At the most basic level, the difference between these two roles is that a Network Administrator oversees the network (a group of computers connected together), while a System Administrator is in charge of the computer systems – all the parts that make a computer function. A Computer Systems Administrator's responsibilities may include software and hardware installation and upkeep, data recovery and backup, setup, and training on user accounts and maintenance of basic security best practices.3,4

As with Network Administrator positions, specific daily job duties may depend on the size and scope of a company's computer systems. At smaller businesses, the System Administrator may handle all IT duties, and thus maintain and update all computers as well as ensure data security and backup. Larger corporations may divide system administrators' responsibilities into more specific sub-roles, therefore resulting in specialized positions like database administrators or security administrators.

For example, if a network failure or internet connectivity issue occurs during peak work hours, it becomes even more crucial to fix the problem quickly. This is what businesses expect from a well-trained administrator. They have a significant impact on day-to-day operations in businesses where downtime can be catastrophic.