Course Orientation & Fundamentals of Computer Administration
What is the role of a system administrator and why does every organisation need one?
- Outline the Grade 11 ICT course, assessment plan and lab rules
- Define computer administration and the role of a system administrator
- List the main duties and responsibilities of a system administrator
Overview
Every school, bank and telco in Papua New Guinea depends on computers that just keep working. Behind that reliability is a person — the system administrator (or 'sysadmin') — who keeps the machines running, users supported, and data safe. This week we open the ICT course, learn our lab rules, and meet the job of the person who looks after computers day-to-day.
What is computer administration?
Computer administration is the ongoing work of keeping computer systems available, secure and up to date. It covers hardware, software, users, data and the network. The person who does this work is called a system administrator.
Duties of a system administrator
A sysadmin does not just 'fix computers' when they break — most of the job is preventing problems in the first place.
Seven core duties of a sysadmin:
- Identify user needs: Talk to staff and students to understand what the system must do.
- Monitor performance: Watch CPU, memory, disk and network use so slowdowns are caught early.
- Fix errors: Diagnose faults in hardware, software or the network and repair them.
- Support users: Help staff and students use the system correctly and safely.
- Upgrade systems: Install newer hardware, patches and software versions when needed.
- Train users: Teach safe, productive computer use — passwords, backups, ergonomics.
- Keep current: Read, study and practise to stay ahead of new technology and threats.
Why every organisation needs one
A school without a sysadmin loses lessons every time a projector or lab PC breaks. A bank without one risks losing customer money. Even one part-time sysadmin protects thousands of hours of work.
'Wanted: System Administrator' job advert
- Work in pairs. Design a one-page job advert for a school system administrator.
- Include: job title, top 5 duties, required skills, and a short 'why this job matters' line.
- Do a gallery walk and vote for the clearest advert.
- Define 'system administrator' in one sentence.
Reveal answer
The person responsible for the upkeep, configuration and reliable operation of computer systems.
- List any four duties of a sysadmin.
Reveal answer
Identify needs · monitor performance · fix errors · support users · upgrade systems · train users · keep current (any 4).
- Why do schools need a sysadmin?
Reveal answer
To keep lab PCs, printers and network reliable so teaching and learning can continue without interruption.
Interview a teacher or staff member who looks after computers at your school. Write 5 questions and record their answers.