Just in case you didn't know, today is Systems Administrator Appreciation Day. So, go on, give a geek a hug.

We're not sure whether this is an officially recognised appreciation day but, according to Sysadminday.com, the last Friday in July is set aside annually to pay homage to the thankless job of systems administrator.

Sysadmin Day is "a special day, once a year, to acknowledge the worthiness and appreciation of the person occupying the role, especially as it is often this person who really keeps the wheels of your company turning", says the blurb.

"Let's face it, systems administrators get no respect 364 days a year. This is the day that all fellow system administrators across the globe will be showered with expensive sports cars and large piles of cash in appreciation of their diligent work."

There follows a list of possible gift ideas for the IT boys and girls they keep locked in the basement.

"It's the least you could do," the advice continues. "Consider all the daunting tasks and long hours (weekends too). Let's be honest, sometimes we don't know our system administrators as well as they know us."

This is especially true if they are of the kind that read all your personal email and browses through your web cache.

It's possible that they know all your dirty little secrets if you're silly enough to organise your social activities from work, reinforcing the old adage: 'Never mess with your sysadmin'.

Instead, storm the server room and shower them with gifts, love and appreciation.