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Chapter Objectives
At the end of this chapter, the students will be able to:
Learn the foundation of network and system administration Know the scope, duties and responsibilities of network and system administrator Know the network operation system that support system administration Distinguish the support of each network operating system
1.1. Introduction
Networking is the technology of interconnecting computing devices of all types so information can flow between them. This includes activities as simple as topology design to those as complex as the configuration of services and protocols to enable an entire intranet and the support of that environment.
While all that data eventually gets to the user, it spends most of its time on hundreds of interconnected servers. Systems administration is the design, installation, configuration, operation, and support of these servers. Networking professionals must be knowledgeable in considering when to use physical or virtual servers, when to use a public or private cloud, and other key performance, reliability, and security issues.
In today’s information-rich environment, computer systems exist at the heart of nearly every organization and are critical to the organization's success. Upon graduation, students can work in nearly any industry as a valuable part of the team helping to ensure their organization's products and services are always available.
Network and system administration is a branch of engineering that concerns the operational management of human–computer systems. It is unusual as an engineering discipline in that it addresses both the technology of computer systems and the users of the technology on an equal basis. It is about putting together a network of computers (workstations, PCs and supercomputers), getting them running and then keeping them running in spite of the activities of users who tend to cause the system to fail.
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1.2. Philosophy of System Administration and Network Administration
System Administration is the design, installation, configuration, operation, and support of these servers to support the operation need of information technology infrastructure of an organization. Generally it is planning, installing, and maintaining computer systems involving servers and clients that work together in a network environment using operation system like Windows 2008 Server or Linux platform.
1.2.1. Network Administration Network administration involves a wide array of operational tasks that help a network to run smoothly and efficiently. Without network administration, it would be difficult for all but the smallest networks to maintain network operations. The main tasks associated with network administration include: Design, installation and evaluation of the network Execution and administration of regular backups Creation of precise technical documentation, such as network diagrams, network cabling documents, etc. Provision for precise authentication to access network resources Provision for troubleshooting assistance Administration of network security, including intrusion detection
1.2.2. System Administration A system administrator or sysadmin is a person who is responsible for the upkeep, configuration and reliable operation of computer systems; especially multi-user computers, such as servers. The system administrator seeks to ensure that the uptime, performance, resources, and security of the computers he or she manages meet the needs of the users, without exceeding the budget. To meet these needs, a system administrator may acquire, install, or upgrade computer components and software; provide routine automation; maintain security policies; troubleshoot; train and/or supervise staff; or technical support in projects.
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Software requires hardware, a basic operating system infrastructure and a conformance to certain standards, but is not necessarily limited by physical concerns as long as it has hardware to run on. Modern software, in the context of a global network, needs to inter-operate and survive the possible hostilities of incompatible or inhospitable competitors. Today the complexity of multiple software systems sharing a common Internet space reaches almost the level of the biological.
In older days, it was normal to find proprietary solutions, whose strategy was to lock users into one company’s products. Today that strategy is less dominant, and even untenable, thanks to networking. Today, there is not only a physical environment but a technological one, with a diversity that is constantly changing. Part of the challenge is to knit apparently disparate pieces of this community into a harmonious part.
System Administrator
A system administrator, or sysadmin, is a person who is responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems; especially multi-user computers, such as servers. The system administrator seeks to ensure that the uptime, performance, resources, and security of the computers he or she manages meet the needs of the users, without exceeding the budget. To meet these needs, a system administrator may acquire, install, or upgrade computer components and software; provide routine automation; maintain security policies; troubleshoot; train and/or supervise staff; or technical support in projects.
Network Administrator
A network administrator is an individual that is responsible for the maintenance of computer hardware and software systems that make up a computer network including the maintenance and monitoring of active data network or converged infrastructure and related network equipment.
Network administrators are generally mid-level support staff within an organization and do not typically get involved directly with users. Network administrators focus upon network components within a company's LAN/WAN infrastructure ensuring integrity. Depending on the company and its size, the network administrator may also design and deploy networks.
