English for system administrators

– May I assist you with anything further?

– What was the problem?

– How was it solved?

– Have you ever had any problems with the Internet access in your company? What did you do?

7. Look at the pictures and match them with the types of network:

WAN

LAN PAN

MAN

8. Answer the questions:

– What do LAN/WAN/MAN/PAN mean?

– What are the differences between LAN and WAN?

– What are the advantages and disadvantages of using WAN?

– Can you characterize PAN?

9. Look at the statements from the dialogue and complete the rules:

a) Turn on your router once again and tell me if the connection appears or not.

b) Open your browser, type «speed test» and click on the first website.

c) Then press «start» and you will see your speed.

Imperative (повелительное наклонение):

We use the imperative to 1.______.

In positive sentence we write 2._____ form of the verb.

In negative sentence we write 3._____ before the verb.

1.a. make an offer

b. talk about abilities

c. give instructions and orders

2.a. base

b. -ing

c. second

3.a. doesn’t

b. don’t

c. didn’t

10. Complete the instruction opening the brackets:

How to upgrade Ubuntu to 23.04

_____ (to open) the «Terminal» application.

_____ (to fetch) update software list by running the sudo apt-get update command

_____ (to type) in the command «sudo apt dist-upgrade» and _____ (to press) enter

_____ (to install) update-manager-core package.

Then _____ (to upgrade) distro and _____ (to run) the command «sudo do-release-upgrade» until you get Ubuntu 23.04 version

_____ (not to switch off) your computer while updating.

_____ (not to click) on anything while updating.

Once the update is complete, _____ (to reboot) your computer to finish the process.

11. Write an instruction on how to upgrade Microsoft OS using the words below:

_________________________________________________________________

Useful words:

to switch on/switch off = to turn on/turn off – включить/выключить

to back up – сделать резервное копирование

to type in – напечатать в…

to press – нажать (кнопку)

to click on – кликнуть на…

to reboot – перезагрузить

to head into – проследовать в…

to install – установить

Now you know:

– different types of network;

– how to express your opinion;

– how to give instructions.

Vocabulary:

Unit 4. Servers

1. Look at the word below and complete the scheme with the information that you know:

2. Discuss the questions:

1) How important are severs to companies?

2) What kind of data do servers store?

3) Can you name any characteristics that a server might have?

4) What security measures do you think a company need to take when dealing with servers?

5) What problems may occur if a server doesn’t work correctly?

3. Read the dialogue and put the words in brackets into correct order:

Kathrine – office worker

Jack – system administrator

K.: Hi, Jack. 1._____ (you/sorry/bother/to), but Leon said that only you could help me. 2._____ (5 minutes/I/may/of your time/you/ask/for)?

J.: Ok.

K.: Thanks! 3._____ (you/I/ ask/wanted to/about) servers we’re using at work.

J: Well, we have one physical server on-premise and also we use OpenStack VMs for some applications.

K.: 4._____ (I/wondering/was/if you/me/could/to/help) explain the difference between a physical server and an OpenStack VM.

J.: Sure. A physical server is a sort of hardware that can be touched and seen, you know. It processes data, RAM and disk space. Moreover, this server hosts virtual machines. In our company all VMs were created by OpenStack software. Such virtual machines we call instances.

K.: That’s interesting. 5._____ (understand/If/correctly/I), we can create a lot of instances with the use of OpenStack to run various applications?

J.: Exactly. Furthermore, each instance can be allocated its own resources like CPU, memory, and storage. We can even assign them to specific VLANs.

K.: Pardon? 6._____ (I/catch/didn’t) what VLANs are.

J.: A VLAN is a Virtual Local Area Network. It’s used to separate networks or network segments logically without needing two physical networks. This helps in efficient utilization of resources within an organization’s network infrastructure. So, it’s like having different groups of logical switches so we can control LAN traffic depending upon users or applications you wish to provide connectivity to.

K.: I see. You also mentioned RAM. How can it affect server’s performance?

J.: The amount of RAM will determine how many programs you can run simultaneously and how fast it could be. If there isn’t enough RAM, the system will slow down or crash because it doesn’t have enough available memory to handle all the requests.

K.: 7._____ (got/I/it). And what about security?

J.: Don’t worry. We use firewalls, encryption methods, antivirus software, and regular maintenance updates to keep our servers secure.

K.: 8._____ (now,/That’s/you/clear/thanks). I have one more question: how do we ensure that our server is always operating efficiently?

J.: It’s easy. We monitor its performance regularly, analyse usage patterns, and make adjustments which are needed to optimise its speed and reliability.

K. All right. 9._____ (Thanks/all this/ for explaining).

J.: No problem. See you!

