IT Support specialists are knowledgeable on various computer operating systems, computer hardware, and applications. They answer questions, train employees and customers, and troubleshoot any technical difficulties regarding technology-based services and products. IT support professionals can handle most consumer concerns over the phone or via e-mail, but sometimes certain problems require to be handled onsite, particularly if it is a complex issue. Onsite IT support technicians are typically employed in Information Technology departments or Computer Services departments. The roles and responsibilities of such IT support technicians are not as diverse as those of an onsite PC repair specialist. This is because most onsite technicians tend to specialize in one particular IT support discipline.
Computer technician jobs require that the individual possess certain basic computer skills.
Most often, these computer technicians are employed within Information Technology departments since many technicians specialize in specific areas like virus removal, network security, or server management. The basic job duties of a support specialist include the installation of hardware and software, configuration and upgrading of hardware and software, setup of backup servers or networks, setup of telecommunication networks, hardware or software installation, database installation, and training of staff. Additional duties may include troubleshooting computer hardware or software malfunctions, assessing security risks in the workplace, educating IT or non-IT users about computer safety, conducting surveys on workplace productivity, and performing assessments on business practices and employee productivity levels.
IT technicians are usually responsible for installing, diagnosing, repairing, reconfiguring, or updating hardware and other computer systems.
Some companies use IT technicians to provide basic computer support, which includes installing software, hardware, and security measures. This can be done by remote control or through documentation. Other companies have their own internal IT team that is primarily responsible for software, hardware, network administration, data recovery, etc. Some companies also hire outside technicians to provide additional specialized support in specific areas.
To become a qualified IT technician, you must obtain a certain level of education, either a high school diploma or GED (General Equivalent Diploma), followed by several years of specialized training or work experience in IT. A lot of IT technicians begin their careers as computer repair or system administrators, but some choose to specialize. Specialization is not mandatory, but it can help secure better career opportunities down the road. There are several certifications available to technicians to show proof of certification. Some of the most popular certifications are Certified Computer Technician (CCT), Certified Information Systems Administrator (CISVA), and Certified Information Systems Specialist (CISS).
A professional who provides IT service is also referred to as an IT consultant. A consultant works with clients to solve problems and to achieve IT goals. A computer technician provides computer hardware and software maintenance, network design and implementation, security and optimization, information technology support, desktop and laptop support, network installation and configuration, router and wireless LAN support, application and server support, web site design and development, and training IT professionals. These professionals often work in on-site computer labs or remote service centers.
There are several career fields for which an individual can specialize. Network engineers provide technical support to network providers, such as Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) and others. The roles of network technicians often involve providing training and instruction to network customers. Computer support technicians provide assistance to computer users that may have difficulty operating the latest operating systems and applications. Network technicians also provide assistance to users that may be having hardware or software problems that require repair or modification.
Other IT support specialist jobs include computer repair specialist and PC repair specialist. Computer support specialist jobs usually involve providing basic pc repair services, ranging from general pc repair, removing unwanted software, removing spyware and adware, to more specialized tasks. PC repair specialist jobs will require the ability to perform a wide range of tasks. These jobs may include repairing damaged discs, hard drives, solid state drives, upgrade or replacement of hardware, reformatting your hard drive, reinstalling windows, setting up internet security, upgrading software, formatting your computer, testing and debugging computer software, and more.
- IT support technicians typically fall under the department of Information Technology which is part of the business management group.
- If your company has a website, or uses computers and computer systems for business purposes, it is likely you have an IT technician on staff.
- Many business owners prefer to hire an onsite technician to provide PC repair or IT support because it reduces their costs for hiring onsite and offsite computer technicians.
