In the technological landscape, all tools and systems are expected to operate, even when outages or chaos strike without warning, requiring a quick and efficient response. In these situations, the Systems Administrator stands out as an essential figure in ensuring the stability and functioning of technological infrastructures. This professional is expected to possess composure, focus, and a natural curiosity for the unknown, as well as technical knowledge and a unique ability to adapt and solve problems that arise daily.
As part of the celebration of Systems Administrator Day, Fábio Cosme, who works in this role at the FCT, in the FCCN digital services unit, shares his Bulletin, highlighting his journey and main challenges, as well as several interesting facts. Between Artificial Intelligence projects and a silent fight against persistent bugs, there's always room in his day for coffee, a good... playlist and, who knows, a touch of Reiki… computer science.
Name: Fabio Cosme
Team/service at FCCN: Advanced Infrastructure Area – Corporate ICT Services
Year of entry into FCCN: 2018
Motivation for entering the ICT field: I entered out of curiosity, I stayed for innovation.
Main responsibilities at FCCN:
- Configuration and administration of Artificial Intelligence Solutions
- Active Directory Administration and Workstation Management/Configuration
- Management and Troubleshooting of VoIP Elements
Major projects developed at FCCN:
- VoIP infrastructure renewal
- IAedu Project
Biggest challenge ever faced: Explain that “rebooting” isn’t magic, it’s just good practice.
Ongoing projects:
- IAedu Project
- Chatbot Implementation
- M365 Copilot Administration
The motto in everyday work: Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best.
The most important skill of the role: Analytical and critical thinking, along with patience.
The preferred tool for managing chaos: Focus To-Do or any other app that involves the pomodoro technique with a to-do list.
The technology you can't live without: Headphones with noise-canceling!
What can't be missing in a Systems Administrator's day: Coffee!
Background music or playlist for working: It depends on the spirit. But mostly lo-fi, electronic focus, white noise (wind, rain, wilderness, ocean shore).
Favorite tech GIF/Emoji to react to bugs: A close-up of an upside-down USB.
If you had an IT superpower: Computer Reiki
A message for anyone who wants to be a systems administrator: There is nothing as permanent as a temporary solution.
