The Network Administrator

Because so much can go wrong-even with a simple network-designating one person as the network administrator is important. This way, someone is responsible for making sure that the network doesn't fall apart or get out of control.

The network administrator doesn't have to be a technical genius. In fact, some of the best network administrators are complete idiots when it comes to technical stuff. What's important is that the administrator is organized. That person's job is to make sure that plenty of space is available on the file server, that the file server is backed up regularly, that new employees can access the network, and other tasks.

The network administrator's job also includes solving basic problems that the users themselves can't solve-and knowing when to call in an expert when something really bad happens. It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it. Here are a few tips that might help:

• Part IV of this book is devoted entirely to the hapless network administrator. So, if you're nominated, read the chapters in that part. If you're lucky enough that someone else is nominated, celebrate by buying her a copy of this book.

• In small companies, picking the network administrator by drawing straws is common. The person who draws the shortest straw loses and becomes administrator.

• Of course, the network administrator can't be a complete technical idiot. I was lying about that. (For those of you in Congress, the word is testifying.) I exaggerated to make the point that organizational skills are more important than technical skills. The network administrator needs to know how to do various maintenance tasks. Although this knowledge requires at least a little technical know-how, the organizational skills are more important.