[TrashMan]

I'm applying for a job to be one in a hotel (I gots connections and I'm VERY likely to get it).

So any tips for a newbie in the buisness?

[Ashrak]

system administrator in a hotel? as in hotel IT? or you thinking about something else.

[Roanoke]

You'll grow to hate computers and you'll get you're head pecked but you'll be makin' lots o' money. 

Not from personal experience but I know a few and they all say the same thing.

[TrashMan]

SA in a hotel as in - the guy who puts together computers, installs software, sets it up, make sure the network works, makes backups, works with user accounts...stuff like that.

I don't have much experience with working on networks, the rest is mostly easy.
Heck, I think I'm gonna flood some specialized forums with question in the first few months of my new job

Thank God for the internet and the tech nerd forums - if I don't know how to fix a problem, they will

[Colonol Dekker]

What if you're at work and the net goes down? 

[TrashMan]

I go home (5 minute walk) and ask from my laptop or PC?


No rly..I'm friggin scared ****less of the very real possibility that I might f*** something up. Responsibility is so overrated.

[redsniper]

I don't have much experience with working on networks...

Then you're probably the wrong guy for the job.

EDIT: On second though, screw ambiguity.

[TrashMan]

There is no college for System/network administrators. Yeah, I had a lot of subjects on telecommunication, networks and stuff. I know the theory behind it.

But how can one get experience without a job? And how can one get a job without experience?

[Scuddie]

Ummm...  Community colleges and adult vocational schools are excellent for teaching practical use.  You just need to find the right one .

[redsniper]

I would say you should work for a while helping a real system administrator, so he can show you the ropes and such, and then let you take over the position. But whatever.

[Ashrak]

its not all that hard m8t, im a certified MCSA, and adminning 40+ different clients one of em a hotel, nooot all that hard.

[TrashMan]

its not all that hard m8t, im a certified MCSA, and adminning 40+ different clients one of em a hotel, nooot all that hard.

Good. Now  I know whom to ask for tips.

[Ashrak]

think you have my msn no?

[TrashMan]

PM's will do....PM's will do

[Colonol Dekker]

Meant to say earlier, congrats on the Job Trashman, god knows they're gonna be hard to come by in a months time

[Bob-san]

Remember to prepare images for each and every system: and for a hotel I'd suggest you reimage every system overnight.

[TrashMan]

Well, I'll have to check how everything is setup, how many computers, etc, etc..

Asssuming I get the job. I'm the only one who applied so I guess my chances are high

[Flaser]

I have a sysop qualification myself.

I have one suggestion:

PLAN.

As in, make a system administration plan that includes:

• What are the components and what is the layout of the system?
• What's server and what's client side? Why? Can you or should you change it?
• What schedule is feasible to use? (Planned maintenance is lot better then emergency firework).
  
  • What should be protected from the users through strict policies?
  • What and when to backup?
  • How does the client/server setup influence this?
• Where and what kind of redundancy do you require?
  (Having a spare computer and several spare HD-s is a must in my experience for critical sections like accounting)
• How does this whole shebang look from a security point of view?
  
  • Internal protection is MORE important. Can you quickly revoke privileges?
    (Does this transfer to each and every machine with protected content?)
  • Is the system adequately isolated from the net?
    (A good firewall and router quickly naps most intrusion attempts or worm/virus made "extrusion" attempts in the bud).
  • Can you enforce a sensible password policy?
  • Finally: Can you manage the human element? Users HAVE to be EDUCATED.
    (They have to understand the BASIC PRINCIPLES. If they do, your "Draconian" measures will no longer be unjustified whims of a grouchy sysop).

[KewlToyZ]

I wondered if you might have to deal with Thin Client systems with the Hotel as a chain and travel to others...

[Colonol Dekker]

I wondered if you might have to deal with Thick Clients period......[/quote]