these administrators.

Recommended Articles

This has been a guide to UNIX Administrator. Here we have discussed scope and tools used in UNIX Administrator along with their roles and responsibilities respectively. You can also go through our other suggested articles to learn more –

1. What is Unix?
2. Career In Unix
3. Cheat sheet for UNIX
4. What is Unix Shell?