PC Support Technician
A PC support technician is a professional who does troubleshooting, maintenance, installation and repairs of computer hardware and diagnoses software issues. The professionals are usually available to provide technical assistance and support to any employee using a PC for work. The main areas of focus are upgrading computer systems, removing viruses, ensuring network safety, installing new hardware and collaborating with other information technology technicians.
The technicians are also often known as help-desk technicians. They will occasionally travel to off-site locations to resolve PC problems. It is common practice that the technicians are always available to give instructions and advice to users on how to resolve their PC problems. Apart from getting involved in the hardware and software problems, the support technician also troubleshoots and repairs other peripheral equipment such as printers.
The Desktop Support Technician is responsible for designing and implementing preventive maintenance procedures for personal computers. The professionals provide suggestions regarding software and hardware purchases. They have to keep themselves updated with the asset tracking information for an accurate asset inventory. The technician offers training support for the proper usage of corporate standard software packages. The professional will have to ability to manage network applications and application distribution systems.
The support technician must take care of the system security and will have to ensure that they are in accordance with the customer policy. It is the PC Support Technician responsibility to execute and support the network standards and guidelines. The professional conduct routine diagnosis on failed equipment, and software. They also coordinate repairs and identifies and resolves network issues. The professional will have to document the purchase orders and equipment inventories. They should also maintain electronic and hard reports and logs.
Job Description
The primary responsibility of the support technician is to offer technical support to computers both remotely and on-site. The areas of work include troubleshooting computer hardware, peripherals and software applications. Sometimes they are also asked to focus on network and internet connectivity. They should be able to work in coordination with both technical and non-technical staff.
The PC Technician should take care of the basic network support. It is their responsibility to install and maintain the application platforms. The professional must assist in the help desk level administrative functions. They have to take care of the server infrastructure on a daily basis. It is the responsibility of the PC Support Technician is to perform daily back-ups and data redundancy.
The support technician must be able to maintain and manage the appropriate hardware inventory. The professional will identify and resolve the recurring software/application/host issues that include medium to high complexity. The technician will play an active role in preparing system operational manuals and documentation. The professional handles changes requests, software updates, and hardware issues.
The Computer Support Technician must offer technical assistance to clients and analyze technical requirements. They should have an in-depth understanding of computer hardware, software and peripheral devices. The professionals should take care of the design and implementation of systems based on the client’s requirement. They have to execute security-related updates and patched on classified and unclassified systems.
It is the PC Support Technician who manages the desktop imaging procedures using Windows Deployment Server. They offer technical support for all IT issues and will work with available resources to provide effective solutions, break/fix and problem resolutions.
Responsibilities Include:
- Build and configure hardware and update software
- Repairing computers and ensuring that the servers are functioning properly
- Running diagnostic programs and maintaining computer networks
- Gathering data to assess the needs of the customer
- Evaluation of network requirements
- Telecommunications setup and repair
- System administration
- Resolving incorrect settings
- Remove viruses or spyware, be able to replace hardware or reinstall the entire operating system
Education Qualifications
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology. The program provides the candidate with knowledge of computer programming, operating systems, data structures, systems analysis, and algorithms. They can also opt for a master’s degree if they have any plans to apply for higher positions.
Additional skills
Customer-Service
The PC Support Technician should be able to help customers facing trouble understanding how certain hardware or software works. The professionals have to answer all the queries and resolve any kind of technical issues.
Problem-Solving
The support technician must have the ability to identify simple and complex problems. They have to analyze and come with effective solutions to rectify them.
Communication Skills
Usually, for a layman, it is difficult to understand the technicalities of the computer. The PC Support Technician will have to simplify and explain them to the customers in a simple and nontechnical way.
Writing Skills
For PC Support Technician, writing skills will come in handy for preparing instructions and email responses for employees and customers.
Certifications:
- CompTIA A+ Technician
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Salary
According to paysa, a PC support tech’s annual salary is $55,851 on average. It ranges from $51,050 to $60,198 depending on experience. The figures are based on the analysis of about 20 profiles that include base salary, equity, and bonus. The average salary according to comparably is $51,601 per year. The Indeed salary estimate shows that on an average PC Support Technician salary ranges from approximately $15.59 per hour for Computer Technician to $19.06 per hour for IT Support in the United States.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there is going to be an increased demand of 12 percent between 2014 and 2024. Professionals who focus on technical assistance will have a bright future.
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