All companies need computer systems to execute everyday duties. However, when there is a computer, technological issues are possible.
As a computer support specialist, you can help individuals who have difficulty utilizing these computers, applications, and networks. You are responsible for many tasks depending on whether you offer network or direct user assistance.
Getting the proper education is the first step toward success in the sector. The article may provide the information and skills you need to seek careers.
Job Description
These professionals either manage computer networks or give direct technical assistance to computer users. This section will cover their specific duties and responsibilities. Scroll down to see more!
Duties and Responsibilities
In this position, a computer support expert monitors computer systems in a firm or organization daily. You will perform minor repairs to software, hardware, or other equipment as required.
You must adhere to any standards in installing or designing operating system cables or other software. You also need to ensure that the system functions appropriately while giving instructions.
If a severe issue arises, you will contact the relevant specialists or suppliers to repair and service any hardware, software, or other product.
You need to keep up with current technology by reading technical manuals and other sources of information. A computer support professional must have a mix of technical knowledge, perseverance, and customer service abilities.
There are two groups of specialists:
- Network Support Specialists
Network support specialists will ensure that their organization’s computer networks perform smoothly. They work in the IT department, testing systems, and troubleshooting local and wide area networks and Internet services.
- Computer User Support Specialists
Computer user support specialists will assist individual workers with computer issues. When speaking with employees who do not have an IT background, professionals minimize jargon by asking questions to detect a computer problem and then walking users through the procedures to repair the issue.
They also install and repair computer equipment and instruct customers on new gear and applications.
Where Do Computer Support Specialists Work?
Computer support professionals work in various areas, including information technology, education, banking, healthcare, and telecommunications.
Many people work for contact centers and companies that contract with them, while others operate from home offices.
The majority of computer support experts work full-time. Some experts work evenings and weekends since they are always there when the problem occurs.
Education Requirements
- Degrees
Computer support specialists have different entry criteria. They usually need an associate’s degree, while some college courses are a must-have for user support specialists.
As part of their degree requirements, several colleges provide students the opportunity to work in the computer support industry.
Internships offer students on-the-job experience that they may use to meet work experience requirements.
- Certified apprenticeship
This job category may also acknowledge a certified apprenticeship. A technical background is needed, along with 1-2 years of formal and informal training.
Employers may care about something other than specialty since they often offer on-the-job training for entry-level personnel.
- Certificates
Candidates with a high school graduation and suitable information technology (IT) certificates may qualify.
Computer support specialist institutions offer certificate and associate degree programs in information technology, computer science, and desktop support. Google provides an online IT Support Professional Certificate program.
A certificate or degree may help someone qualify for work as a computer support technician. You must attend a school for computer network support specialists to work as a network support expert.
Certification as a computer support professional is strongly recommended since many businesses highly value it. You may attend computer technical support courses to prepare for the certification test.
These programs provide students with the skills necessary to support clients.
For example, you may finish an online certificate program to prepare for the certification test. Passing a certification exam may boost a specialist’s chances of obtaining work since it indicates proficiency in the subject.
Essential Skills
Computer support experts require skills, such as transmission, broadcasting, as well as knowledge in technology and engineering.
Computer support professionals would also utilize their communication skills to ensure that both the user and the support specialist are on the same page with any issue, solution, or user needs.
Computer support professionals should have particular abilities that will help them advance in their jobs. These abilities include:
Hard Skills
- Support computer users regarding technical difficulties, software installation, hardware functioning, and network connection.
- Help users with the installation of computer and communication devices.
- Install and update antivirus software and configure customer-specific hardware and software.
- Provide hardware and software support for classified and unclassified computer systems.
- Use the SMS application, register domains, connect peripheral devices, and troubleshoot workstations/blackberries remotely.
- Configure PCs to connect to Cisco Wireless Access Points and resolve wireless difficulties.
- Work with a telecom provider to resolve T-1 lines and company-wide phone issues.
- Monitor and debug batch job processes that are crucial to day-to-day operations.
- Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot encrypted computers.
Soft Skills
- Customer service
A computer support professional should be patient and kind. Excellent customer service requires patience and the ability to empathize with your clients.
- Listening
Listening to your clients as they discuss their issues allows you to have a deeper understanding of the circumstance or difficulties they are dealing with.
- Communication
It would help if you could communicate effectively via speech and writing to deliver the finest service to your clients and consumers. You need to describe complicated technical concerns or problems to the consumer.
- Problem-solving
Computer support technicians must be able to recognize and evaluate problems to deliver solutions to their clients.
Essential Tools
Network Support Specialists
- SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is a multi-vendor network monitoring solution that can scale and extend as the network grows.
You don’t need to install separate servers for various apps if you use this network administrator tool. It is simple to set up and maintain, and it may greatly aid in monitoring your NOC.
