A sysadmin has a variety of tasks that they need to perform daily, weekly, monthly, and annually. For instance, the main daily tasks include performing a data backup, reviewing antivirus logs, and managing user logins. Backing up data using tape or disk is important to ensure that there is a copy of all the vital files and folders in case of a data loss that can be unexpected. All of the essential data must be archived and stored in several copies, one being kept on-site and another in a virtual location.
Reviewing antivirus logs is important since it allows the sysadmin to check whether there are any security concerns registered by the software which can potentially disrupt the entire system. The task also involves updating the current antivirus software. Managing user logins involves activities such as assigning user id numbers, setting up the users’ login environments, and allocating disk space quotas. The task is important because by doing it, the sysadmin ensures that the organization can function in a proper way.
Weekly tasks include monitoring of servers physically and removal of temporary files from all systems in the organization. Checking servers physically is essential in order to detect any problems with the hardware, which may include overheating and various malfunctions, and thus prevent damage to the data or the system of the organization. Removing temporary files is important since it helps the organization to have more space for needed data. The tasks, which are monthly, include managing the aging equipment, such as workstations, and conducting backup and recovery testing.
It is vital to manage aging equipment to ensure that it has the capacity to run without problems as part of the infrastructure, and if not, it should be replaced. Conducting backup testing helps to ensure that backup integrity is maintained across on-site and cloud environments. Annual tasks include updating licensing agreements and ensuring operating system upgrades. Managing licenses is vital to avoid any violations which may entail large fines. Updating operating systems in the organization to eradicate all the security holes and other problems of outdated software.