If you’re looking for a freelance IT job that will give you the flexibility to work from home and feel as if you’re your own boss, perhaps a server administrator is the job for you. Server administrators can be based in an office but usually they work remotely, control and safeguarding the network system of a company.
What Does the Role Entail?
A server administrator could easily be considered one of the key players in safeguarding and maintaining the smooth running of a business. With computing and the internet taking on such a vital role in business, losing data or experiencing system failure means potentially losing money.
The role of a server administrator can include a variety of things. One of the main tasks is to control the server, which means creating backup systems, maintaining the server itself, ensuri ng firewalls are in place, and integrating security measures. In safeguarding the system, a server administrator can be in charge of all virus protection, emergency procedures following a hack or virus, emergency planning, downtime planning and file regulation. Lastly, a maybe most important, a server administrator is responsible for the programs and systems run on the network, what can be uploaded and what can’t and ensuring the licensing is correct.
Learning What to Do
To become a system administrator, you need to have a good background in information technology and the inner workings of computers. This job is quite an advanced level computer career which requires knowledge of computer systems at their more basic levels.
Many people take courses in HTML coding and computer programming and then go on to become server administrators. This isn’t entirely necessary but it can be useful – command line coding is especially useful.
It is advisable to have some relevant information technology qualifications. This shows potential employers that you have the knowledge needed to undertake this crucial job. Certifications or degree in computer science, information technology, computer management and systems management are the most preferable subjects and play a key role in helping you gain a foot in the door.
Once you have the basic knowledge of computing, it’s important to understand the role of a server administrator fully and know how to undertake that role to your full ability. This can be done by enrolling in a server administrator course, such as the one offered by Cisco.
The three day CCNA training course will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to understand what the role requires, what your responsibilities, and how to handle all these things both practically and theoretically. The three day course gives you all the skills you need for troubleshooting, maintaining and repairing a small to medium-sized enterprise network.
Finding Employment
Once you have the skills required for the position, the next step is finding a job. If you’re looking to work full time in an office, you can apply to many corporations and enterprises as nearly every industry-field needs server administrators.
However, if you’re looking to freelance, you have a couple of options for real serious work.
1. Freelancer
Freelance is a comprehensive freelance website with many types of freelance jobs including server administrator positions. The only downside of Freelancer is that most clients are looking for cheap workers rather than high quality workers.
2. Elance
Elance is a professional network that is succinct, powerful and extremely varying in jobs. Most clients take the professions seriously and prefer good quality workers over someone trying to make a quick dime. There is a whole section for Network and Security related jobs, which is where you’re most likely to find a position.
3. Forums
Many people running small enterprises don’t know where to look for freelance server administrators. You may find that on several forums, especially related to networking and operating systems, people will be asking where to find server administrators. This is your cue to jump in.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to become a server administrator on a freelance basis, it’s more than just finding a freelance position. Knowledge is power in this line of work as long as you have qualifications to back it up. Make sure to take remote training courses to get yourself up to scratch; that way you’ll have something to offer over other freelancer also bidding for the same jobs.
Benjamin Baker is a freelance writer who claims to have an addiction to writing and learning. When he’s not completing a project or checking out junk yards for manly relics with his sons, he’s lecturing them on the importance of continuing your learning process. He loves to take advice from http://www.ecourseclassroom.com/ about where he should take his learning next and appreciates that e-learning is the best way to further his skills as a writer.