Definition

Noun: A person whose job is to manage, maintain, and ensure the reliable operation of a computer system, network, or telecommunications system, typically within a business or institutional environment. This role involves installing, configuring, and supporting hardware and software, ensuring security, and troubleshooting problems.

Usage and Examples

• The system administrator was called to restore the email server after the outage.
• To install new software on your work computer, you need permission from the system administrator.
• Her primary responsibility as a system administrator is to keep the network secure from external threats.

Advanced Usage

• "to wear the hat of a system administrator": To temporarily or additionally perform the duties of a system administrator.
  • Until they hire a replacement, one of the developers will have to wear the hat of a system administrator.
• Often abbreviated in informal or technical contexts as "sysadmin".
  • I'll forward your ticket to the sysadmin team for resolution.

Variants and Related Words

• Sysadmin (n): A common abbreviation for "system administrator."
• Network Administrator (n): A professional specializing in managing and maintaining computer networks, a role often overlapping with or specialized from a system administrator.
• Database Administrator (DBA) (n): A specialist responsible for the performance, integrity, and security of databases.
• Administration (n): The process or duties of managing a system. (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Admin (informal abbreviation)
• Systems Analyst (though this can imply more design-focused work)
• IT Manager (can imply a more senior or managerial role)

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To have root/admin access: To possess the highest level of control over a system, allowing configuration of all settings.
  • Only the lead system administrator has root access to the production servers.
• To be on call: A common condition for a system administrator's job, meaning they must be available to address emergencies outside of normal working hours.
  • The system administrator is on call this weekend in case of any server issues.

Noun

1. a person in charge of managing and maintaining a computer system of telecommunication system (as for a business or institution)