There are multiple professions related to technology and computing. One of them is that of IT technician or Information Technology. It is also known simply as a computer technician. We are going to talk about what studies are necessary to work in this sector, as well as what their specific functions are. We will also see what the appropriate profile and knowledge should be in order to be able to opt for this type of employment with greater guarantees.
Training to be an IT technician
To work as an Information Technology or IT technician, it is necessary to have training related to new technologies and computer equipment. A good idea is to study a university degree , such as computer engineering, hardware, systems, software or telecommunications. In all of them you will acquire the necessary base for it.
You can also take a more specific master’s degree , where you can specialize in a more specific area. For example, a specific master’s degree in Information Technology, software development, Artificial Intelligence, computer systems or web engineering. This way you can focus more on an area that interests you, beyond having general knowledge.
However, the training to be a computer technician varies a lot and you can also take a training cycle . There are many and they will always be related to software development, maintenance of computer equipment, applications or system assembly. You can acquire essential knowledge to perform functions as an IT technician and later complement it with a university degree.
In addition, there are many courses where you can obtain certificates and degrees to demonstrate knowledge in the area of Information Technology. Network maintenance courses, computer systems and equipment, programming, etc.
You should keep in mind that this is a constantly changing profession. This means that you are going to have to adapt to the latest developments and continue training constantly to refresh yourself and acquire broader or more specific knowledge of a subject.
Duties of a computer technician
After explaining what training an IT technician needs, we are going to talk about what their main functions are . A review of the main jobs that a person dedicated to it will have to do. As you will see, there is a great variety of functions, but all of them related to the field of technology and computing. Some will be more routine, part of everyday life, while others will be more sporadic.
Install and configure equipment
The first function is to install and configure computer equipment. It is an activity typical of a computer technician and covers many types of equipment . For example office computers, printers, network equipment, etc. But beyond its installation, they will also have to work on the set-up and configuration.
The latter is especially focused at the software level. For example, configuration of programs adapted to a company, setting up the operating system to work without problems, installing security applications, etc.
System maintenance
All of the above require maintenance . It is essential that everything works correctly over time. For example, that a computer equipment is up to date, that the necessary hardware works correctly and that the programs necessary for the operation of a company do not become obsolete.
This system maintenance is another of the functions of an IT technician. It is a task that will be maintained over time and can range from routine actions that are carried out to prevent to more specific ones in case a problem arises. For example, regularly check that the equipment is up to date or see if it is necessary to install a patch in the event that a specific security vulnerability appears.
Detect and fix errors
It will also be in charge of detecting possible errors that may arise. For example, when a computer does not work properly, a printer has lost network connection or an application does not work as it should because of some misconfiguration. It is important to find out what the reason is.
Once the error is detected, the next thing you are going to do is fix it. For this you can use different methods, depending on the case. You may have to change a part, make a configuration in the operating system, update drivers or any other step that allows optimal operation.
Replacement of damaged parts
Precisely the changes at the hardware level will be in charge as one of the main functions. Any piece of equipment has a large number of components and many of them have a useful life. They can be damaged by misuse or simply by the passage of time and daily use.
A computer technician will take care of changing those damaged parts and putting new ones. A change of screen, change of hard drive in case it doesn’t work, damaged keyboard… In short, any hardware change that a company or a home user may need.
Test applications
Another task of an Information Technology technician is to test computer programs . This serves to detect possible failures, find possible improvements that must be implemented and thus optimize the operation of the software, whether it is something at the user level or for companies.
It is an important function, since today computer programs are part of the basis for the operation of a company. There are many types and it is essential that everything works correctly and without errors.
In this case, knowledge in relation to programming will also be interesting. It can be very useful to be able to carry out these tests or incorporate improvements to the applications and thus solve possible problems that may arise.
Profile and knowledge
Mainly it is necessary to have skills in everything related to new technologies . You have to be a person who adapts to changes, who has the ability to learn to use new devices and applications. In short, a continuous learning profile to be recycled.
It is essential to have knowledge in everything related to computers and computer equipment. Hardware components, operation of network equipment, computers, peripherals… This will help detect possible errors and know what needs to be done to solve them as soon as possible.
It is also important to have knowledge at the software level . Know how to use certain specific programs to carry out tests on computer equipment, computer security and fine-tuning of systems. This will also be interesting in order to test applications and see how to optimize performance.
In addition, it is interesting that you have good analytical and organizational skills . On the one hand, essential in order to be able to detect problems and analyze the best possible solutions. On the other hand, being able to organize the tasks to be carried out, maintain order and prepare the ground to be decisive.
In order to broaden knowledge , certain courses on the assembly of systems or network equipment can be well valued. Also know programming languages that can be useful both to develop software and also to be able to make necessary changes or adapt applications to be able to solve problems.
In short, as you have seen, there are different studies that can open the doors for you to become an IT technician. We have also shown what the main functions of this type of job are, as well as the profile and knowledge necessary to be able to apply for this position.