4. Read the text once again and answer the questions:

– What information does Kate want to know?

– What is the difference between a physical server and an OpenStack VM?

– How does RAM affect server performance?

– What other security measures can be used to protect servers?

5. Write the missing letters to complete the words:

server _n-pr_m_se – a physical server which is located in company’s building or data center.

appl_ca_ion – a program which performs exact functions for users.

to _o_t – to be somewhere e.g., in cloud

vir_ual ma_h_ne – a resource that uses software instead of a physical computer to run programs and deploy apps.

In_t_n_e – another name for VM used for clouds

to _ll_cate – to divide

_L_N – a network that groups together devices that share a physical LAN, isolating the traffic for each group.

ut_l_za_ion – using something

network infrastructure – a set of hardware and software to maintain a network.

to _ff_ct – to influence on something

p_rfo_m_nce – how well something works

to slo_ do_n – to move slower

to _rash – to fall, to break

to h_n_le – to deal with something

r_q_est – a message with the task

_ncr_pt_on – a changing of data into a secret code to protect an information from stealing

m_inten_nc_ upd_te – a new release of software without new functions for fixing bugs

to mon_tor – to check

to anal_se – to study in detail

adjus_me_t – a small change

to opt_mise – to make something better

6. Complete the situations with the words from the ex.5:

affect monitor VM slow down network infrastructure allocate application server on-premise host optimise

1.Stanley: «Can you please create a new ______ for testing?»

Dave: «Ok, but firstly I need to know if we ______ enough resources to do it.»

2.Jenny: «Do we need to install the ______?»

David: «Why not? It’s more secure that way.»

3.Ann: «Does the new software ______ the current system?»

Oliver: «Yes, it does. We need to test it before implementing.»

4. Elena: «What ______ did you install yesterday?»

Martha: «Spotify. I finally decided to try it.»

5.Nora: «Can a network infrastructure ______ over time?»

Nikita: «Yes, if it’s not maintained properly.»

6.Noah: «How can we ______ the network speed?»

Ivan: «We can try allocating more bandwidth to the critical applications.»

7. Rob: «We need to find a place to ______ our website.»

Brian: «I heard Bluehost is a good option.»

8.Lucas: «We need to ______ the ______ closely.»

Dan: «Yes, any issues can affect all the connected devices.»

7. Read the text from the ex.3 once again and complete the table with the phrases from the text and the additional section:

Additional phrases:

a. That’s clear, thank you.

b. I appreciate your explanation.

c. I need some assistance, please.

d. Could you please clarify…?

e. I think we are not on the same page.

f. Could you do me a favor?

g. I’m terribly sorry but…

8. Fill in the gaps with the missing phrases from ex.7:

Alex – systems engineer

Sergei – service team manager

Sergei: Good morning, _______? (apology)

Alex: Hello, yes.

Sergei: I _____ (ask for help) invite you to an unplanned meeting in 10 minutes time, because you will be engaged in one more project.

Alex: ______ (apology). I don’t have any time for it today.

Sergei: Why? We’re going to discuss an important issue about working at the weekend.

Alex: But today is Monday. You can reschedule the meeting for Thursday or Friday, for instance.

Sergei: ______ (clarification)

Alex: _____ (apology) I need to finish the configuration of 10 servers in few hours time. So I can’t participate in a meeting.

Sergei: _____ (misunderstanding). You can do it right after our call.

Alex: No, it’s my high priority task for now. If I do something wrong, that can lead to crash, or don’t meet a deadline, there will be problems with the client. Are you ready to take these risks?

Sergei: No, I suppose. _____ (appreciation for explanations), so take your time. Maybe I’ll transfer our meeting for tomorrow because this new project is connected with our new customer and we need to start it as soon as possible.

Alex: Ok, _____ (understanding).

Sergei: In this case I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Alex: Deal with it.

9. Read the sentences and choose the functions of grammar tenses in them:

10. Study the rules:

Future Simple and be going to

We use Future Simple:

– to talk about predictions based on our opinion (I think it will be better to upgrade it as soon as possible.);

– to make spontaneous decisions (Ok, we will try to call them.);

– to make promises (I will do everything to prevent a server crash.).

We use be going to:

– to talk about our plans (I am going to do 3 tasks today);

– to talk about predictions based on facts (We noticed some problems with VM’s resources, so we are going to optimize it.).

11. Put the verbs into the correct future grammar forms:

1. (our company optimise) the website as we planned?

