IT support is basically a department function of all IT departments, which means that the entire computer system of that organization are regularly monitored and updated. This is usually done through different IT support services available in the market. It is the duty of the IT support department to ensure that there is no downtime for the PCs of the company and also to prevent any possible security flaws. The company can use different types of methods while performing these activities.
One of the main IT support functions is the hardware maintenance. For example, if a PC user needs to download some software or any file to his system, the IT technical support team will need to provide the appropriate hardware for that. The company can have a single PC or a network of PCs. A single PC will require little IT support work while a network of PCs will require more attention.
The second function performed by IT technical support teams is the provisioning of hardware components. The provisioning is required when a new PC is purchased or when an existing PC requires upgrading. There are various types of hardware that can be provisioned by the technicians, such as motherboards, processors, hard drives, USB and other external drives, memory modules, and other devices.
Software Installation Properties
The third function is the installation of software. IT technical support staff can install Microsoft Windows or any other operating system of a company. They also install other software such as Open Office suite, Java, .NET etc. The installation may include a CD, manual, or online instructional DVD course. Installation of the software is one of the most important IT support functions because if the system is not properly installed, it will not function efficiently.
A support technician also has to make sure that the hardware is compatible with the operating systems. For example, if the operating systems are Windows 2000 and Windows XP, the support technician must make sure that the hardware used does work with both of these operating systems. The support technician must check all hardware used in the computer, such as a printer for printing purposes to ensure that it works. The only exception to this rule is when the hardware cannot be installed on the computer due to incompatibility issues.
When a technician locates a problem, he/she might suggest a fix. In this case, they work as an independent service provider for the company and advise them as to which hardware to purchase to resolve the issue. A lot of people who use IT technical support do not realize that they can also be vendors to their own companies. This enables the technicians to increase their profits. The service provider breaks-fix their clients and make them aware of all the problems their hardware has encountered and recommend solutions, if applicable.
The Final Function of IT Support
The last IT technical support function is the creation and maintenance of headings denoting the nature of the IT support services that a particular company requires. These headings are essential to IT technical support as it lets the company and the technicians understand the specific needs of their IT support operations. These headings also allow the technicians working for the IT support line to have a clear understanding of what to expect from them.
The typical IT Technical support contract is usually two years in duration. It is important for companies to contract the services of a reputable IT technician as they require additional skills and knowledge beyond basic hardware troubleshooting. Companies are recommended to create a web presence for their website so that potential customers can identify the IT technician that they need. It is also important for companies to utilize their own citations needed to ensure that they are hiring the correct IT technician for the job. Having a web presence can help companies avoid common pitfalls that prevent them from hiring the right IT professional.