Information technology and computer maintenance professionals,
specialists and technicians have become ubiquitous in today's computing
and IT-intensive work, and business environments. An IT maintenance
professional's job responsibilities encompass installing, testing and
monitoring large computer and hardware systems, Local Area Networks and
Wide Area Networks; troubleshooting and solving IT-centric issues and
ensuring smooth running of all IT systems. The primarily
hardware-centric job description has broadened to include maintaining or
repairing peripherals components, multiple software and storage
devices, and monitoring help desk applications.
-
Computer maintenance professionals generally have associate
degrees in computer science, information technology, telecommunications
or electronics engineering. Other professionals can enhance their market
value with varied IT certifications offered by Novell, Cisco,
Microsoft, CompTIA. Expert tinkerers or individuals with exceptional
technical skills, knowledge and adaptability but with no formal degrees
also find employment as PC technicians in many small and medium
businesses and non-profit groups.
-
Computer maintenance professionals or specialists plan,
design, test, install and connect computers and workstations in a
network; troubleshoot hardware, network and software problems; fix and
repair PCs; address security and performance issues and systems crashes
in large corporations and businesses. They also address help desk and
Internet connectivity issues, and ensure that employees can functions in
a trouble-free manner. IT maintenance technicians employed with
computer manufacturers and big-box retailers generally diagnose,
troubleshoot, fix, replace parts and repair PCs as well as install
computer security programs.
-
Computer and IT maintenance professionals deal with
fast-changing technology and constantly evolving and overlapping job
responsibilities. They must show the willingness to gain new knowledge
and technical skills apart from the specific educational qualifications.
They must keep abreast of latest developments in hardware and software
technologies; understand protocols, networks and operating systems such
as Linux, UNIX, Novell NetWare and Microsoft and new-generation
Web-based applications. A basic comprehension of peer-to-peer networks,
email systems and network architecture models is also becoming
important.
-
Employment opportunities and workplace settings have
increased with widespread use and deployment of computer systems and
IT/Web-based applications. Computer and IT maintenance professionals
with different specializations build, monitor and maintain large IT
systems, data center facilities and networks in government agencies,
large-workforce corporations, high-tech firms, educational institutions,
retail, media and entertainment businesses. Others work with
specialized computer retail stores such as CompUSA and Microcenter.
Experienced IT maintenance professionals work as independent consultants
or are part of small and medium IT repair/maintenance shops.
-
IT and computer maintenance professionals and specialists
always work with a set of tools and allied technological aids. They have
to always be on call or alert to respond to specific queries,
IT-related or help-desk issues in most large office environments. They
are always on the move during working hours and have to be equipped with
exhaustive tools and paraphernalia of the trade. While fixing issues
physically on site or location, they need software troubleshooting CDs,
hardware tools, testers, hand toolboxes, software-loaded USB drives,
Boot CD with diagnostic programs, anti-virus programs, utility,
applications and PC security CDs.