It is a tool with a long history and strong ties to the IT community. It is practical, accessible, and simple to use.
- FileZilla
FileZilla is well-known for its cross-platform capabilities. It includes an FTP client and a server version that supports FTP and FTPS.
The FileZilla server edition supports files larger than 4GB. It has the necessary bandwidth to meet the demands of the majority of the world’s enterprises.
FileZilla is simple to use and set up. It would help if you connected to a server with the proper credentials to access your files and folders.
FileZilla is regarded as the best cross-platform secure FTP solution available on the market. When doing FTPS or FTP file transfers, FileZilla is the ideal tool.
Another advantage of this tool is that it can be easily installed and set up, making it extremely easy to use. It is compatible with many operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.
- Team IP
Team IP Combo is a superior tactic. It is free and provides trustworthy and complete documentation of your IP resources on the network.
TeemIP is a change management database framework that combines IP address management with a trouble-ticketing system.
It helps to manage IP addresses and network devices in terms of locations, organizations, users, and positions. It also monitors user concerns and requests for modifications.
- Datadog Network Performance Monitoring
The network monitoring tool from Datadog offers strong correlation capabilities. It allows you to quickly identify and remedy the core cause of network and application problems.
However, you may have difficulties during setup since you need to update the documentation for some of the integrations. In addition, its extensive usage of cloud resources may result in unexpected charges.
- ManageEngine OpManager
It is an easy-to-use threshold-calculating tool. Once you’ve set the threshold value for server or system health, OpManager will send you an alert and create alerts to notify you of the problem.
Despite its simplicity as a network administration and monitoring tool, ManageEngine includes advanced capabilities such as AIOps and workflow automation. However, users have pointed out that it may miss various devices in your environment, and there needs to be a sensor for AWS and Azure data.
Computer User Support Specialists
- Virtualbox
You may efficiently run virtual machines on your computer using Virtual Box. IT assistance may use a virtual machine to simulate the OS and software setup.
This way, you may troubleshoot the faulty computer without using it. In addition to serving as a computer simulator, you may also use it to launch virtualized environments on a local desktop or server.
- Ultimate BootCD
The Ultimate BootCD is a bootable CD that allows administrators access to a computer. It can restore lost data and fix damaged hard drives and partitions.
Additionally, antivirus software may scan the infected disk without endangering the bootable CD or flash drive. The Ultimate BootCD is a powerful first line of defense for hard drive recovery on any platform.
- Terminals
It is a remote connection-capable alternative to MS RDCMan. SSH, Telnet, VNC, and Citrix are the other connection methods you may use.
All the resources above are free to use or available under an open-source license. They’re available at no cost as downloads. Whether on-site or remotely, these tools may facilitate the speedy resolution of support requests.
Job Outlook
There will be an annual average of 75,000 openings for IT support specialists during the next decade. Replacement of workers, who leave their jobs for switching careers or retiring, will account for many of these hires.
Salary
The salary for a professional in the field was $61,750 per year. The average salary for a computer support specialist is highest in Green River, Atkinson, Wyoming, Nebraska, and San Francisco.
These cities have median wages higher than the national median, making a move as a Computer Support Specialist a potentially lucrative career move.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Continue reading to learn about the benefits and drawbacks of working as a computer support specialist.
- Excellent earning potential.
- Good career prospects.
- Work in a pleasant environment.
- It is relatively easy to break into this field.
- The work might be monotonous.
FAQs
What is the job of a computer support specialist?
Computer support specialists typically assist non-IT computer users with technical issues. They react to support requests in a variety of methods, including in person, via phone, online chat, or email.
Is computer support specialist the same as IT support?
A computer support specialist is a trained expert who assists people, corporations, and other organizations make the most of their computer systems. They are generally referred to as computer network support professionals, information technology, or IT specialists.
How long does it take to become a computer support specialist?
It takes roughly two years to become an IT technical assistance professional.
What are some qualities needed by computer support specialists?
- Problem-Solving Skills.
- Excellent Communication Skills.
- Flexibility.
- Self-Motivation.
- Detail-Orientation.
What is a computer specialist called?
A computer expert, IT specialist, or IT professional is a person who works in the area of information technology. You’ll receive training in computer-related institutions, universities, and computer institutes and can demonstrate substantial computer expertise.
Career Advice
Numerous employers may train their computer support specialists. However, it will help if you obtain experience in advance by yourself.
You may choose to pursue technical support specialist certification. Degrees and certifications may lead to more advanced roles with better compensation and greater responsibilities.
Thus, this article has provided you with basic knowledge about computer support specialists. Are you satisfied with the information in this article?
Don’t forget to share your experiences and thoughts. Thank you for reading!