Computer support specialists are responsible for providing assistance to customers and users who are having technical difficulties with their computers, such as a crashed hard drive or a forgotten password. Technical support specialists may also provide services in running a network on a day to day basis for a corporation.
Technical support specialists may run diagnostic programs in order to solve computer problems, and they will repair hardware and reinstall software. Other support specialists may write training manuals and train individuals how to use hardware and software.
Network systems administrators are responsible for installing systems over a local area network, frequently working for small businesses, large companies, and governmental organizations. These professionals will also evaluate the network requirements of a company and analyze this information in order to set up a secure broadband network that will operate efficiently. Network systems administrators will also take into account the future needs of a company and plan to add capacity to a computer network.
Computer security specialists are responsible for managing the information security and protecting a network from cyber attacks. Most systems specialists will work about 40 hours a week although they may have to work extra hours in order to provide customer support, especially if they are self-employed. It is becoming increasingly common for computer support specialists to work from remote locations.
Network systems certification is usually sufficient in order to become a support specialist, however, most individuals had at least a bachelor's degree in computer systems. Skills that these professionals should have include an ability to solve problems and to communicate effectively in order to solve any computing and network problems that their clients may have.
Computer support employment should grow steadily over the next 10 years, with employment growth estimates being twice the rate of growth of the average for American professions. Over the next decade, these jobs are expected to grow in number by 155,000, with most of this expansion occurring in computer systems administration.
In 2006, the median 50th percentile of systems administrators made between $48,500 and $79,000, while computer support specialists made between $32,000 and $53,600 annually.
For more information concerning Computer Support Specialists, visit Killer Careers, for extra info about Network Systems Jobs.
