Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of system administration. Students will gain hands-on experience with computer and server management, from hardware assembly and operating system installation to daily operational tasks. Key topics include user and resource management, file system permissions, troubleshooting, and system maintenance, including backup methodologies and log file analysis. We will also explore networking fundamentals, covering the planning, installation, and troubleshooting of both Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs), with a strong emphasis on security.

Beyond the technical skills, this course emphasizes the professional responsibilities of a system administrator. Through project-based learning, students will learn to plan and estimate system deployments, manage client expectations, and create service level agreements (SLAs). The curriculum also covers essential practices like records management, system virtualization, and remote administration, preparing students to manage robust and reliable IT infrastructures in a professional environment.