What Do Computer Support Specialists Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Computer Support Specialists provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, or via telephone or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems. They also answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.

Other tasks include:

• Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
• Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
• Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
• Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.
• Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service.
• Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.

We asked Computer Support Specialists how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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66% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 45% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Computer Support Specialists maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities. They answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.

A typical day for a Computer User Support Specialist will also include:

• Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
• Modify and customize commercial programs for internal needs.
• Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades.
• Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
• Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.

We asked some Computer Support Specialists a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	100% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	58% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	72% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	7% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	18% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	61% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Computer Support Specialists also refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service. They may also inspect equipment and read order sheets to prepare for delivery to users.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Computer Support Specialists Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors. They might also Hire, supervise, and direct workers engaged in special project work, problem solving, monitoring, and installing data communication equipment and software.

In addition, they Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Modify and customize commercial programs for internal needs.

To some Computer Support Specialists, it is also their responsibility to Read trade magazines and technical manuals, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain knowledge of hardware and software.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Computer User Support Specialist, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm

http://www.comptia.org/