System administrator software typically includes a wide range of programs for monitoring action on a system and responding to events or problems that occur. Common programs include tools that can be used by an administrator to take control over a remote terminal and software for managing accounts and passwords. There are types of system administrator software used as backup and recovery tools, to protect data, and programs for ensuring protection from malicious software. Other tools can include utilities for setting up and monitoring networks and controlling access to them.
Many system administrator software programs are developed as tools to work with computers that are part of a network. In this capacity, remote desktop programs can be quite effective. This type of software allows an administrator to take control over a computer on a network and troubleshoot problems through the program. Such system administrator software can even allow full keyboard and mouse control, as though the administrator was actually sitting at the remote terminal.
There are also many programs designed for assignment and control over accounts on a system. This can include system administrator software used to quickly create and distribute usernames and set default passwords. Additional security and password controls may be included, such as programs that scan passwords to find those that are weak or compromised and send a notification to the administrator.
Many tools and programs have been developed to backup and recover data on a system. Such system administrator software can quickly make a recovery disk or to make a full disk image as backup. Common programs like antivirus software and spam filters are also used by administrators to ensure the security of computers that are part of a network. This type of system administrator software may be similar to simpler versions of protective programs, but can scan numerous systems simultaneously and relay information about them together.
There are also programs for setting up networks, including local ones and larger networks that connect to the Internet and servers outside of a local area. System administrator software can be used to test network connections and to view incoming and outgoing data to look for indicators of attacks or malicious software within the network. An administrator can also run tests on a network, called penetration tests, to look for terminals or ports on it that may be vulnerable to attack. Other tools can be used for greater security testing, such as programs that launch an attack on a network or attempt password hacking.
