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Computer Support Technician Job Description


  

Most Recent Research: Updated 18 January, 2011

Job Description

Repair, upgrade and troubleshoot computer hardware components and related peripherals on either a personal computer (PC) or a server. Liaise with clients to understand specialized needs and recommend the appropriate hardware. Tune operating systems for optimal performance.

Salary Range: US$45K - US$60K per year


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Tasks and Activities

  • Install, troubleshoot, monitor, repair personal computer hardware, software and peripherals.
  • Update and upgrade computer hardware and software
  • Assist clients to identify suitable hardware components for their computing needs.
  • Identify and replace faulty PC and Server hardware as required.
  • Install and support common applications such as anti-virus software.
  • Support peripherals such as printers, scanners, tape backup devices and modems.
  • Troubleshoot application problems.
  • Specify hardware specifications for clients such as RAM, Disk Space, CPU and Video Card capacity.
  • Liaise with hardware vendors.
  • Configure operating system settings as required by the client (firewalls, local user permissions, automatic updates)
  • Tune operating systems for optimal performance including updating patches, device drivers and memory allocation.
  • Advise on capacity management issues such as memory and disk volume.
  • Advise on performance enhancing hardware such as CPU, Video, Disk and RAM.
  • Assist with the integration of applications, operating system and peripherals.


Skills, Knowledge & Experience

  • Advanced knowledge of PC hardware components.
- Case and power supply
- Motherboard
- CPU
- RAM (volatile memory)
- Video display card
- Hard disk drive(s)
- DVD player
- Monitor(s)
  • Knowledge of operating systems and device drivers.
  • Knowledge of common applications such as anti-virus and email.
  • Knowledge of relevant hardware standards such as IDE and SATA.
  • Knowledge of peripherals such as printers, tape backup and scanners.
  • Familiarity with RAID disk technologies.
  • Familiarity with basic network infrastructure.
  • Familiarity with Backup software and strategies.
  • Knowledge of communications equipment such as modems, routers and switches.


Organizational Position

This position may work independently or as part of a team depending on the size of the organization. Frequent interaction with end users and occasional interaction with other technical staff and vendors.
Figure 1. Computer Support Officer in the Organization (click to enlarge)

Qualifications & Certifications

Comptia A+ certification is relevant to this role as are Community College courses such as a Certificate in Computer Hardware Support or similar curriculum.


Key Competencies

Customer Consideration
Developing Self and/or others
Problem Solving
Specific Technical Knowledge


Attributes of an Excellent Computer Support Technician

An excellent computer technician has advanced troubleshooting skills and up-to-date indepth knowledge of computer hardware. Personal traits such as patience and humility are also very important in this role because they help with client relationships.


Attraction to the position and job retention strategies for employers

Many IT professionals begin their career through their interest in home computer hardware. For this reason there is a clear entry pathway into this role and hence may people are attracted because they are comfortable with the duties even before they begin.


Related Career Information

Skills in Information Technology

IT Career Pathways

Computer Technician Training Schools


Employer Retention

Many clients are not technical and can be frustrated by the time they take their computer to a technician. There can also be an element of mis-trust from clients and complaints such as "Ever since you touched my computer it has started..." may occasionally surface. Employers should ensure that there is always a mutually respectful relationship between clients and technicians.



Page Research Level (PRL)
A key designed to give an indication of the depth of research used to produce the content of the page.

PRL Key        Jobs researched
Level 0 =0-6
Level 1 =6-29
Level 2 =30-49
Level 3 =50-79
Level 4 =80-99
Level 5 =100+


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Computer Support Officer in the Organization