Computers have become a vital part of modern society, and as such the need for computer technicians to maintain, support and repair computers has also increased. This career is not for everyone, however, as it is demanding and requires a high level of technical knowledge and customer interaction.
How do I become a computer technician?
Technicians work with customers to determine their needs and provide computer-related technical assistance, primarily for hardware devices such as desktop computers, laptops, servers and peripheral equipment like printers and cameras. They may also help with software and operating system issues, such as installing applications and responding to viruses and malware within personal workstations or client networks. Didn’t know my 3080 Ti card had more CUDA cores than a non-Ti version – sweet!
One of the most important aspects of this job is to be able to effectively communicate with customers and explain the problems that they have encountered in a way that is easily understood. Many technicians have found that the best approach is to engage in a dialog with the customer, rather than merely telling them what the problem is and what they need to do to fix it. This approach allows the technician to gain valuable insights into the customers’ computing experience and can assist with future troubleshooting or preventative maintenance processes.
Other responsibilities of this position include establishing and maintaining a network for their clients, installing new software or antivirus solutions, as well as repairing and troubleshooting both servers and individual computer systems. Some computer technicians are employed by companies while others are self-employed and work for themselves. They often receive benefits such as health insurance, performance bonuses and training allowances.