Article: A computer systems administrator’s biggest job is to keep an organization’s lines of communications open. On a given day you might have major hardware or software malfunctions to fix; you may have to rewire network cables; you may be pressed to work as fast as possible by frustrated people whose computer systems are paralyzed. None of this is easy or for the faint-hearted. On the other hand, you will be well-paid. Network administrators in 2013 made an average of $74,000, with the top earners bringing in nearly $120,000.  Other functions of the job include updating software and hardware, maintaining email and data storage, training new users on the system, connecting employee workstations to the network, and sometimes managing telecommunications networks for people working from home or on the road.  Do research before committing to a career in systems administration. There are many web resources that can give you a good summary, such as US News and World Report or Computer Weekly While sometimes it is possible to work in systems administration with previous experience or a professional certificate or associate’s degree, you will find that many employers prefer people with a bachelor’s degree. Doing a four year degree will familiarize you with things like programming, network security, operating systems, database analysis, and systems analysis, and systems design. Usually, you should do a computer-related major such as information or computer science. Some college programs will include the chance to do an internship. This is a great chance to acquire on-the-job experience and industry skills while still in school. It will make you more hireable as a new graduate. As a way to increase your hireability and credentials, consider furthering your education past a four year degree. For example, companies like Microsoft, Red Hat, and Cisco offer vendor certification programs in things like programming, servers, applications, and databases. While such certifications are voluntary, according to PC World 68% of hiring managers in the industry consider them to be “medium or high priority” in making hiring decisions.  You can also get certifications in Windows or Linux server systems, and there is high demand for Cloud and DevOps certifications. You should be able to find certification programs in a variety of places. Microsoft certification courses, for example, are sometimes offered in tech schools or community colleges. You can also take them through “Learning Partners” – trainers all over the country will prepare you for the certification exam. Systems administrators have to know the ins and outs of major computer operating systems like Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, and others, in order to be able to make updates, install patches, do data backups, manage hardware, and monitor software and system performance. Cast a broad net. Familiarizing yourself with a range of systems – particularly the most popular ones – will make you flexible and more in demand. Some vendors, again, have certification programs in their operating systems. Check with companies to see whether they offer training. Communication is an underrated part of being a systems administrator. Yes, much of your time might be spent in alone in the server room, keeping things going. But you will have to work with others, as well. You will need to be able to express your expectations, to propose ideas, and to offer solutions to peers and to management. Can you convince your boss, for example, to upgrade the company’s web server? This requires skills in persuasive speaking. Try talking in front of a mirror for 15 to 20 minutes every day. If you are more serious about improving your communication skills, join a speaking organization like Toastmasters International.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Find out whether the field is right for you. Do a bachelor’s degree. Consider further vocational training. Become familiar with a range of operating systems. Develop communications skills.
Article: This should give the seeds several months to start growing before it starts to get super warm, and it will be after the coldest months so that the seeds don’t go through a difficult frost.  Starting in January is for the Northern Hemisphere. While you can try planting the seeds directly into the ground outside, you'll have much better luck if you start growing your seedling indoors. Check with your local nursery or garden store to see if they sell delphinium seeds. If they don't, you can find and purchase them online.  Do a quick online search to find reputable seed sellers. Read the instructions on the seed packet after you get it before starting the planting process—there are usually climate-specific suggestions about when you should start planting, as well as other variable conditions. Dampen a paper towel and place the seeds you’d like to plant on half of the paper towel. Fold the other half of the paper towel over the seeds so that they’re in the middle, and place the soaking seeds in the fridge to germinate. Once they've germinated, you'll see a white tail growing out of the seed.   Place the paper towel and seeds in a plastic bag before they germinate to prevent them from drying out. The seeds could take anywhere from a few days to over a week to germinate, so be patient and check on them daily. Use fresh, nutrient-rich potting soil and/or compost and put it in a container, filling it most of the way up. You can use a small pot, a plastic seed tray, or even a small scrap container.  Get the soil moist before planting the seeds by spraying it with a spray bottle filled with water. If you don't have a container, use small scrap containers such as the plastic container that berries come in at the grocery store—they're a great size and even have holes for draining. Take the seeds out of the paper towel and gently drop them into the soil, trying to get them as evenly spaced as possible. Spread a fine layer of soil over the seeds to ensure they're covered.  If you're using a seed tray, try to put 2-3 seeds in each section. If the pot is a bit larger, you can sprinkle 5-7 seeds. You don’t need to measure out where each seed goes, just try to spread them in each area of the container. The layer of soil shouldn’t be thick, you just want to make sure the seeds aren’t exposed—a thickness of 1 centimetre (0.39 in) should work fine. Use the same nutrient-rich soil that you used in the container. Once your seeds are planted, check the soil daily to ensure it’s nice and moist. Place the seeds in a spot that gets access to lots of sunlight, such as a windowsill.  Use a spray bottle to keep the soil nicely wet, if possible. If you don't have a spray bottle, fill a small cup with water and slowly water the seeds. At this point, the seedlings should be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall. Once you see at least 2 pairs of healthy leaves that have grown, you can begin to help the young plants adjust to the outdoors.  Avoid placing the pot in direct sunlight when they're first placed outside, and protect them from any wind. Leave the plants outside in their original pot for about a week, monitoring them to make sure they're hydrated and healthy. If the weather is supposed to turn cold overnight, bring the seedlings inside and place them back outside in the morning. You're transferring them when winter is over, so the days should be warm. Look for a sunny spot in your garden or yard that has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that's twice the size of the small seedling root ball, and place the plant into the hole, covering up the roots with soil. Keep the young seedling well-watered while it's adjusting to its new environment.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Plant in late January for the best results. Purchase the seeds from a nursery or website. Presoak your seeds to allow them to germinate before planting. Prepare a container with potting soil and compost in it. Sprinkle the seeds into the container before covering them with soil. Keep the potting soil moist and in a sunny spot so the seeds will grow. Expose the seedlings to the outdoors once they have at least 2 pairs of leaves. Transfer the plants into the ground after a week of adjustment.