Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialist Job Description

Computer support specialists can provide much needed technical assistance, support, and advice to people and organizations who use computers, software, and equipment. This position can sometimes be called help desk technician or specialist and is responsible for answering questions and solving computer problems for customers in person, over the phone, in a remote location, or online. This may include fixing basic issues such as network problems, network connections, or network security issues.

The computer support specialist provides training for staff and customers in the operation of the computer system and answers questions about new systems. Other types of computer support specialists, also called technical support specialists, support the company's staff and information processing departments. Computer user support specialists are assigned to provide user support for a specific customer and take calls from users to resolve any problems that may arise. Their tasks can include installing programs that tell the computer how to run the software and programs it is loaded with, as well as any software the client needs.  

Computer network support specialists can evaluate computer network problems and test existing computer networks, providing IT support to the organization's employees and customers, and diagnosing and repairing computer hardware and software problems. Computer support specialists are entrusted with tasks that vary depending on the network, but usually include providing direct support for computer users by answering computer software and hardware questions and installing programs or software.

Computer support specialist jobs require responding to customers who need help with computer problems. Their task is not only to listen to the customer, but also to diagnose the problem and provide steps to solve it. Help desk technicians and computer support specialists can solve problems that vary from industry to industry. Their tasks may also include writing training manuals and training computer users on new hardware and software. The technical support specialist is mainly concerned with solving problems and finding their root cause. They use all available methods and technical resources as well as their technical expertise to assist non-IT users with troubleshooting issues. Computer support specialists’ technical skills include knowledge of computer science, computer programming, programming languages, and other computer skills. Strong verbal communication skills and customer service skills are also important for computer user support specialists to handle phone and email requests from business users and resolve problems effectively.    

Computer support specialists may be asked to repair computer equipment or to help with printers, modems, and fax problems, as well as troubleshoot computers and other devices. Computer network support specialists guide customers through the process of reconnecting to the Internet, troubleshooting a product, and more. They can be assigned to customer support for a specific customer and take calls from customers to resolve any computer problems that may arise.  

Computer user support specialists monitor all computer systems in the company and provide support to system users. They provide support for simple and medium-sized problems such as network problems, network connections, and network security issues, as well as support for the company's own software and hardware systems. Computer network support specialists may work directly with employees using computer systems, or help external customers access the system via the Internet. They may also be directly responsible for the workflows of the personnel using the computer system. 

In addition to troubleshooting problems, computer user support specialists may be responsible for operating the company's computer systems and, in some cases, all of its systems. They may be asked to set priorities and assign work for staff in other departments. Computer support specialists work to outline the cause of problems and possible solutions, and the work can then be assigned to another employee, department, or team. Computer support specialists are also called help desk technicians or user support specialists, who work directly with users who report problems. They can work in a variety of industries. IT support specialists usually report to the IT manager and their tasks are often performed with minimal supervision. Computer support workers may also be IT support technicians, computer network support specialists, technical assistants, or support managers. Some technical support specialists work in call centers. Some of these positions are part-time with a limited number of hours per week while others are full time roles.