Chapter 1. Job Description | Solaris System Management (New Riders Professional Library)

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T HIS BOOK IS CONCERNED WITH THE TASK OF SYSTEM management, particularly with reference to systems running the Solaris operating environment. It should be noted that the majority of the principles discussed in the ensuing chapters are applicable to most computer platforms, not just Solaris. Any examples shown here, however, relate to the Solaris platform only. This chapter provides a gentle introduction to system management and, more specifically , to the job of the system manager.

What Is a System Manager?

The designation system manager refers to a role, not necessarily to a specific job title, even though "system manager" is itself a valid title and is used for convenience and consistency within this text. As with many other jobs, the titles can vary enormously, so the title of "system manager" could be taken as synonomous with "IT manager," "IS manager," or "senior system administrator."

Before considering the job of the system manager, however, it's important to get an idea of the system itself. Therefore, this chapter begins with a brief overview of the Solaris operating environment.

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