Job Skills Needed for Computer Technicians

Computer techs oversee entire networks.

Computer technicians are responsible for everything from installing new software to troubleshooting hardware problems and fixing servers. This vital job requires a number of special skills, including effective technical and troubleshooting skills as well as top-notch communication skills.

Software Skills

A successful computer technician needs to be familiar with all of the software used within the company, including operating systems, standard office software and any specialty or proprietary software used by the firm. As a computer technician, you will be asked to troubleshoot all sorts of software issues, both common operating system glitches and uncommon problems you will need to track down and resolve on your own.

Hardware Troubleshooting

Computer technicians are often called upon to solve hardware problems as well as software issues. A good computer technician must know how to replace hard drives, DVD burners and other common pieces of equipment. Computer technicians also need to be able to add memory to PCs and servers, and how to configure those devices to optimize their performance.

Communications Skills

While computer technicians need to have top-notch technical skills, people skills can be just as vital to their success. The successful computer technician must have strong verbal communication skills to interact with end users, and written communication skills to prepare reports and work effectively with members of both the technical and management teams.

Independence

The ability to work independently is critical for a successful computer technician. While many computer technicians work as part of a larger team, there are many times when they must work on their own to solve problems, either in their own offices or out on the road at satellite offices. A good computer technician is able to draw on the expertise and experience of others on the team, while working independently to solve problems and get the systems back online as quickly as possible.

Setting Priorities

On any given day, you might find yourself with a number of issues and problems, all competing for your attention. For instance, you might arrive at work to find that a critical server is down, or that a key employee cannot log on to the system. It is up to you as a computer technician to prioritize those competing problems and determine where to focus your limited resources.