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DESCRIPTION
PC Technicians will build, repair, and troubleshoot the hardware and/or software on a Personal computer. PC Technicians will also install new and/or maintain installed stand-alone or networked PC’s. They will ensure that the network and its workstations are operating at maximum effectiveness. They will provide technical assistance, support, and advice to customers and other users. This group includes Technical Support Specialists and Help-desk Technicians. These trouble- shooters interpret problems and provide technical support for hardware, software, and systems. They can answer phone calls, analyze problems using automated diagnostic programs, and resolve reoccurring difficulties. PC Technicians may work either within a company that uses computer systems or directly for a computer hardware or software vendor. Increasingly, these specialists work for help-desk or support services firms, where they provide computer support on a one-time or contract basis to clients.

PC Technicians are troubleshooters, providing valuable assistance to their organization’s computer users. Because many non-technical employees are not computer experts, they often run into computer problems they cannot resolve on their own. PC Technicians install, modify, clean and repair computer hardware and software. They also may work on monitors, key- boards, printers, and other computer accessories.

RESPONSIBILITIES
PC Technicians are responsible for solving a variety of technical problems that might arise. In addition, they will offer help desk support to maintain an efficient and effective network, as well as, help any user on the network. They may also work on setting up network structure for company expansion or upgrade. PC Technicians must be prepared to face varying levels of PC problems in the network model. PC Technicians can answer phone calls from their organizations’ computer users and may run automatic diagnostics programs to resolve problems. They also may assist in training manual development and train computer users how to properly use the computer hardware and software. In addition, PC Technicians oversee the daily performance of their company’s computer hardware systems and evaluate Operating System and Application software programs for usefulness.

WORKING CONDITIONS
PC Technicians and systems administrators normally work in well lit, comfortable offices or computer laboratories. They usually work about 40 hours a week, but that may include evening or weekend work if the employer requires computer support over extended hours. Overtime may be necessary when unexpected technical problems arise.

Due to the heavy emphasis on helping all types of computer users, computer support specialists and systems administrators constantly answer questions and give valuable advice. Those who work as consultants are away from their offices much of the time, sometimes spending months working in a client’s office.

As computer networks expand, more PC Technicians, Computer support specialists and Systems administrators may be able to connect to a customer’s computer remotely using modems, laptops, e-mail, and the Internet to provide technical support to computer users.

EMPLOYMENT
PC Technicians and Systems administrators are projected to be among the fastest growing occupations over the 2000 – 2010 period. Employment is expected to increase much faster than average for all occupations as organizations continue to adopt and integrate increasingly sophisticated technology. Job growth will continue to be driven by rapid gains in computer and data- processing services, which is projected to be the fastest growing industry in the U.S. economy.

Demand for computer support specialists is expected to increase because of the rapid pace of improved technology. As computers and software become more complex, support specialists will be needed to provide technical assistance to customers and other users. Consulting opportunities for computer support specialists also should continue to grow as businesses increasingly need help managing, upgrading, and customizing more complex computer systems.

Certifications and practical experience are essential for persons without degrees.

ADVANCEMENT
PC Technicians usually advance in their field by gaining more experience in the Advanced Network structure. As their work experience grows the advancement opportunities increase dramatically. Others advance to closely related occupations.

*Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2008 (2006-07) Edition