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The actual role of the network administrator will vary from place to place, but will commonly include activities and tasks such as network address assignment, management and implementation of routing protocols such as ISIS, OSPF, BGP, routing table configurations and certain implementations of authentication (e.g.: challenge response, etc.). It can also include maintenance of certain network servers: file servers, VPN gateways, intrusion detection systems, etc.
In smaller organizations, network administrators may also be technically involved in the maintenance and administration of servers, desktop computers, printers, routers, switches, firewalls, and phones, IP Phones, personal digital assistants, smartphones, software deployment, security updates and patches as well as a vast array of additional technologies inclusive of both hardware and software.
Duties of a system administrator
The duties of a system administrator are wide-ranging, and vary widely from one organization to another. Sysadmins are usually charged with installing, supporting, and maintaining servers or other computer systems, and planning for and responding to service outages and other problems. Other duties may include scripting or light programming, project management for systems- related projects.
The system administrator is responsible for following things:
User administration (setup and maintaining account) Maintaining system Verify that peripherals are working properly Quickly arrange repair for hardware in occasion of hardware failure Monitor system performance Create file systems Install software Create a backup and recovery policy Monitor network communication
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1.3.2. What is so special about the system administrator account?
The root account has full (unrestricted) access, so he/she can do anything with system. For example, root can remove critical system files. In addition, there is no way you can recover file except using tape backup or disk based backup systems.
Many tasks for system administration can be automated using Perl/Python or shell scripts. For example:
Create new users Resetting user passwords Lock/unlock user accounts Monitor server security Monitor special services etc
1.3.3. Additional skills of system and network administrator
The subject matter of system administration includes computer systems and the ways people use them in an organization. This entails knowledge of operating systems and applications, as well as hardware and software troubleshooting, but also knowledge of the purposes for which people in the organization use the computers.
Perhaps the most important skill for a system administrator is problem solving frequently under various sorts of constraints and stress. The sysadmin is on call when a computer system goes down or malfunctions, and must be able to quickly and correctly diagnose what is wrong and how best to fix it. They may also need to have team work and communication skills; as well as being able to install and configure hardware and software.
System administrators are not software engineers or developers. It is not usually within their duties to design or write new application software. However, sysadmins must understand the behavior of software in order to deploy it and to troubleshoot problems, and generally know several programming languages used for scripting or automation of routine tasks.
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Particularly when dealing with Internet-facing or business-critical systems, a sysadmin must have a strong grasp of computer security. This includes not merely deploying software patches, but also preventing break-ins and other security problems with preventive measures. In some organizations, computer security administration is a separate role responsible for overall security and the upkeep of firewalls and intrusion detection systems, but all sysadmins are generally responsible for the security of computer systems.
1.3.4. Ethical issues
Because computer systems are human–computer communities, there are ethical considerations involved in their administration. Even if certain decisions can be made objectively, e.g. for maximizing productivity or minimizing cost, one must have a policy for the use and management of computers and their users.
Some decisions have to be made to protect the rights of individuals. A system administrator has many responsibilities and constraints to consider. Ethically, the first responsibility must be to the greater network community, and then to the users of our system. An administrator’s job is to make users’ lives bearable and to empower them in the production of real work.
1.3.5. Education requirements of System and Network Administrator
Unlike many other professions, there is no single path to becoming a system and network administrator. Many system administrators have a degree in a related field: computer science, information technology, computer engineering, information systems, or even a trade school program. On top of this, nowadays some companies require an IT certification. Other schools have offshoots of their Computer Science program specifically for system administration.
