Thinking about a potential career as a computer technician. What do techs usually do daily? Is it more about fixing hardware, or do they mostly troubleshoot software issues?
A computer technician, often also called a PC technician or IT technician, can have a variety of duties depending on the work environment. Most techs will find their tasks fall under one of several categories: troubleshooting and resolving issues, installing and configuring hardware and software, and maintaining and repairing equipment.
During their day, computer technicians might troubleshoot software errors, which involves diagnosing the problem, figuring out how to resolve it, and then taking action to fix the issue. This could entail anything from reinstalling a program to running a virus scan or restoring a PC to a previous version.
On the hardware side, a typical routine might include upgrading hardware components such as RAM or hard drives, replacing faulty components, or setting up entire systems. Technicians may also assist in the configuration and maintenance of peripheral devices like printers or scanners.
In some cases, techs might provide support over the phone or via remote access tools, assisting users with their computer problems, guiding them through steps to resolve issues, or performing the troubleshooting process directly if remote access is available.
So, to summarize, computer technician work is a balance of both hardware and software tasks, but the precise balance will depend on the specific role and the needs of the workplace. Typically, they'll need a broad knowledge base to handle the many diverse tasks that come their way.
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