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Frequently Asked Questions About My New Network Administrator (w/ Video at bottom of page)
Douglas Chick


Many people that have newly purchased a Network Administrator either don’t understand them or need advice on how to handle one. Below are frequently asked questions to better help you work with your new network administrator.  

Q: My network administrator seems distant, and doesn’t want to socialize with the other workers.

A: NAs are private beings that interact best in Internet chat rooms and e-mail rather then on a more personal level. Just give your NA some space and he or she might come to you on their own. It may also be that your NA is lonely or exhausted. If after a year your, NA still doesn’t fit in, try hiring another one. 

Q: My network administrator constantly insults the other workers.

A: It is never a NA intention to purposely insult a co-worker. It is just there are many times when your NA is working on several issues at once, (a thing that we like to call, multi-tasking) and the section of their brain that is responsible for pleasantries is pre-occupied with running the network, all the servers, the workstations, website, mail servers, SQL server, hubs, switches, routers, and the backing up of mission critical data. And when someone interrupts their train of thought by asking a stupid question, a NA responds the best way he or she can without actually strangling you to death. 

Q: My network administrator doesn’t seem to have a penis?

A: Ah, do not be concerned. If your NA doesn’t have a penis, it is most likely that you have purchased a female model. Do not let this alarm you! You can treat her exactly the same as if she did have a penis. If however, the absence of a johnson is just too confusing for you, you may order replacement parts or an add-on. However, we don’t recommend that you do this as it will most likely slow down, even retard your unit. 

Q: My network administrator doesn’t want to spend his or her days off repairing home computers.

A: Network administrators are very selfish with their free time, days off and vacations. A lot of managers don’t understand this and are often confused by the unwillingness of a NA to repair co-worker’s home computers on the weekends...what was your question again. 

Q: My network administrator has access to important company data and e-mail. Should I be concerned that he or she might use this data against me or my company at a later date?

A: This is a common concern with many owners of a network administrator. Understand that a network administrator is a professional and only handles your data and never looks at it. However, there have been some isolated cases where some network administrators have malfunctioned as a result of being replaced with overseas replacement workers or laid-off due to failing to report correct corporate earners to the government. And yes it is true that many of these "disgruntled" network administrators helped lead government investigators to hidden corporate data. But this doesn't mean it can happen to you. Providing that you haven't been guilty of any of the above actions.  

Q: How should I manage my Network Administrator?

A: NA need little managing. The difficulties with trying to manage a NA is that most managers know nothing about computers, networks or well anything technical. So to try and manage a person that has a far more superior brain than your own, would be insane. Our best advice to you is; let your NA do his or her job without interfering. Your company will be better for it. 

Q: My NA uses words and a language that I find difficult to understand.

A: NA are trained in a language different than the one you were taught to use in your communications, liberal arts class, or that MBA. NA speaks in acronyms and only use the 0 and 1s in numbers. This is why purchasing a 10K piece of computer equipment doesn’t seem that unreasonable. If you are having troubling understanding your NA, just ask him or her to explain what they are talking about. NAs are always willing to explain terms. Although, be prepared to feel stupid.

Q: My NA dresses different than the rest of us?

A: Your NA has a very good understanding of the importance of corporate appearances. IBM, Ford and Microsoft have all realized that people work better when they can dress however they want. Your NA is simply dressing the way that he or she can better perform their duties.

A: My NA won’t address me by my title, and doesn’t seem to respect me?

Q: Sadly you speak the truth; your NA doesn’t respect you. Many managers believe themselves to be on a higher level than a computer genius. If you can’t correctly program your home VCR to stop flashing 12:00 every time your power goes out than how can you really expect your NA to respect you?

Q: My NA repeatedly touches himself and it makes the other staff members uncomfortable?

A: If your NA repeatedly touches his or her genitals in public it could mean that your NA contracted cyber herpes. If this is the case it should be treated immediately. It also falls within Plan B of your company medical benefits. 

Q: My NA eats the other workers lunches in the company refrigerator.  

A: This is a common complaint and one that you should address immediately. Network administrators that eat out of the company refrigerator can contract dysentery and sever stomach ulcers. If this is happening to you, make sure your NA takes a lunch break either off site or in his or her office behind a shut door without being disturbed.

Q: My NA is writing a book, reading the news on the Internet, playing computer games, talking to friends on the phone and building paper machete statues from the magazines of computer parts companies.

A: Don’t worry. If your NA is doing all of this, it is because he or she is happy and considers the workplace their home. This is most likely contributed to them spending more time at work than at home. Many NAs may not even remember they have a real home. If this type of behavior bothers you than it is recommended that you hire another NA so your current one can go home.

Q: My NA did something good, but I don’t know how to reward him or her, so I did nothing?
A: If your NA is constantly doing good things for you and your company, here are a few recommended ways to show your appreciation:

        ·        Show him or her some respect

        ·        Compliment your NA from time to time to show you care

        ·        Be a little understanding when your NA works all night, goes home at 8AM and tries to get a little sleep before coming back at noon.

        ·        Money: NA always view a raise or bonus as a sign you appreciate them.

Q: My NA did something bad, and I want to punish him.

        ·        Don’t. 30 years of psychological research has shown that punishing your NA will have sever long-term effects on how and when the government audits your company.

        ·        Don’t be afraid to apologize if you’re wrong.

        ·        Don’t jump to conclusions because in most cases you don’t know what the hell you are talking about.

        ·        Don’t leave your banking account number or social security number on your computer.

        ·        Don’t have an inter office affair. Your NA will always know. And mostly likely, he is sleeping with her too.

Q: I can’t believe that my NA is worth what I am paying him or her?

A: Imagine what your company would be like if all your computers suddenly stopped working and no one could perform their daily duties. Ask yourself, how many people depend on their computers and database to do their jobs? Now, how much more would you be willing to pay to make all of that happen again? Allot more, uh? 

Q: My network administrator makes obscure and meaningless jokes that no one else understands?

A: Ah, this is a tough one. Don’t try to understand the humor of a NA and don’t ask them to explain the joke. You have a better chance understanding how hydrogen is boiled off a star than you would understanding the humor of a network administrator. No, a star like the Sun, not like the movies.

Q: Where do I return my network administrator if he or she doesn’t work out?

A: Remember, you don't own a network administrator. They perform a necessary function that keeps your company running. If not for the network administrator you would still be using paper ledgers and abacuses.