Components of System Administration
There are 3 main components of SA given below
1. Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components that form computer systems and networks.
This includes:
Servers:
Definition: High-performance computers that provide services to multiple users.
Types: Web servers, database servers, file servers, mail servers, etc.
Functions: Data processing, storage, and running applications.
Types: Web servers, database servers, Me servers, fall servers, etc.
Functions: Data processing, storage, and running applications.
Storage Devices:
Types: Hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), Network Attached Storage
(NAS), Storage Area Network (SAN).
Functions: Data storage and retrieval.
Management: Backup solutions, RAID configurations for redundancy and performance.
Network Equipment:
· Routers: Forward data packets between different networks.
· Switches: Connect devices within a local network and route data to specific devices.
· Firewalls: Protect the network from unauthorized access.
· Access Points: Connect wireless devices to the network.
End-user Devices:
· Desktops: Stationary computers used in offices.
· Laptops: Portable computers providing mobility.
· Mobile Devices: Smartphones and tablets offering on-the-go access.
2. Software
Software refers to programs and applications that make hardware functional. This
includes:
Operating Systems (OS):
Definition: Software that manages the interaction between hardware and user applications.
Examples: Windows Server, Linux distributions (Ubuntu, CentOS), macOS.
Functions: Resource management, task scheduling, user interface provision, and system
security.
Applications:
· Business Applications: CRM (Customer Relationship Management), ERP (Enterprise
Resource Planning) software.
· Productivity Tools: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace.
· Specialized Software: CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, medical imaging
software.
· Utility Software: Tools for system maintenance, like antivirus programs, disk cleanup
tools, and backup software.
Utilities:
· Backup Software: Automated tools for data backup and recovery.
· Monitoring Tools: Nagios, Zabbix, which monitor system performance and health.
· Security Tools: Antivirus programs, encryption software.
· Configuration Management Tools: Puppet, Chef, Ansible for automated configuration
management and deployment.
3. Network Infrastructure
Network infrastructure is the framework that enables data exchange, including
communication channels and protocols:
Communication Channels:
· Wired Networks: Ethernet cables (Cat5, Cat6) providing reliable and high-speed
connections.
· Wireless Networks: Wi-Fi networks providing mobility and flexibility, though generally
slower than wired networks.
Protocols:
· TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): The foundational protocol for
communication on the internet and local networks.
· HTTP/HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol/Secure): Protocols for web data transfer,
with HTTPS providing secure communication.
· FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Used for transferring files between computers on a
network.
· SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): Used for email transfer.
· DNS (Domain Name System): Converts domain names into IP addresses.
Network Services:
· DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): Dynamically assigns IP addresses to
devices on a network.
· DNS Servers: Provide domain name resolution.
· VPN (Virtual Private Network): Enables secure remote access.