1.3.7 Five reasons to consider a career in System and Network Administration
Though system and network administration isn't for everyone, it offers plenty of rewarding and profitable challenges for those who can soak up technical knowledge and put it to practical use. Industries across the career spectrum and around the world depend on computer networking to keep employees connected and business flowing. And these networks need administrators -
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C. It's an inroad to nearly any industry
Networks are integral to the functioning of almost any large business, from manufacturing to food service to science and nonprofit activism. Once you've proven yourself as a dependable administrator, you'll be able to market yourself as a useful asset in any form of business that sparks your curiosity. In fact, developing nations are also expressing more interest than ever at building up their technological infrastructure - which means network administration could be your ticket to visit exotic lands across the globe, contributing real-world impact everywhere you go.
D. It opens up new career branches
With a few years of network administration experience under your belt, you'll be better equipped than ever to consider becoming a freelance field technician, a systems analyst, or a network engineer. If you like the security of regular paychecks and health benefits, there will be plenty of needs to fill - but you may also be in a position to consider working from home, setting your own hours, and maybe even charging a consultation fee just for providing your technological expertise. As more businesses come to depend on networks, your options will continue to broaden.
E. It's a challenge worthy of your skill
Though years of computer-science training aren't necessary for an entry-level network administration position, each day offers new opportunities to bring out-of-the-box thinking to tough problems. As you earn the right to be trusted with more responsibility, your technical skills will continue to grow, increasing your confidence - and your value as an intellectual worker. Besides, Hanin says, "our users are sometimes even smarter than we are - they come up with all kinds of funny tricks we'd never have thought of.”
Network administration may not be the most glamorous job on the planet, but it offers you a chance to prove to the world how smart you really are, in a way that brings practical benefits to yourself and your co-workers. It's not just any field that can make that claim and back it up.
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1.4. What is a Network Operating System?
Unlike operating systems, such as Windows, which are designed for single users to control one computer, network operating systems (NOS) coordinate the activities of multiple computers across a network. The network operating system acts as a director to keep the network running smoothly.
Network operating system refers to software that implements an operating system of some kind that is oriented to computer networking. For example, one that runs on a server and enables the server to manage data, users, groups, security, applications, and other networking functions. The network operating system is designed to allow shared file and printer access among multiple computers in a network, typically a local area network (LAN), a private network or to other networks.
Network operating systems can be based on a client/server architecture in which a server enables multiple clients to share resources. Client/server network operating systems allow the network to centralize functions and applications in one or more dedicated file servers. The server is the center of the system, allowing access to resources and instituting security. The network operating system provides the mechanism to integrate all the components on a network to allow multiple users to simultaneously share the same resources regardless of physical location.
1.4.1. The Client
The client is the end user of the network and needs to be secured the most. The client end usually exposes data through the screen of the computer. Client connections to server should be secured through passwords and upon leaving their workstations clients should make sure that their connection to the server is securely cut off in order to make sure that no hackers or intruders are able to reach the server data. Not only securing the workstations connection to the server is important but also securing the files on the workstation (client) is important as it ensures that no hackers are able to reach the system. Another possibility is that of introducing a virus or running unauthorized software on the client workstation thus threatening the entire information bank at the server (Exforsys Inc., 2007).
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1.5. Network Operating System Software
The following links include some of the more popular peer-to-peer and client/server network operating systems.
Macintosh OS X Microsoft Windows Server UNIX/Linux
1.5.1. Server Operating Systems
Overview
The primary server operating systems at Stanford are Linux (with a preference for Debian) and Windows Server. Central IT applications all run on those two platforms. Mac OS is supported through CRC (Computer Resource Consulting) for departmental servers. IT Services' ability to be an effective supplier of server hosting services depends on being able to support the platforms required by the customers; providing excellent reliability at an affordable cost.
For Linux:
Debian Lenny is the preferred operating system for Linux systems, with some Debian Etch. Red Hat 5 is only used as needed per vendor specifications, with some remaining Red Hat 4. Ubuntu Hardy is used for servers running the Timeshare service. Centralized build systems that are more flexible and capable than any other on campus, and are used by other departments. IT Services provides leadership in Puppet configuration management best practices. This work has inspired the community and driven product improvement, and Stanford's expertise has been sought by many other institutions.
