Computer Service Technician

Also known as:

Network Administrator
Network Technician

Introduction

Computer service technicians install, maintain, update and service computer equipment and software in the organisations where they work or in outside organisations.

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Work Activities

Before computer service technicians install new computer equipment they check that it is in good working order. They could be dealing with a wide range of equipment, from individual laptops in a small office, to complex networked systems in a large organisation.

Technicians install any specialist software the user requires (such as a computer-aided design (CAD) program). They often train staff to use it.

Some service technicians carry out routine servicing to prevent problems developing. Others are called out to fix faults when they occur. They must work quickly and accurately under pressure.

Technicians also repair and upgrade existing equipment by installing more RAM (memory), fitting new drives or connecting extra equipment such as scanners.

They may also work on other computer-related equipment, such as printers, scanners and digital cameras.

Technicians working in an organisation with networked computer systems may be responsible for issuing passwords and doing the daily back-up, as well as dealing with problems. If support and maintenance of servers and networks forms a major part of their work they may be called network technicians or network administrators.

Some computer service technicians are 'on call' for part of their working time, to deal with problems. They may have to explain how a particular program works, or identify and get rid of a computer virus. Sometimes they can work at a computer help desk, talking users through their problem on the phone, but at other times they will need to work on the computer.

If they cannot solve a problem, technicians might talk to suppliers and manufacturers' support staff to try to find a solution.

Technicians might need to travel to customers' premises.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a computer service technician, you need to understand computer hardware and software. You should be logical and methodical. Patience and perseverance are important.

Good communication skills are important when speaking to users. Some may not be able to explain their problem clearly, so you will need to be patient, asking questions to help clarify the problem, then suggesting steps to overcome it.

Technicians should also be well organised and able to work without supervision.

You should be reasonably fit, as computer service technicians may have to carry computers and other heavy equipment to and from storerooms and users' offices. Normal colour vision is usually required.

For some jobs, you may need a driving licence.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for computer service technicians vary, depending on the size and type of company they work for.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Computer service technicians earn in the range of £15,000 - £18,000 a year, rising to £23,000 - £29,000. Higher earners can make around £35,500 a year.

Computer service technicians usually work a 37 hour week, Monday to Friday. Late finishes, on-call and weekend work may be required from time-to-time.

Working as a computer service technician can lead to posts such as computer support services engineer.

There are jobs throughout the UK, in industry and commerce, including banks, building societies and insurance companies, and in the public sector with local authorities and central government departments, the National Health Service (NHS) and public utilities.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Experienced applicants have a background in a related area, such as electronics or telecommunications.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

Manufacturers' accredited short courses are available, for example, Microsoft Certified Engineer programmes.

Distance learning courses in PC repair and upgrading are available from IT training centres, including International Correspondence Schools.

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