Systems Administration
Course Overview
Peter Gallert
Department of Computer Science
Faculty of Computing and Informatics
Namibia University of Science and Technology
2nd Semester 2026
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 1 / 13
Chapter Outline
1 Introduction
2 Course Scope
3 Course Delivery
4 Course Assessment
5 Study Advice
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 2 / 13
Introduction
If you don’t know me...
I am Peter Gallert, lecturer in the Department of Computer
Science
I am Magister Artium, CCNA, CCNP, CCAI, but not Sir.
Sir = Title of knights of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, awarded by HM King Charles III of England
My office: #11, IT house, 5 Jackson Kaujeua Street
Consultation times:
1 Directly before or after class
2 Any time I’m in my office
3 Consultation: Fridays 11:00 – 13:00
4 Or by appointment
Phone: 207–2268, Email: pgallert@[Link]
Class representatives will get my cell number—Please don’t
share!
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 3 / 13
Introduction
What is systems administration?
IT infrastructure administration:
The task to plan, set up, configure and maintain IT infrastructure
IT infrastructure administration areas:
1 Systems administration: Computer systems and services
2 Network administration: Communication paths and procedures
between devices
3 Software administration: Stand–alone and distributed
applications
Areas describe a focus, not a clear–cut separation
For instance, a web service (software) needs properly configured
addresses (network), and must restart after reboot (sysadmin).
Strong focus on operating systems
"Computer User Skills on steroids"
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 4 / 13
Introduction
What is systems administration?
IT infrastructure administration:
The task to plan, set up, configure and maintain IT infrastructure
IT infrastructure administration areas:
1 Systems administration: Computer systems and services
2 Network administration: Communication paths and procedures
between devices
3 Software administration: Stand–alone and distributed
applications
Areas describe a focus, not a clear–cut separation
For instance, a web service (software) needs properly configured
addresses (network), and must restart after reboot (sysadmin).
Strong focus on operating systems
"Computer User Skills on steroids"
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 4 / 13
Introduction
What is systems administration?
IT infrastructure administration:
The task to plan, set up, configure and maintain IT infrastructure
IT infrastructure administration areas:
1 Systems administration: Computer systems and services
2 Network administration: Communication paths and procedures
between devices
3 Software administration: Stand–alone and distributed
applications
Areas describe a focus, not a clear–cut separation
For instance, a web service (software) needs properly configured
addresses (network), and must restart after reboot (sysadmin).
Strong focus on operating systems
"Computer User Skills on steroids"
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 4 / 13
Course Scope
Specific learning outcomes (shortened)
On completing the course students will be able to:
1 Illustrate functions, concepts, and principles of operating systems
2 Plan, install, configure and administer operating systems
3 Use and evaluate tools for imaging, user management, user
account auditing, backup and restore
4 Administer and maintain software packages, patches, update,
upgrades and service packs
5 Understand shortcomings of system installations
6 Discuss security in computer systems
7 Distinguish various network structures
8 Apply the suitable command line tools for administration
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 5 / 13
Course Scope
Specific learning outcomes (shortened)
On completing the course students will be able to:
1 Illustrate functions, concepts, and principles of operating systems
2 Plan, install, configure and administer operating systems
3 Use and evaluate tools for imaging, user management, user
account auditing, backup and restore
4 Administer and maintain software packages, patches, update,
upgrades and service packs
5 Understand shortcomings of system installations
6 Discuss security in computer systems
7 Distinguish various network structures
8 Apply the suitable command line tools for administration
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 5 / 13
Course Scope
Specific learning outcomes (shortened)
On completing the course students will be able to:
1 Illustrate functions, concepts, and principles of operating systems
2 Plan, install, configure and administer operating systems
3 Use and evaluate tools for imaging, user management, user
account auditing, backup and restore
4 Administer and maintain software packages, patches, update,
upgrades and service packs
5 Understand shortcomings of system installations
6 Discuss security in computer systems
7 Distinguish various network structures
8 Apply the suitable command line tools for administration
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 5 / 13
Course Scope
Specific learning outcomes (shortened)
On completing the course students will be able to:
1 Illustrate functions, concepts, and principles of operating systems
2 Plan, install, configure and administer operating systems
3 Use and evaluate tools for imaging, user management, user
account auditing, backup and restore
4 Administer and maintain software packages, patches, update,
upgrades and service packs
5 Understand shortcomings of system installations
6 Discuss security in computer systems
7 Distinguish various network structures
8 Apply the suitable command line tools for administration
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 5 / 13
Course Scope
Specific learning outcomes (shortened)
On completing the course students will be able to:
