IT Support Specialist Job Description
IT support refers to different services that entities offer to end users of computers or technology-related products. In simple terms, IT support offers help to customers regarding specific issues with either a software product or service, and not providing tailored training, modification, or provision of the said product, service, or software. When it comes to business IT support, a typical customer would expect the provider to offer training on IT support, customization of IT systems, application, and system maintenance and so on. Some vendors offer IT support services in addition to such services. The scope of IT support services is as wide as anyone can imagine.
In most organizations, IT support is delivered via tier one services –
first aid provisioning, diagnosis, recovery, setup, and planning. IT support at tier one includes configuration management, anti-virus configuration management, security management, information technology (IT) policy, information infrastructure management, desktop and network management, user education, networking management, desktop management and support for computer hardware. In short, the IT support function consists of more than just the basic functions of troubleshooting or fixing a computer or networking system. On a smaller scale, an IT support team may consist of just the following members:
* Computer support technicians are technicians who fix or assist in repairing computer systems, complete with their software installation, prepping the hardware configurations, installing drivers, setting up networks, and perform any necessary upgrades. They are also responsible for maintaining the proper working conditions of computers and ensuring the proper functioning of network equipment. The responsibilities of a computer technician also depend upon the nature of the support being given. For instance, if a computer is being repaired for hardware issues, the technician might test a printer or update its drivers. If a computer system is down for some reason, the technician might install new software or setup networking.
* Hardware support specialists are IT support specialists who handle computer systems that are specific to particular manufacturers. They are usually associated with the sales or service branches of computer manufacturing companies. The work of a hardware specialist could include installation, repair and maintenance of computer hardware. It is the duty of a hardware specialist to provide the most efficient support available for a specific end user.
* Network support specialists are IT support specialists who work with networks. Their job listings may include installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of networks. A network specialist may also provide advice on choosing and using appropriate technology for a network system. This means that they are involved in the planning and designing of networks and their installation. They may also perform upgrades, repairs, installs and installations of computer systems.
Information technology (IT) support specialists are IT support specialists
who provide IT support to small, medium and large business corporations, government agencies and schools. They support computers and their components, such as hard drives, memory cards, processors and software. They help people improve IT operations by providing advice on new technology, security and how to keep data running smoothly. Some information technology support specialists are self-employed, whereas some others work for small, medium or large businesses as contractors. Many IT specialists work in close association with computer systems integrators (Cisco, Microsoft, Arco, NEC and ShoreTel).
- To obtain employment as an information technology support specialist.
- It is important to have a general understanding of the computer systems they will be supporting.
- IT support specialists will work with one computer system at a time in a given period of time.
Therefore, the information technology support specialist job description would include installing a particular operating system, configuring hardware and then testing the system to ensure that it is operating at the highest level.
A typical IT support specialist job description would include installing network hardware and software and assisting network users with troubleshooting issues. They would also need to troubleshoot problematic hardware if it is out of spec or if it is infected with a virus. Support specialists also provide hands-on support for network servers, email servers, intranet servers, file servers and print servers. They are sometimes called upon to help troubleshoot other hardware such as mobile phones, PDAs and other devices. In a home office environment, they may also assist with PCs that are slow running, or that are booting up and shutting down abnormally.