Computer Service Technician Career

Computer Service Technician Career

Computer service technicians install, configure, operate and troubleshoot computer and external peripheral devices. Computers are vital to almost every business or government entity worldwide and they are a primary source of communication for personal use as well. A career as a computer service technician could be within a business' dedicated computer service department, an educational facility, a government entity, or as a self-employed individual servicing businesses and home computer systems.

You will manage and maintain systems for efficiency with the responsibility to prevent and detect operational problems and correct these problems by updating, upgrading, or replacing hardware or software. Your knowledge and experience is valuable to organizations as you are the key person keeping the technologies that they rely on to do business current and running efficiently. Familiarity with computer settings, software releases and update options, and current information about virus and malware threats and their removal are key job functions for service technicians.

A general knowledge of hardware, operating systems, and software will be at the base of your field expertise. Technicians should be adept at problem-solving since diagnosis and repair will be major roles in your career as a computer service technician. Clear, concise communication and customer service skills are helpful, in addition to technical qualifications. Computer service technicians will generally service a broad range of models and brands of equipment, although some choose to focus on a specific platform or manufacturer.

Due to the connectivity of today's computers and devices computer service technicians should also have a fundamental understanding of networks, internal and external storage hardware and software, security, and back-up devices. An A+ certification from the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) will designate you as a qualified computer service technician. You can expand your knowledge with other certifications to build your career around current and future technology trends or simply on the aspects of computer service you prefer to work within. Many schools now offer degree programs targeting the skills you'll need to become a successful computer service technician.