2. The overall operation of services reduces the Internet speed, so we _ (expand) the Internet channels.

3. I think we _ (monitor) the progress of the project closely.

4. Tomorrow, I _ (have a meeting) with my boss to discuss my KPI.

5. The CEO _ (not allocate) additional money for IT department.

6. Ok, so I _ (analyse) the data and present my findings at the meeting.

7. What _ (you do) if the server crashes?

8. I (not have) any days-off, because I need to finish my project.

12. Complete the sentences with Future Simple and be going to:

a. Maybe I _____ (do) this task tomorrow.

b. _____ (you conduct) regular checks this week?

c. I think that she _____ (not help) you with it.

d. I _____ (collaborate) with the support team on Friday.

e. Ok, I _____ (try) to fix this issue.

f. They _____ (implement) security measures, but I’m not sure.

j. _____ (Mike set up) firewall tomorrow morning?

13. Look at the diary and complete the text about Chang:

07/07/2023

08:00 – wake up (maybe)

08:50 – check emails

09:30 – upgrade servers

12:45 – be praised by the team lead (I think)

13:00 – have lunch in an office or in a cafe?

14:00 – work with the development team

17:00 – take part in a daily meeting

17:55 – don’t take an umbrella (according to a weather podcast)

18:00 – go home or go to the gym?

Chang _____ wake up at 8 o’clock. Chang _____ check emails at 8:50. Chang _____ upgrade servers at 9:30. Chang _____ be praised by the team lead after it. Chang _____ have lunch in an office or in a cafe. At 2 p.m. Chang and the development team _____ work together. Then he _____ take part in a daily meeting. At 5:55 p.m. he _____ take an umbrella. After work he _____ go home or to the gym.

14. Look at the situation below and make up your own dialogue. Don’t forget to use words and phrases from ex.7:

Today is 15.05. Max, chief technology officer (CTO), wants to give you a task to migrate services from on-premise server (on-prem.) into the cloud server with saving all data. Deadline – 17.05. You understand that you will not have enough time for it. You need to make a plan on what you are going to do and talk to CTO to prove that you need to have more time.

Now you know:

– how to talk about future plans and predictions;

– words connected with servers;

– how to apologize, ask for help and clarification, express your understanding and misunderstanding, appreciate for explanations.

Vocabulary:

Unit 5. Software

1. Look at the picture and answer the questions:

1) Which software do you see in the picture?

2) What types of software do you know?

3) Name software that you use every day.

4) Make up a «Top-10 list» of software that is essential at your work. Explain why.

2. Read the statements and say if you agree or disagree with them:

Branko: «Software makes my life easier because a lot of things are done automatically.»

Eden: «Software can be risky! I’ve heard stories of hackers stealing personal information through applications.»

Sofya: «I hate everything that is connected with software. Due to it, people became lazier and they rely only on software.»

3. Read the post and tick the ideas which are mentioned:

Greg

Every system administrator needs to have special software to close tasks faster. Today there’s an enormous quantity of such software and each company uses its own programs. I decided to write my personal list of must-have tools for better understanding of what you need to do at work.

To begin with, I’d like to start with Helpdesk – service for organising support activities for their customers. To have access to this software you (or your company) must be their client. In this case, if you have some basic questions but you’re short of time, you can write them in HelpDesk to receive an answer to help you with resolving an issue.

Secondly, one of the most popular open-sources is Ansible. It is used for configuration and is based on Python language. It’s very simple in using. Moreover, if you have a lack of knowledge of program languages, it’ll be easier for you to write a code in it than using some other software e.g. in Saltstack. Also, you can use it for a configuration of different types of systems and an integration with such tools as Kubernetes, Terraform, and Jenkins.

Next one in my list is Zabbix. It’s a nice tool for monitoring systems. Zabbix is quite complicated but at the same time flexible enough. For example, you can customize your own sensors for monitoring with the help of this software. But I strongly recommend you to read manuals before utilising it.

Fourthly, if you need a simple tool to manage all corporate devices, you can download cloud-based solution called Microsoft Intune. Especially Microsoft Intune comes in handy if you have a subscription in Microsoft Azure. It provides easy control and installation of updates.

Then, one of the tasks of sysadmins is an organisation of a secure «space» for keeping passwords. For this purpose, I like using KeePass. It generates passwords and temporary links for having an access to the passwords. Thus, it keeps passwords in safety.

Another important tool is Acronis. This software is vital to have secure operation systems backups. This one is more expensive than some of its analogues but it’s quite easy to configure and use it. Also, you can integrate it in different systems.

Finally, one of the best tools for remote connectivity in my opinion – Teamviewer. You can assist and control any kind of working process remotely from your device with this program.

I hope this information will be useful for creating your necessary toolkit for leveraging automation and optimizing your workload.

Greg mentioned software for:

4. Read the text once again and complete the summary:

There are ____ important software tools for a system administrator in Greg’s list:________. System administrators need them to ______close tasks faster. But each company uses ______because____.