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Figure 2. Linux Ubuntu Server Logo
For Windows:
Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2 are supported. Most hosting providers have moved to Windows Server 2012 or Windows Server 2012 R2 to take advantage of improvements in server management and scalability. The base operating system installation is fully automated, but applications are usually installed manually. Firewalls and other critical system settings are controlled by Group Policy.
Figure 3. Microsoft Windows Server
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1.5.2. The difference between Windows, Linux and Macintosh
A. What is Windows? The Windows is a operating system. This allows people to manage files and run software programs on desktop and laptop computers. The Windows operating system is developed and maintained by Microsoft, the company founded by Bill Gates. The first version was released in 1985. Since then, it has grown significantly, and it now dominates the market. Windows uses a graphical user interface (GUI) to make it easier for people to use their computers. The primary ways that people navigate are through icons on the desktop and the Start menu. Some of the popular Windows editions are Win 98, Win 2000, , Win Me, Win 2003,Win XP, Win Vista etc. All Flavors of Windows Come from Microsoft.
B. What is LINUX? Linux stands for Linus’ Unix Linux is the kernel of an operating system. Linux was built on the Unix tradition. Linux was originally developed by Linus Torwalds of Finland, who currently owns the Linux trademark. Using the open source code of the Linux kernel, people have been developing operating systems based on the Linux kernel. These are called the “Linux distributions.” Also known as Linux Operating System. The various distributions of Linux come from different companies.(i.e. LIndows, Lycoris, Red Hat, SuSe, Mandrake, Knopping, Slackware) NASlite is one of version of Linux that runs off a single floppy disk and converts an old computer into file server. This ultra-small edition of Linux is capable of networking , File sharing and being a web server.
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C. What is Macs? Mac OS is the original primary operating system of Apple Computer’s line of personal computers. The first version was released with the original ―Thin‖ Macintosh (i.e., the Macintosh 128K) in 1984, and until the release of Mac OS X, the Mac OS remained Apple’s flagship operating system. Mac OS is characterized by a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI), single- button moussing, and nearly universal plug-and-play support. In the spring of 2001, Apple transitioned from its original code base to Mac OS X, a very different operating system based on Unix and the Mach microkernel. Like its predecessor, Mac OS X maintains the traditional Mac OS ease of use, but with substantially improved stability.
Summary of the difference between Windows,LINUX and Macintosh
Windows, Macintosh, and Linux are the three most popular operating systems. All three provide a way for computers to store, launch, and organize programs and files. Windows it the most popular of the three operating systems. Estimates vary, but approximately 85% to 90% of personal computers use Windows. Because of its popularity, software and hardware add-ons for Windows computers are widely available. In contrast to the large market share enjoyed by Windows, Macintosh is used by fewer people. Although the software and hardware add-ons for Macintosh computers are limited in comparison to Windows add-ons, popular Windows applications like Microsoft Office have Macintosh equivalents. Macintosh also regulates the design of software and hardware add-ons more rigidly than Microsoft, so the software and hardware added to a Mac is less likely to fail. Linux is the third of the popular operating systems available. Linux is based on Unix, an operating system used for more than three decades that now powers about 90% of Web sites. In sharp contrast to both Windows and Macintosh, Linux is an open source project.
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References
- “Principles of Network and System Administration” (2nod Edition), John Wiley and Sons Ltd, Mark Burgess, 2004.
- “Essential System Administration”, 3rd Edition, O’Reilly and Associates Inc., Len Frisch, 2003.
- “Running Linux”, (5th Edition), O’Reilly and Associates Inc., Matthias Kalle Dalheimer and Matt Welsh, 2007.
- http://howtoubuntu.org/
- http://www.indianwebportal.com/difference-windowslinux-macintosh
- http://www.ubuntugeek.com/
