Every company
with a set of
computers need
a Network Administrator.
25% of all jobs
in IT are in
this area.
A computer
network is a
set of computers
all hooked to
each other or
to one main computer
that share information.
Networks allow
for all users
to be able to
access the same
set of information
and resources.
The World Wide
Web is a kind
of global network.
Computers in
offices are often
part of a local
area network
(LAN).
The Network
Engineers and
Administrators
hook computers
together so that
networks can
function.
A Network Administrator
needs to know
about software
and operating
systems like
Windows NT or
Novell Netware
and needs to
know about hardware,
like which cables
to use or how
to install modems
or network cards.
What's the work like?
Network technicians keep the network running smoothly. This includes:
making sure
that no unauthorized
users have entered
the network.
making sure
there is enough
memory for the
network to run
efficiently.
adding new
users to the
network and configuring
new devices,
such as printers,
to be used in
the network.
making regular
backups of the
information in
the network so
that if it crashes,
nothing is lost.
When things
are running smoothly,
the job of a
network technician
can be routine
and predictable.
When something
goes wrong, though,
the network technician
has to be ready
and able to respond
to users quickly.
The network
technician must
be able to troubleshoot
and problem-solve
so that the network
gets up and running
quickly again.
The work of the
network technician
can sometimes
be quite exciting
then.
NWCET is a division of Bellevue College, and is partially funded by National Science Foundation grants.