5. Match the explanations with the words:

6. Choose the suitable words to complete the sentences:

1.How can we ______ this issue as soon as possible?

a. integrate b. monitor c. resolve

2.We don’t _____ to the Internet because of repair works.

a. have an access b. give an access c. take an access

3.I’ll ______ you in finding a good software for international calls.

a. assist b. leverage c. configure

4.Our department use some ______ software to create the website.

a. pay-source b. open-source c. close-source

5.You can _____ your phone by changing the theme and the size of shrifts.

a. resolve b. assist c. customize

6.We can _______ our resources to meet the deadline.

a. have an access b. leverage c. come in handy

7.I always ______ all important files.

a. backup b. configure c. customize

8.This is a useful ______ for managing tasks.

a. lacks b. open-source c. tool

9.I prefer reading ______ before using new programs.

a. issues b. manuals c. backups

7. Answer the questions:

– Which software do you know for generating passwords?

– How do you usually backup important data?

– How can software assist users?

– What challenges have you faced due to lack of resources when working with software?

8. Read the sentences from the text and complete the table:

– Every system administrator needs to have special software to close tasks faster.

– It’ll be easier for you

– This one is more expensive than some of its analogues.

– One of the most popular open-sources is Ansible.

– I decided to write my personal list of must-have tools for better understanding

– Finally, one of the best tools for remote connectivity in my opinion – Teamviewer.

9.Study the rules:

Degrees of comparison

Pay attention:

– If a short adjective ends with -y → we change y into i: happy – happier – the happiest

– If a short adjective has consonant-vowel-consonant (согласный-гласный-согласный), we need to double one consonant: big – bigger – the biggest

Irregular adjectives:

– good – better – the best

– bad – worse – the worst

– far – farther (usually about distance) /further (usually about abstract things) – the farthest/furthest

Note:

old – elder – the eldest (if we are talking about age: the eldest brother – самый старший брат)

old – older – the oldest (in the meaning of «старый»: the oldest bag – самая старая сумка)

10. Write the correct comparative and superlative forms:

late -> _____-> _____

complicating -> _____-> _____

good -> _____-> _____

near -> _____-> _____

old -> _____-> _____

exciting -> _____-> _____

bad -> _____-> _____

comfortable -> _____-> _____

hot -> _____-> _____

far -> _____-> _____

dirty -> _____-> _____

patient -> _____-> _____

11. Open the brackets with the correct form of adjective:

SaltStack and Ansible are nice tools for automating IT infrastructure. Before making a choice between them, it’s important to consider your specific needs and choose the tool that will be the ____ (good) for meeting these needs.

SaltStack is _____ (powerful) tool than Ansible, because it allows you to manage complex infrastructure. One of the _____ (big) advantages of SaltStack is its speed. SaltStack uses a master-slave architecture, which means that changes can be made quickly. Thus, with this software your infrastructure will remain secure. Another advantage of SaltStack is its scalability. SaltStack can easily manage thousands of servers, making it ideal for large-scale deployments.

In comparison with Saltstack, Ansible is ___ (simple) and ____ (easy) to use for small or medium-sized deployments. Ansible uses a push-based architecture, which means that changes are made on the client-side. This makes Ansible _____ (lightweight) than SaltStack. Another advantage of Ansible is its simplicity, so beginners and non-coders don’t have any problems while using it.

So, which one is _____ (good)? If you need to manage a large-scale deployment with complex infrastructure, then Ansible is a ____ (bad) choice than Saltstack. For that purpose, you should use Saltstack. If you have a ____ (small) deployment and want a tool that is easy to use and set up, then Ansible is _____ (suitable) for you.

12. Look at the information, compare the tools and choose the best one in your opinion:

Wireshark:

Price – free

Complexity – complex

Flexibility – very flexible

Monitoring – designed for packet capture and analysis, not for real-time

Features – packet analysis, real-time monitoring, historical data analysis, troubleshooting tools

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor:

Price – commercial

Complexity – easy to use for basic monitoring

Flexibility – flexible

Monitoring – real-time and historical network performance

Features – real-time monitoring, historical data analysis, troubleshooting tools, traffic shaping, QoS monitoring, and more

13. Read the situation and do the task:

Your colleague Helen is an HR manager. She needs to choose a new program for making notes during job interviews instead of Notepad. Helen decided to ask you for help. You need to recommend her the other tool with the same function. Don’t forget to use comparative forms of adjectives.

If you don’t have any ideas, you can use the following information about OneNote: OneNote is compatible with Windows OS, IOS, and Android. There are some drawing tools, voice notes, and image embedding. Also, you can share your notes with others.