What Does a Computer Technician Do?
Using the strictest definition a computer technician is expected to diagnose and repair both hardware and software issues which interfere with the computer's ability to function at peak performance. In the real world a computer technician is expected to offer customer support and training, install cabling, troubleshoot Internet connectivity, effectively remove/prevent virus infection as well as any type of malware issues or, as most job descriptions define the responsibilities, perform various other duties.
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Hardware Diagnosis and Repair
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The primary responsibility of a computer technician is to troubleshoot and fix any issues that arise due to failing or failed hardware components. This function is generally completed through a process known as parts swapping even though there are a number of diagnostic tools which may be used to establish which component failed. In extreme cases, such as a hard drive replacement, a computer technician will be expected to install the computer's operating system, perform all required updates, as well as copy the customer's data from the original hard drive or data backup media.
Software Issues
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Computer failures can also be caused by software corruption as well as incorrect installation or configuration. As such, a computer technician is expected to be able to correct these types of problems as well as explain to the customer what happened.
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Virus, Spyware and Malware
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Speaking specifically to the Microsoft Windows environment, a computer technician's responsibilities will include the diagnosis and removal of a wide range of malware that will create issues with a PC. In addition it will be the computer technician's duty to take whatever steps are necessary to prevent the issues from recurring. This may include the installation of anti-virus software, training the customer as to how to avoid dangerous computing activities and possibly to schedule regular maintenance visits to ensure that any problems are caught and contained before they become a major issue.
Peripheral Installation
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Computer technicians will be regularly called upon to install a wide variety of peripheral device including printers, scanners, wireless access points, routers, switches, and even VoIP equipment, depending on the customer. It should also be mentioned that as the resident computer expert a computer technician will routinely be called upon to provide advice as to what product is best suited to fill the customer's requirements.
Support and Training
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Without exception, every service call will require some form of customer interaction. In many cases this will also entail an explanation of what failed, what action was taken to correct the issue and how a repeat occurrence of the problem can be avoided. A specific example of this type of interaction would be where a computer's power supply failed and the technician would make a recommendation to install a power conditioning Uninterruptible Power Supply to reduce the issue of power surges. The installation of a new printer might also require a brief tutorial as to how this printer functions and how to use features that were not available in the previous printer.
Cabling
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The installation of various cables will be required depending on the individual employment opportunity. For example, a bench technician will be required to only work on computers and peripherals dropped off whereas a field service technician will have a far more extensive range of duties.
Sales
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A computer technician is also considered to be a sales person. As mentioned earlier, the recommendation of a Uninterruptible Power Supply may lead to not only a sale but a return service call to the customer's establishment.
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