Support Personnel
positions usually require training at a community college or a technical
institute but do not require a college degree. They require good problem-solving
skills and good people skills. Some positions can involve great variety,
including physical activity, for those who can't stand the thought
of sitting at a desk all day.
Computer Operator
Operates equipment in a data center, generally for a mainframe computer operation (a single, large computer instead of a network of little ones). Computer operators monitor and operate the main controls for routine computer operations, operate peripheral equipment (disk drives, printers, etc.), and maintain routine records.
Help Desk Technician
Provides telephone support to users of hardware, software and systems. Help desk technicians answer routine questions from users and help them to resolve problems. For tougher problems, they run automated diagnostic programs and identify "bugs" to be resolved by programmers. They may work within a company (such as a bank or insurance company), or they may work directly for a hardware or software manufacturer. If they are working within a company, they may also provide technical support (see Technical Support Personnel below).
Network Administrator
Installs and supports an organization's LAN, WAN, Internet or Intranet system. (These are all computer networks that exist within a company, no matter how large.) Network administrators maintain the company's network hardware and software, analyze problems, monitor the network to make sure it is available to all users, and add new users.
Technical Support Personnel
Support the daily operations of the personal computers within a company. Technical support personnel install and maintain hardware and software. They are also important as trainers, as they instruct and help users to use their systems more effectively.
Systems Administrator
Supports the ongoing operation of the computer systems for a company.
These are usually the 'big picture' people. They install and support
hardware and software and make sure that the system has a current
backup (an exact replica of everything on the computer), in case
of a power outage or other system disaster. System administrators
also recover lost data, adapt or customize software to the system,
and maintain systems security and networks. Like technical support
personnel, they also train and help users to learn how to use their
systems effectively.
