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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CAREERS:
Find Computer Training Near YouCareer Description: Computer Support Specialists and Systems AdministratorsWith computers, peripherals, and networks being used by an increasing larger number of people, the demand for specialists who can solve users' computer problems and keep systems running properly has risen as well. Computer support specialists and help desk technicians assist individual users by providing technical support and resolving hardware and software difficulties. Systems and network administrators are responsible for keeping a company's networks running smoothly, dealing with issues including connectivity, user management, and security. Help desk technicians and support specialists may be directly employed by a company to provide assistance to employees on site, or over the telephone. They may also be employed by hardware and software manufacturers to provide telephone or on-site support for their products. Increasingly, they may also be employed by a third-party services firm contracted to provide support to many companies. Help Desk TechniciansHelp desk technicians typically have first-level contact with end users, responding to emails and telephone calls for technical assistance. They answer the questions that are not found in instruction manuals and online help, and help users resolve the error messages they may see on their computer screens. Because of their frequent contact with users, help desk technicians become experts in the stumbling blocks found most frequently in hardware and software products. As a result, they can provide valuable feedback in how hardware, software, and systems can be improved. Computer Technical Support SpecialistsComputer support specialists provide technical assistance, installing, maintaining, and repairing computer hardware and software. This can be done in person, or increasingly by using diagnostic tools that let the specialist access the user's computer remotely. They may also have responsibility for training users in how to use hardware and software, and may write training materials. In smaller organizations, there may not be much practical difference between help desk representatives and technical support specialists. In larger companies, though, support specialists typically address issues that the help desk cannot resolve. They may become experts in a specific type of hardware or software, and provide support to other help desk representatives when needed. Systems and Network AdministratorsSystems administrators are responsible for the configuration, operation, and administration of a company's network resources. They monitor network activity, and make sure that network hardware and software runs properly, and allows connectivity across all points of a local area or wide area network. Network administrators manage the shared resources used by an entire company or location, including file servers, centralized email servers, and shared printers. They analyze usage patterns, and make sure that the organization's computer systems have enough capacity to support all the users' needs. They are also responsible for network security, including firewalls, anti-virus systems, and other measures to prevent hackers and other intruders. Next: Training and Educational Requirements for Support Specialists and Network Administrators |
