Interested in solving problems, identifying new ideas, and thinking outside the box? If so, you may be a computer repair technician at heart.
This is what they do every day. Whether it involves installing a new server, updating the protocol of a cloud computing network, or training a user on proper password protection, the computer repair technician must work proactively to mitigate network issues, close any vulnerabilities before a bad actor finds them, and keep the network running at full capacity.
So, what does a computer repair technician do on a day-to-day basis?
What Does a Computer Repair Technician Do?
Computer repair technicians are responsible for the day-to-day operation of an organization’s software and network infrastructure. They organize, install, and support an organization’s computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer repair technicians typically perform these tasks.
- Identify network system needs and install network hardware and software
- Troubleshoot software issues
- Manage Windows installation and support
- Manage cloud computing infrastructure
- Make needed upgrades to ensure that systems are operating correctly
- Maintain system security from cybercriminals
- Identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in the network
- Evaluate and optimize computer networks for system performance
- Identify data risks and how to manage them
- Manage VoIP and VPN systems
- Train network users in basic operations and networking best practices
- Educate users on proper password protection and attachment protocols
What Does a Computer Repair Technician Learn in School?
A computer technician networking specialist program prepares you for an entry-level position in computer repair and networking. You will learn proper techniques to fix hardware and software problems and build, support, upgrade, and secure computers on networking infrastructures.
A key part of the program is having students build their own computer. Building a computer from scratch will help you fully understand the fundamentals of computer repair. You will also configure, manage, and troubleshoot active networks and network devices.
Where Do Computer Repair Technicians Work?
There are many unique opportunities in computer software, hardware, and infrastructure for each unique individual. Whether you want to work at a big company, small business, startup, a tech giant, the government, school, or pretty much anywhere there are computer repair needs, completing a computer technician networking specialist program will prepare you to support a team of computer repair and networking specialists.
The IT department is the backbone of any organization. As such, you will work alongside others who share a passion for computers and who want to work toward a common goal.
What Types of Networks Will You Work On?
Most computer networks are classified by geographical distance between the different components. These include LAN, MAN, and WAN. Cloud computing can replace one or all of these networks and remove the physical hardware from the equation. VPNs are similar to cloud computing but offer increased security protocols to thwart cybercriminals.
Local Area Networks (LAN)
A local area network connects devices within a small geographic area. This may include a small organization, satellite office, or work-from-home employees. The computer repair technician will work to plan, troubleshoot, maintain, and update any existing networking systems so they run properly for all employees using the network.
Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)
A MAN network can stretch across a region or metropolitan area. A metropolitan area network is a series of local area networks connected together, also called a wide area network (WAN).
Wide Area Networks (WAN)
A wide area network covers a larger geographic area. Computer repair technicians install and maintain wide area networks for larger organizations. They spend time analyzing, troubleshooting, and evaluating WAN networks to run at capacity and make sure they have enough resources to function with minimal downtime. The computer repair technician also keeps the networks secure, keeping any bad actors or cybercriminals from obtaining any sensitive data.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing delivers networking space for businesses of all sizes to store their data and protect sensitive information in the cloud. These data consist of database information, software, and analytics, as well as business intelligence that may be proprietary.
Cloud computing offers a remote network that gives computer repair technicians flexible resources and the ability to scale with growing demand. Cloud computing is easy to implement and upgrade. Most cloud computing solutions offer a dedicated account specialist to manage the network and work with the computer repair technician if any issues need resolving or upgrades are necessary.
Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
A special type of network is the virtual private network (VPN), formed when a computer connects to a trusted cloud network from an external location. A VPN is common for many organizations that have employees needing to connect to the protected office network from a satellite or home office.
What Skills Does a Computer Repair Technician Need to Succeed?
There are many different skills that will help a computer repair technician succeed. The most important include patience, attention to detail, communication, teamwork skills, and drive to continue learning. With this set of skills, a computer repair technician will be prepared to jump over any hurdle or take on any challenge that comes their way.
Skill 1—Patience
As a computer repair technician, you will deal with a lot of colleagues who are not as computer savvy as you are. This will test your patience, as you may need to repeat your instructions multiple times before they fully understand the protocol to keep the organization’s data and network secure.
You will also sort through multiple lines of code and troubleshoot many issues that arise. A calm demeanor and a patient attitude will help you identify the needle in the haystack, as it were. Patience is an important part of a computer repair technician’s skillset and one that will help when problem solving.
Skill 2—Attention to Detail
Even if one digit is off on an IP address, it can shut down a whole network. A computer repair technician must pay close attention to detail to make sure code is flawless, all vulnerabilities are identified and remediated, and networks are running at full capacity.
Skill 3—Communication
Much of what computer repair technicians do is communicate. Whether it is with colleagues in the IT department, a supervisor, or an organization’s employees, they must be clear and concise with all communication so that errors don’t occur.
Part of a computer repair technician’s job is to educate network users on proper protocol for keeping passwords safe, denying phishing attacks, and stopping third-party bad actors from accessing the network and stealing sensitive information. Proper communication can help promote the ideals that will help keep the network safe.
Skill 4—Teamwork
Everyone has a part to play in the IT department, whether it is managing the network, repairing and formatting computers and devices, attending to employee questions at an IT help desk, or dispatching to remote locations to help satellite workers and other remote employees. A successful IT department is a well-oiled machine. Everyone knows his or her function, and the team works together toward a common goal. Those who need to lead and those who follow must understand their role on the team and work as one to complete their tasks and ultimately provide the product or services that customers are looking for.
Skill 5—Drive to Continue Learning
There is always something new to learn or technology to review. When new companies join the competitive landscape or new network offerings are announced, it is up to computer repair technicians to learn what they do well and understand what not to do to not duplicate the mistakes of other companies with similar network solutions and systems.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know a little bit more about what a computer repair technician does, it is time to dip your toe in the water and learn what you need to know to manage software, computers, network systems, and security. With the increase in automation and the introduction of new technology and devices, there will be a need for computer repair technicians for years to come.
Now is the time to take the journey and start the dream job you have been thinking about. In just seven and a half months, you can start a rewarding and challenging career in computer networking.
Interested in learning more about what a computer repair technician does? The Computer Technician Networking Specialist program at Hunter Business School is designed to prepare computer networking students for entry-level positions in the fields of electronics, computer technology, and networking. Students build their own computers and use them in the learning process.
All Computer Technician Networking Specialist program students build their own computers to be used in the classroom throughout the computer repair and training program. The networking component of the training program includes configuration, management, and troubleshooting of common wired and wireless network devices.
Contact us today to find out more about how to become a computer repair technician on Long Island.