1 Illustrate functions, concepts, and principles of operating systems
2 Plan, install, configure and administer operating systems
3 Use and evaluate tools for imaging, user management, user
account auditing, backup and restore
4 Administer and maintain software packages, patches, update,
upgrades and service packs
5 Understand shortcomings of system installations
6 Discuss security in computer systems
7 Distinguish various network structures
8 Apply the suitable command line tools for administration
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 5 / 13
Course Delivery
Times and venues
1 Theory lectures: 1 hour per week
Full–time slot 1, groups 1–13: Tuesdays 09:30, Auditorium 1
Full–time slot 2, groups 14–26: Wednesdays 14:00, Auditorium 1
Part–time: Mondays 18:40, Auditorium 2
2 Practical: 2 hours per week, check your group!
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 6 / 13
Course Delivery
E–learning
Self–enrolment key: SAD622S
Course outline
Discussions
Sample exam questions
Lecture videos (1 week delay)
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 7 / 13
Course Assessment
How this course is assessed
Assessment classes:
1 Theory (40%)
2 x theory test, 20% each
Supplementary / makeup test, replaces 1 theory test
2 Practical (45%)
3 labs
All labs count equal (15% each)
No supplementary for labs
3 Participation (15%)
Answer sample exam–level questions (5%)
Assess answers from others (5%)
E-learning discussion (5%)
120 notional hours. All notional hours assessed
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 8 / 13
Course Assessment
How this course is assessed
Assessment classes:
1 Theory (40%)
2 x theory test, 20% each
Supplementary / makeup test, replaces 1 theory test
2 Practical (45%)
3 labs
All labs count equal (15% each)
No supplementary for labs
3 Participation (15%)
Answer sample exam–level questions (5%)
Assess answers from others (5%)
E-learning discussion (5%)
120 notional hours. All notional hours assessed
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 8 / 13
Course Assessment
How this course is assessed
Assessment classes:
1 Theory (40%)
2 x theory test, 20% each
Supplementary / makeup test, replaces 1 theory test
2 Practical (45%)
3 labs
All labs count equal (15% each)
No supplementary for labs
3 Participation (15%)
Answer sample exam–level questions (5%)
Assess answers from others (5%)
E-learning discussion (5%)
120 notional hours. All notional hours assessed
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 8 / 13
Course Assessment
How this course is assessed
Assessment classes:
1 Theory (40%)
2 x theory test, 20% each
Supplementary / makeup test, replaces 1 theory test
2 Practical (45%)
3 labs
All labs count equal (15% each)
No supplementary for labs
3 Participation (15%)
Answer sample exam–level questions (5%)
Assess answers from others (5%)
E-learning discussion (5%)
120 notional hours. All notional hours assessed
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 8 / 13
Study Advice
Required material
No compulsory textbook
But what we give as reading assignment (lab–reflection sections) is
not voluntary
Reading tasks: Write a one–page essay about this text "cold"
Own computer
Imagine doing the drivers’ license without access to a car?
USB stick / external storage
A separate one for SAD—You can re–use it after you pass
Not the one you need for other courses (data loss)
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 9 / 13
Study Advice
What To Do Outside Class
120 − 45 = 75 notional hours of own work
That’s 5 hours a week, starting this week
What do you do with that time?—Suggestion:
1 hr/week: Recapitulate lecture and annotate own lecture notes.
Answer the Question of the Week and assess an answer from a
fellow student.
1 hr/week: Catch up on subjects from previous courses
1 hr/week: Explain what you understood, and ask questions about
what you didn’t (online discussions on the e–learning platform)
2 hrs/week: Work on practical tasks
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 10 / 13
Study Advice
What To Do Outside Class
120 − 45 = 75 notional hours of own work
That’s 5 hours a week, starting this week
What do you do with that time?—Suggestion:
1 hr/week: Recapitulate lecture and annotate own lecture notes.
Answer the Question of the Week and assess an answer from a
fellow student.
1 hr/week: Catch up on subjects from previous courses
1 hr/week: Explain what you understood, and ask questions about
what you didn’t (online discussions on the e–learning platform)
2 hrs/week: Work on practical tasks
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 10 / 13
Study Advice
How you will pass this course
1 Spend the complete 120 notional hours
2 Practical: Do assignment and labs on your own
3 Do assignment and labs on time
4 Theory: Be prepared to explain every subject term briefly
5 Participate in online discussions
Learning pyramid (numbers are myth, order is probably credible):
Happens where:
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 11 / 13
Study Advice
How you will pass this course
1 Spend the complete 120 notional hours
2 Practical: Do assignment and labs on your own
3 Do assignment and labs on time
4 Theory: Be prepared to explain every subject term briefly
5 Participate in online discussions
Learning pyramid (numbers are myth, order is probably credible):
You remember 5% of what you hear.
