When you are hard at work and your computer fizzes out and you think your world is crashing in, all you really need to do is seek the help of a computer technician. By definition, a computer technician is a professional who is an expert at installing, repairing and maintaining computer equipment. Here, however, it would be pretty important to focus on ‘computers’, as an isolated term. As a rule of thumb, computers can stand to include everything from a desktop or a laptop to even supercomputers that are far more advanced than basic computers. Computer technicians, depending on their education and experience, are expected to know how to fix everything ranging from a computer to a supercomputer. As far as the different kinds of computer technicians go, it is essential to mention here that there are broadly four different types of computer technician responsibilities: network, repair, infrastructure and server. Read on to know what it takes to become a computer technician.
Becoming A Computer Technician
Requirements
Eligibility
In order to be eligible to become a computer technician, it is essential to be done with the right degrees or courses. First, in order to be eligible for an undergraduate course in computer science, an aspiring computer technician must complete his/her 10+2 from the science stream. Students hailing from arts or commerce stream are generally not admitted to undergraduate courses in computer science. Aspiring computer technicians can also take up a Master’s course in computer science for which they need an undergraduate degree in the appropriate discipline. Along with these degrees, it is also possible for aspirants to take up courses or certificate courses that can help them establish familiarity with the roles and responsibilities of a computer technician. Most computer technicians owe their titles to the number of certificate courses they do to gain specialized knowledge in their field.
Courses Required
Mentioned below are examples of courses that one can do or take up in order to have an edge over other players in the field:
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A+ certification or ComTia A+ Certification
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MCSE certification or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineering certification course
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Information Technology Certificate
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Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology
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Bachelor of Science in Information Technology or Computer Science
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Master of Science in Information Technology or Computer Science
Skills Required
Becoming a computer technician is no joke. A computer engineer is required to have a definite set of skills.
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For starters, a computer technician should be familiar with computer troubleshooting that is based on extensive expertise in hardware problems, principles and applications of computer related equipment.
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Computer technicians are expected to be considerably familiar with current industry techniques and equipment. This familiarity is picked up via on-the-job experience or extensive hands-on and practical laboratory exercises done during times of study.
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Apart from this, computer technicians are expected to have above par customer service skills, account management capabilities and selling expertise. It is also a must for computer technicians to be able to write winning technical documents that help users use software.
Roles And Responsibilities
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In a nutshell, computer technicians help in installation and maintenance or help solve problems that occur in computers from time to time.
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A computer technician is expected to be proficient in installation of LAN, WAN and monitors and programming etc. Extensive and appropriate knowledge of technology terms and developments is a must.
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A computer technician is not just expected to be technically proficient but, from time to time, he is expected to exhibit exceptional skills when interacting with customers along with account management abilities and selling techniques in general.
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While, all of these roles are meant to be fulfilled, a computer technician is also expected to be adept at written and verbal communication.
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A computer technician is also expected to be a trouble shooter with a unique knack for instructing users on computer skills and presentations skills.
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Lastly, from time to time, a computer technician is expected to keep up with the times. The world of technology is always changing and what was the trend a year ago may be obsolete before anyone knows it. This is what makes upgraded and updated technical knowledge a must for a computer technician.
Career Prospects
There exist various types of computer technicians fulfilling responsibilities in different capacities. The various roles include the following – desktop specialists, systems administrator, computer forensics specialist, help desk technician, internet professional, customer support analyst, etc. As far as career prospects for a computer technician go, it is considerably easy to draw distinctions amongst the numerous opportunities that are available in modern times. One may work with big non-technical corporations as their technical support and deal with the daily issues that employees might face there or one can also take up a job with a technical consultancy to provide solutions to individuals and firms alike.
There, you have it. Now you know what it takes to become a computer technician and you also know what is required of a computer technician. Answer the call, take up the challenge and don’t be scared of becoming a computer technician if that’s what you want to be!
