Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Also called: network, admin, sysadmin, lan administrator (local area network administrator), lan specialist (local area network specialist)
Do you do this at work?
Answer each card — it takes about a minute.
Do you do this at work?
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary
Swipe right for yes, left for not me. On a keyboard: → yes, ← not me, Z undo. +2 XP per answer.
How AI is changing network and computer systems administrators work
9 of 18 main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Red (lots of AI use) — 50% when main tasks are weighted. This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.
Tasks in this job and recorded AI use
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Plan, coordinate, and put in place network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Analyze equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments are needed and where changes will be needed in the future (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Research new technologies by attending seminars, reading trade articles, or taking classes, and put in place or recommend the implementation of new technologies (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Talk with network users about solutions to existing system problems (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate computer network access and use (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Maintain logs related to network functions, as well as maintenance and repair records (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Maintain an inventory of parts for emergency repairs (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Coordinate with vendors and with company staff to help with purchases (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Gather data pertaining to customer needs, and use the information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Train people in computer system use (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Put in place and provide technical support for voice services and equipment — some recorded AI use
- Load computer tapes and disks, and install software and printer paper or forms — no recorded AI use
Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).
Your first steps (guidance)
- Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
- Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary”. Try the prompt for: “Plan, coordinate, and put in place network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware”.
- Weeks 3–4: Make it a habit. Use AI 3 times a week for 15 minutes. Always check facts, numbers and names yourself.
Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.
Questions about AI and network and computer systems administrators
Will AI replace network and computer systems administrators?
Our data can’t predict job losses, and we don’t try to. What it does show: 9 of the 18 main tasks for this job match tasks people already use AI for (Anthropic Economic Index), giving a Red rating (lots of AI use). Using AI on a task is not the same as AI doing the whole job, and 10 of the 20 listed tasks show no recorded AI use yet.
Which network tasks is AI used for most?
In the data, the most AI use among this job’s tasks is for: diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary; plan, coordinate, and put in place network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware; design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.
Which network tasks show little or no AI use?
For example: configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software; talk with network users about solutions to existing system problems; operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate computer network access and use. These are good places to keep building your own skills.
How does this job compare to others?
In Microsoft Research’s “Working with AI” study, this job’s AI applicability score is equal to or higher than 81% of the occupations they scored. That measures overlap with AI chat use, not risk of job loss.
How can a network start learning AI?
Start small: open a free AI assistant, try it on one task you do often, and always check facts and numbers yourself. The plan on this page is guidance, not professional advice.