What are the 100 most common tasks for a PC Technician?

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by tripwire45, Apr 6, 2006.

  1. tripwire45
    Honorary Member

    tripwire45 Zettabyte Poster

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    Yes, it's a serious question. I'm doing a bit of research and am collecting some data. I'm not talking about people who are network techs or admins of any kind. I'm talking about the person who is a very entry-level PC tech. The person that does the work nobody else has time for.

    These tasks don't have to be complicated but they do have to be distinct. I'm not looking after answers such as "desktop support". That's a job role. I am looking at what individual tasks someone with that role (or any role classified under PC tech) would do on a day to day basis. Upgrading memory might be one such task or installing a PCI card could be another.

    In your experience, what would a totally new tech be responsible for doing on the job on a regular basis?

    Thanks. :)
     
    Certifications: A+ and Network+
  2. simongrahamuk
    Honorary Member

    simongrahamuk Hmmmmmmm?

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    Resetting passwords is the first thing that comes to mind.

    I'm sure that I'll think of others, but thats what comes to mind first.

    8)
     
  3. zimbo
    Honorary Member

    zimbo Petabyte Poster

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    these are mine...

    Finding drivers
    Extracting data from damaged hard drive
    Replacing power supplies
    Formatting and clean installing
    Repairing Windows
    Upgrades


    building new pc's

    ill add as soon as i can think of them!
     
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  4. nugget
    Honorary Member

    nugget Junior toady

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    Cleaning screens, keyboards and mice.
     
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  5. Jakamoko
    Honorary Member

    Jakamoko On the move again ...

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    Troubleshoot bad hardware / software / drivers.
    Set up email accounts /internet connections
    Install printer / scanner/ other IO device
    Tidy cabling
    Ensure safety in and around machine, from ESD to surge protection.
    Configure / run / restore backups.
    Basic user education (if only .. !)


    ...and the rest.
     
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  6. Modey

    Modey Terabyte Poster

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    Replacing toner and ink cartridges. Making cups of tea & coffee for the more senior techs. :)
     
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  7. d-Faktor
    Honorary Member

    d-Faktor R.I.P - gone but never forgotten.

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    lol! so true. for those who are in that position, don't worry, one day you'll be the one getting the coffee. circle of life.
     
  8. simongrahamuk
    Honorary Member

    simongrahamuk Hmmmmmmm?

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  9. Sparky
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Sparky Zettabyte Poster Moderator

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    Getting the user to switch the PC off and then restart it. If it doesn’t work after that then follow a script (error messages, has anything changed etc etc.) and then logging the call into a call logging system for a more senior tech to have a look. :biggrin
     
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  10. ffreeloader

    ffreeloader Terabyte Poster

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    LOL.

    I hope you mean rebooting, the "Microsoft fix", Sparky. Here in the US what you said means: kill the power to the computer with the power switch and then hit the power switch again to restart it.... :eek:
     
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  11. Phil
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    Phil Gigabyte Poster

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    One vital job for the new tech has to be answering the phones, the first line of defence against the users. :)
     
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    WIP: 2003 Upgrade, CCNA Upgrade
  12. Mr.Cheeks

    Mr.Cheeks 1st ever Gold Member! Gold Member

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    adding printer local/network... especially when the printer is on a network and the user says its not it is local cuz they are see it.

    reset pwrds, as user kept type the same password repeatly and not realising the CAPS lock was on...
     
  13. noelg24

    noelg24 Terabyte Poster

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    well for me its:

    Installing Security software
    reformatting hard drive
    reinstalling OS
    reinstalling drivers if no driver discs are avaliable
    installing printer drivers
    setting up internet connection
    adding a new piece of hardware (RAM, CPU, graphics)
    building a new system


    thats all I can think of now but am sure more will come...
     
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  14. thunderbird

    thunderbird Bit Poster

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    showing staff where the paper is kept for the printer.

    explaining that just because it's electrical it doesn't necessarily come under the IT umbrella!
     
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  15. Phil
    Honorary Member

    Phil Gigabyte Poster

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    LOL don't you just love those queries about the microwave / fridge/ lighting / air con etc. etc. Even better when you're thought of as some kind of removal guy who should shift all the office furniture around too when you move a PC, one of my favourite moments from last year was when I was criticised by a building manager for not moving a desk after shifting a PC and load of cabling, my response .. "Does it have a network cable or port in it?.....No? well I'm not shifting it then" Don't get me wrong, I don't mind mucking in to help get a job finished, It was just just the attitude.
     
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    WIP: 2003 Upgrade, CCNA Upgrade
  16. noelg24

    noelg24 Terabyte Poster

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    Hey Phil I would have done the same thing myself...hehe...nice one...
     
    Certifications: A+
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