IT Support Specialists and What They Do

An IT Support Specialist provides technical support to a business’s computer systems. This could be internal help, giving direct support to personnel who use the computers in the business or it could be helping outside customers who access the computer networks through the Internet. The IT Support Specialist’s job description is quite broad, including support of email systems and software, computer hardware and software. It is one of the most common IT jobs in the United Kingdom. The job requirements for an IT Support Specialist greatly depend upon the size and scale of the business, as well as various other factors.

IT support specialists are required to possess certain core IT skills,

such as good computer knowledge, good typing skills and communication skills. The IT support specialist requires the ability to troubleshoot network hardware, software and communication systems. They are heavily involved in troubleshooting problems with these systems. Some support specialists are assigned to only hardware issues, while others are required to troubleshoot issues with both hardware and software. In some cases, the IT support specialist may also be required to set up or tear down networks and servers.

IT support specialists have the option of obtaining certifications in many different IT support specialist certifications today. These certifications allow IT support specialists to demonstrate that they possess the skills needed to repair and support networks and servers. Certifications may include: CompTIA Security+ Certified Specialist, CCNA certifications for network professionals and MCSE Network+ Certified Server Expert. Many organizations recognize that expertise and experience can translate into valuable certification credentials.

There are many professional organizations that offer certifications for IT support staff. A few of these certifications are: CCNA, MCSA, MCAD, CCNP, CCPDE, CISCO, PVAD, CZTV and IEC 611. Certifications offered by organizations offer IT specialist with the confidence to perform quality work. Organizations also offer recognition to IT specialist that prove to their clients that they possess the knowledge required to resolve hardware and software issues.

IT support specialists must understand the complexities of hardware and software that are in use today. This understanding allows them to provide detailed assistance when it comes to solving hardware issues as well as assisting their client in installing specific software applications. The ability to troubleshoot a computer software system requires a skilled support specialist. This specialized skill enables IT support specialists to diagnose and fix hardware issues. The ability to provide IT support technicians with information about hardware components helps IT support specialists in performing troubleshooting techniques that are specific to that hardware component. This skill also enables the support specialist to provide detailed instructions on how to repair or reinstall specific computer software applications.

IT support specialists must keep updated on a wide variety of information technology topics.

In particular, this IT specialist job description asks specialists to be knowledgeable about network security, desktop management, document management and networking. The skills required by these specialists help them resolve network issues, including repairing routers and other Ethernet equipment, securing their client’s data, and providing advice on how to improve the security of their client’s network. These specialists must also be able to troubleshoot and solve common problems associated with hardware. This can include fixing malfunctioning printer devices, improper battery charging, and faulty sound systems.

• IT support specialists are responsible for implementing IT policies and procedures as well as supporting hardware that is provided by their client.

• These professionals are then responsible for maintaining backup media for business systems.

• The most commonly requested IT specialist job descriptions require IT specialists to be skilled.

At troubleshooting hardware issues and the ability to analyze networks and software systems. These specialists may also be required to implement new technologies provided by their client.

IT support specialists are typically employed in Information Technology departments or business units where the need for computer support is greater than the staff size. In some cases, they may also be called upon to provide technical support for company networks. In larger organizations, IT support specialists may also be employed to provide assistance with specific departmental computer systems. These professionals may be responsible for training employees on company hardware and software, or for implementing new technologies provided by the client.