Computer User Support Specialists
Computer user support specialists provide technical assistance to computer users. They answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically and may assist in the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.
Computer support specialists, who may be known as technical support specialists, render guidance and computer support to people or groups in organizations. Computer support may be software or hardware related and may be given through different mediums. Specialists providing help via the phone or internet are known as help desk technicians.
The computer user support specialist's job description includes resolving queries, overseeing computer performance, reading technical manuals, developing training material or programs, setting up equipment, referring issues to other technicians, maintaining records, performing minor repairs, and modifying systems as per users’ needs and verifying causes of issues.
Requirements for a computer support role usually vary as per the needs of the employer. While computer knowledge up to some degree is necessary, a degree may not be a pre-requisite. Computer user support specialists' career paths benefit from not only degrees in IT-related fields but also from relevant training or certifications.
In recent years, the demand for computer user support specialist courses in India has risen considerably. This is due to the increasing adoption of computer work in businesses and the COVID-19 pandemic. One can work in computer support in any organization’s IT department or for software and hardware companies.
Apart from the technical knowledge and ability, useful skills to be successful include communication, problem-solving, monitoring, active learning and service orientation.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- B.E. Computer Technology
- B.Tech Computer Technology
- BCA Bachelor of Computer Application
- Diploma Information Technology
Tasks
- Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
- Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
- Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
- Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
- Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
- Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.
- Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
- Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
- Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.
- Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service.
Progression Routes
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