What does a computer repair technician do?

What is a Computer Repair Technician?

Do you love tinkering with and fixing computers? You may want to consider working as a computer repair technician!

Computer repair technicians install, repair, and maintain various types of computer equipment. Technology is continually evolving, so technicians have to keep up to date in order to analyze and troubleshoot each specific job.

What does a Computer Repair Technician do?

Computer repair technicians take malfunctioning computer hardware and software, and perform the necessary steps to diagnose and ensure the systems are returned to a usable state. Technicians also build and assemble personal computers and servers, and may set up local area networks of computers and other related devices.

Computer repair technicians mainly deal with the hardware components of a computer, but sometimes are called upon to install or replace drives, memory, and cards. A computer repair technician may be required to build a system from components and load the operating system software on to the hard disk. The technician will then locate and install the necessary programs, called drivers, that allow the operating system software to work with the hardware.

A computer repair technician will also work with the software of computers. This is usually the operating system software. Computers may get viruses or other malware infections, and the technician may be called upon to remove the offending programs.

If the operating system software doesn't function and cannot be repaired, the technician will usually back up the user's data if possible, and format the hard disk with a new copy of the operating system.

What is the workplace of a Computer Repair Technician like?

Computer repair technicians usually work in store front shops, corporate information technology departments, government offices, and hospitals among other places. These places tend to be well lit and climate controlled offices or store front work bench areas.

Technicians may also be required to be on-site in a number of different environments including industrial settings, commercial offices, or residences. Many experienced computer repair technicians may work as freelancers, or as consultants, and operate out of their home office.