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What does a freelance systems administrator do?

A systems administrator is responsible for overseeing an organization’s needs in relation to installing and managing hardware and software solutions.

A freelance systems administrator will likely be responsible for a variety of day-to-day tasks within a company. These responsibilities include adding and removing users to an organization’s network, assigning and updating network security permissions, and training users in the use of various hardware and software solutions. In addition, a freelance systems administrator usually works with computer networks and is responsible for building and maintaining systems and networks.

What skills do I need to become a freelance systems administrator?

Clients may require a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related major, such as computer science, information technology, and computer engineering.. Because systems administrators keep a close watch on an organization’s hardware and software, they are required to be adept in areas such as:

• Problem-solving. When technical problems arise within computer systems or networks, a system or network administrator is tasked with troubleshooting the issue and resolving the problem.
• Automation. The ability to implement automated solutions, where tools and software can be administered in a self-service way to a host of constituents, is a key skill systems administrators should possess.
• Security and monitoring. Because computer networks can be vulnerable to malicious attacks, inside and outside the organization, the systems administrator should not only protect the network from vulnerabilities but also repair any damage caused by those attacks.
• IoT and mobile device management. Systems administrators should be familiar with setting up and maintaining an IoT (Internet of Things) environment, where an organization’s workforce can use mobile and other devices to leverage cloud platforms in the office or in the field.
• Hardware management. To ensure an organization’s systems are running as intended, a systems administrator must be skilled at managing the deployment and maintenance of computer and network hardware.
• Software management. In addition to managing hardware, systems administrators must also install, troubleshoot, and maintain software the organization relies on to conduct business.
• Cloud computing. A systems administrator should be well versed in overseeing a company’s cloud computing environment, adding or removing software and data.

What are the core freelance systems administrator job responsibilities?

Although the size of the organization will dictate the specific responsibilities, a freelance systems administrator will generally be responsible for the following:

• Installing and maintaining of hardware and software
• Managing data centers within a network and in the cloud
• Managing security and protocols through permissions, updates, patches, and troubleshooting
• Monitoring computer systems in order to identify potential trouble areas
• Resolving problems when issues arise
• Establishing and managing backup procedures
• Training staff and other constituents regarding the use of new software, technologies, and hardware
• Providing support, as needed, to key constituents

Should I get a systems administrator certification?

In addition to developing your skills, obtaining a professional certification can help your Upwork profile stand out. Some examples of popular systems administrator certifications include:

• MCSE: Productivity Solutions Expert. Cloud computing is a $150 billion industry. As a result, MCSE certification can prove valuable for anyone looking to expand their understanding of cloud and IT-related environments.
• CompTIA Server+ certification shows that sysadmins are well versed in server hardware, storage systems, operating systems, security, and networking, among other areas, and can apply their knowledge in virtually any environment.
• A certification for Oracle Linux system administrators indicates knowledge of and insight into Linux OS, one of the most widely used operating systems. Administrators with this certification have learned about the kernel model, how to configure Linux services, and how to implement the Oracle IaaS Cloud Infrastructure.