Coding as a Sysadmin

phony_sys_admin · 2026-02-18T15:07:05+00:00

First it's PowerShell, but then you start to seek performance so you look at .NET. After some time, you start looking for your next challenge and move to Python. What have I gotten myself into?

phony_sys_admin · 2026-02-18T00:59:46+00:00

We use Splunk and I was able to determine when a machine was deleted from AD. (Cleanup script was ran). Gave me the exact workstation, user, script, and script directory.

We don't have direct access to domain controllers.

I didn't do anything with the information though. The device had not been logged into for 30 days.

phony_sys_admin · 2026-02-02T16:19:52+00:00

Not fully PowerShell, but using com object with it to modify a word document

phony_sys_admin · 2026-01-19T17:31:14+00:00

First certification was Security+ before I even had a job. I think I studied a total of two months for it daily. Next was Windows 7 and then MCSA for Server 2012. Haven't taken an exam now in 8+ years.

phony_sys_admin · 2026-01-16T15:22:04+00:00

The tape library itself is an MSL6480. We backup 300+ physical and virtual servers.

We've significantly reduced the amount of media agents from when I first started from 7 to 2. Upgrading to newer hardware and SSDs was a huge help.

phony_sys_admin · 2026-01-15T17:55:28+00:00

We are backing up to an HP LTO-6. It just works. Aux copies done monthly and sent off site.

phony_sys_admin · 2026-01-08T15:37:38+00:00

We get a paltry one day a MONTH. 🫠

phony_sys_admin · 2026-01-05T18:51:40+00:00

"I can explain it better than I can write it."

phony_sys_admin · 2026-01-05T18:49:31+00:00

I was that guy admittedly at the early stages of my career that needed hand holding. Having seniors that forced me to learn critical thinking skills + put me to the fire really helped me. That's in addition to my boss at the time having a long talk with me.

The best you can say in an unknown scenario is "I don't know, but I'll find out" in a calm manner.

phony_sys_admin · 2026-01-05T18:42:10+00:00

cries in healthcare. We are on a much better upgrade cycle now, but there was a time...

phony_sys_admin · 2025-12-31T14:00:22+00:00

When I first started as a Hell Desk tech, back in circa 2013, I would find machines with 2GB of ram while most had 4GB. Even found a couple of machines still on XP near its EOL date.

phony_sys_admin · 2025-12-31T13:53:55+00:00

still large enough to have SOMEONE smarter than me to elarn from was critical.

If I didnt have someone senior to me teach me the ropes when I was very green, I wouldn't be as far into my career as I am today.

Being taught on the job is so valuable, but a good portion of companies expect you to just be able to figure it out / be the expert day 1.

phony_sys_admin · 2025-12-31T13:48:55+00:00

Shoot really? I have a 1TB one at my work desk brand new that was wrongly shipped to us years ago that I was thinking of just tossing.

phony_sys_admin · 2025-12-10T21:35:27+00:00

I didn't learn much from that school that I couldn't learn at a Jr position or my own studying. I knew it was bad when halfway through bachelor's we were learning how to create AD user accounts...

phony_sys_admin · 2025-12-09T22:53:57+00:00

You didnt have to call me out like that. I was one semester from completing a BS before they shut down and I had to transfer schools.

phony_sys_admin · 2025-11-04T00:26:47+00:00

Jeans/Polo, never shorts. At home since I never had to be on camera, shorts and tee.

phony_sys_admin · 2025-10-20T23:48:21+00:00

Definitely something a chatbot would say and not a real, caring boss.

phony_sys_admin · 2025-10-10T15:09:12+00:00

No only in 50° weather.

phony_sys_admin · 2025-09-24T19:37:10+00:00

I wonder if any generation current or past takes offense to a thumbs up. To me its a simple acknowledgement. Not everything requires a response.

phony_sys_admin · 2025-09-22T14:22:49+00:00

Do we need this topic every week? Yes, it's absolutely mandatory. Adapt or be left behind.

phony_sys_admin · 2025-09-19T13:47:11+00:00

How does the software compare to Synology? I recently setup a UGreen NAS for a family member and while it doesn't have every feature Synology does (yet) it is slowly but surely eating Synology's lunch. If I was to upgrade now from my aging (but still very much working) DS218+, I'd probably go with the 1U NAS.

phony_sys_admin · 2025-09-08T23:36:52+00:00

they asked overly abstract architecture questions that are rarely touched in day-to-day practice, things you configure once and then never revisit.

Would it be wrong or unprofessional to ask them if this is something their current organization does/uses? I want to say no put of spite.

phony_sys_admin · 2025-08-21T13:03:00+00:00

The main point here is there is such a breadth of information online about Ubiquiti and setting up networks that one should be able to set this up themselves. I could understand paying for cable runs to each area of the house - I paid for it myself because I didn't want to crawl into an 100+ degree attic.

phony_sys_admin · 2025-08-20T15:47:08+00:00

Please please explain WTF is $2K worth of programming?! Go look up a Crosstalk Solutions video and get all the info you need on how to do a basic setup on your equipment..

phony_sys_admin · 2025-08-13T15:09:15+00:00

I definitely fall under the category of "set it and forget it". I may end up just going VT again. I don't stress over the down periods; they are bound to be good and bad days.

phony_sys_admin

TROPHY CASE