Editing System administrator (section)

{{short description|Person who maintains and operates a computer system or computer network}}
{{For|the privileged user account|Superuser}}
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox Occupation
|image=[[File:System Administrators Burnside Franswells Acceptance Testing.jpg|200px]]
|caption=Two system administrators performing a system test
|official_names= IT administrator, IT professional, System administrator, systems administrator, sysadmin, 
|type=[[Profession]]
|activity_sector=[[Information technology]]
|competencies=System administration, [[network management]], [[analytical skill]]s, [[thinking]]
|formation=Varies from self study, certifications, and sometimes an Associate or Bachelor's degree in a related field.
}}
{{Business administration}}

An '''IT administrator''', '''system administrator''', '''sysadmin''', or '''admin''' is a person who is responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of [[computer systems]], especially [[multi-user]] computers, such as [[Server (computing)|servers]]. The system administrator seeks to ensure that the [[uptime]], [[Computer performance|performance]], [[System resource|resources]], and [[Computer security|security]] of the computers they manage meet the needs of the [[User (computing)|users]], without exceeding a set [[budget]] when doing so.

To meet these needs, a system administrator may acquire, install, or [[upgrade]] computer components and [[software]]; provide routine automation; maintain security policies; [[troubleshoot]]; train or supervise staff; or offer [[technical support]] for projects.