Happens where:
Lecture, course videos
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 11 / 13
Study Advice
How you will pass this course
1 Spend the complete 120 notional hours
2 Practical: Do assignment and labs on your own
3 Do assignment and labs on time
4 Theory: Be prepared to explain every subject term briefly
5 Participate in online discussions
Learning pyramid (numbers are myth, order is probably credible):
You remember 10% of what you read.
Happens where:
Lecture, theory homework
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 11 / 13
Study Advice
How you will pass this course
1 Spend the complete 120 notional hours
2 Practical: Do assignment and labs on your own
3 Do assignment and labs on time
4 Theory: Be prepared to explain every subject term briefly
5 Participate in online discussions
Learning pyramid (numbers are myth, order is probably credible):
You remember 50% of what you discuss.
Happens where:
Practical, theory reflection, QotW
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 11 / 13
Study Advice
How you will pass this course
1 Spend the complete 120 notional hours
2 Practical: Do assignment and labs on your own
3 Do assignment and labs on time
4 Theory: Be prepared to explain every subject term briefly
5 Participate in online discussions
Learning pyramid (numbers are myth, order is probably credible):
You remember 70% of what you do.
Happens where:
Labs, practical homework
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 11 / 13
Study Advice
How you will pass this course
1 Spend the complete 120 notional hours
2 Practical: Do assignment and labs on your own
3 Do assignment and labs on time
4 Theory: Be prepared to explain every subject term briefly
5 Participate in online discussions
Learning pyramid (numbers are myth, order is probably credible):
You remember 90% of what you teach.
Happens where:
Practical, e–learning discussion
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 11 / 13
Study Advice
A word on AI
ChatGPT and other engines are IT tools
Use them. . . for purposes allowed in a university setting
Bad: Something with your name on
An answer to a lab or test question
An evaluation of someone’s answer
Good: Something where the LLM assisted only indirectly
Technical help ("Where do I find the DHCP configuration on Ubuntu
Linux?")
Simplification of reading material ("Explain to me in simple
English:. . . ")
Further reading ("Give me some advanced practice questions on
Windows file attributes")
Grey area: Artificial pictures, formatting of documents,
configuration advice. Use common sense, and always indicate
Always check!
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 12 / 13
Study Advice
A word on AI
ChatGPT and other engines are IT tools
Use them. . . for purposes allowed in a university setting
Bad: Something with your name on
An answer to a lab or test question
An evaluation of someone’s answer
Good: Something where the LLM assisted only indirectly
Technical help ("Where do I find the DHCP configuration on Ubuntu
Linux?")
Simplification of reading material ("Explain to me in simple
English:. . . ")
Further reading ("Give me some advanced practice questions on
Windows file attributes")
Grey area: Artificial pictures, formatting of documents,
configuration advice. Use common sense, and always indicate
Always check!
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 12 / 13
Study Advice
A word on AI
ChatGPT and other engines are IT tools
Use them. . . for purposes allowed in a university setting
Bad: Something with your name on
An answer to a lab or test question
An evaluation of someone’s answer
Good: Something where the LLM assisted only indirectly
Technical help ("Where do I find the DHCP configuration on Ubuntu
Linux?")
Simplification of reading material ("Explain to me in simple
English:. . . ")
Further reading ("Give me some advanced practice questions on
Windows file attributes")
Grey area: Artificial pictures, formatting of documents,
configuration advice. Use common sense, and always indicate
Always check!
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 12 / 13
Study Advice
A word on AI
ChatGPT and other engines are IT tools
Use them. . . for purposes allowed in a university setting
Bad: Something with your name on
An answer to a lab or test question
An evaluation of someone’s answer
Good: Something where the LLM assisted only indirectly
Technical help ("Where do I find the DHCP configuration on Ubuntu
Linux?")
Simplification of reading material ("Explain to me in simple
English:. . . ")
Further reading ("Give me some advanced practice questions on
Windows file attributes")
Grey area: Artificial pictures, formatting of documents,
configuration advice. Use common sense, and always indicate
Always check!
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 12 / 13
Study Advice
A word on AI
ChatGPT and other engines are IT tools
Use them. . . for purposes allowed in a university setting
Bad: Something with your name on
An answer to a lab or test question
An evaluation of someone’s answer
Good: Something where the LLM assisted only indirectly
Technical help ("Where do I find the DHCP configuration on Ubuntu
Linux?")
Simplification of reading material ("Explain to me in simple
English:. . . ")
Further reading ("Give me some advanced practice questions on
Windows file attributes")
Grey area: Artificial pictures, formatting of documents,
configuration advice. Use common sense, and always indicate
Always check!
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 12 / 13
Study Advice
End of Chapter
Further reading:
AI is "built to be persuasive, not truthful":
Karen Weise and Cade Metz (1 May 2023): When A.I. Chatbots
Hallucinate. The New York Times
Any questions?
Peter Gallert (CS) Systems Administration 2nd Semester 2026 13 / 13