A computer and other office equipment repair installs and manages a wide range of office machines. Computer service technicians often work in a number of client sites fixing computers and servers.
In this free career advice, learn how to have a successful career as a computer repairman.
computer repairman Summary
* Employment is projected to decline slowly.
* Job prospects will be best for applicants with knowledge of electronics, certification, training and repair experience.
* Employees are trained in these jobs, electronics combined with military training, vocational training institutions, equipment manufacturers, or employers.
Works as a computer service technician
Computer, ATM machines and repair of office machinery installation, repair and maintenance machines that are used in many businesses, families and consumers. Large equipment or stationary, repairers often work on site. These workers are known as field technicians, often associated with areas where perform preventive maintenance on a regular basis. Bench Repair Technicians devices generally smaller and smaller, and often work in workshops located in warehouses, factories or service centers. In small companies, repairers may work as well as workshops and guest rooms.
Computer repairers, also known as computer service technicians or data processing equipment repairers, service, mainframe, servers and computers, printers and ancillary equipment hardware. These workers perform primarily hands-on repair, maintenance and installation of computers and related equipment. Workers who provide technical support, either personally or by telephone, to computer users is known as computer support specialists or computer support technicians.
Computer repairers usually replace subsystems instead of repairing them. Generally replaced subsystems include video cards, which send signals from the computer screen, hard disk drives that store data and network adapters, which allow communication over the network. Replacement is common because subsystems are generally cheap and companies are reluctant to close their computers for repair time. defective modules can be given to bench technicians, who use software to diagnose the problem and who can repair the modules where possible.
office machines and maintenance of the register of work on photocopiers, cash registers and fax machines. New models of office machines including computer components that allow them to operate more reliable than previous models and, therefore, require less maintenance.
Office machine repairers usually work on the client computer at work. However, if the machines are so small, customers will receive them in a repair shop. most common errors are caused by paper jams and poor worn or dirty parts quality copy resulting from problems with the bulbs, lenses or mirrors. These defects can often be solved simply by cleaning its components. Faults can also be caused by general wear and tear commonly used parts. For example, the widespread use of copy machine can break down the printhead, which applies ink to the final copy. In this case, the repairer usually replaces the part rather than repair it.
ATM service companies install and repair automatic teller machines (ATM) and are increasingly using electronic kiosks. In addition to conducting banking transactions without the assistance of a cashier, are electrically kiosks are used for a variety of non-traditional services, including stamp, phone card, and ticket sales. A growing number of electronic kiosks allow consumers to exchange tickets or airline boarding passes and train.
When an error ATMs, computer networks often recognize the problem and alert repairers. Common problems are likely magnetic heads on card readers, which prevent the equipment to recognize the customers' bank cards and "pick failures" that prevent the distribution equipment of the correct amount of cash. In such cases, Field technicians travel to the location of ATMs and repair equipment by removing and replacing defective components. Broken components can be taken to a repair shop where bench technicians perform repairs. The field technicians perform routine maintenance on a regular basis, replacing worn parts and running diagnostic tests to ensure that equipment is operating correctly.
To install large equipment, such as mainframe computers and ATMs, repairers connect the equipment to power sources and communication that enable the transmission of information via computer networks. For example, when an ATM dispenses it transmits the withdrawal information to the customer's bank. Workers may also install the operating software and peripheral equipment, checking that all components are configured to work together properly.
Computer, ATM machines and office machine repairers use a variety of tools for diagnostic and repair. Misdiagnosis, they use multimeters to measure voltage, current, resistance, and other electrical properties, signal generators to provide test signals, and oscilloscopes to monitor equipment signals. Diagnose computerized equipment, repairers use software. You can correct or adjust equipment, workers use hand tools such as pliers, screwdrivers and soldering irons.
Work. Repairers usually work in clean and well lit. Because computers and office machines are sensitive to extreme temperatures and humidity, repair shops usually are air conditioned and well ventilated. Field repairers must travel frequently to different places to install, maintain or repair customer equipment. ATM repairers may have to perform their tasks in small enclosed spaces that house the equipment.
Because computers and ATMs are critical for many organizations to function efficiently, data processing equipment repair and field technicians often work ATMs throughout the day. Their schedules may include nights, weekends and holidays, sometimes awarded on the basis of seniority. office machines and maintenance of the cash register usually work regular office hours because the computer repair is not so critical. Most workshops about 40 hours a week, but about 9 percent work more than 50 hours per week. Although his work is not strenuous, repairers often must lift the team and work in a variety of positions. Repair of computer monitors must stress relief devices to prevent electrocution.
Education, skills, and promoting
Electronic information is needed, and employers want workers with formal training. Office machines and ATM repairers usually associate degree. Certification is available in entry-level workers and experienced workers looking for advancement.
Education and training. Knowledge of electronics is required to use a computer, automated teller machines, or office machine repairer. Employers prefer workers who are certified or who have training in electronics from an associated training, military, vocational school, or a manufacturer. Employers generally provide training to new repairers on specific equipment, but workers are expected on the job with a basic understanding of the repair. Employers may send experienced workers to training sessions to keep pace with changing technologies and service procedures.
Most office machine and ATM repairer positions require an associate degree in electronics. A basic understanding of mechanical equipment is also important because many parts, not in office machines and automatic teller machines such as paper feeders, are mechanical. Entry-level employees to large companies normally receive training on the job for several months. This training may include one week of classroom training followed by a period of two weeks to several months assisting an experienced repairer.
Other securities. field technicians work closely with clients and have good communication skills and neat appearance. An employer may require that the maintenance men were driving.
Certification and promotion. Several organizations offer certification. For example, Electronics Technology Association (ETA) offers more than 50 certification programs in various specialties in electronics, various degrees of validity. International Society of Certified Electronic Engineers also provide the certification of a number of levels of competence, focusing on a wide range of topics such as basic electronics, multimedia, electronics and appliance service. To be certified, applicants must meet several conditions and to provide extensive written or online. Certification indicates the level of professionalism. It can make a candidate more attractive to employers or workers to increase the opportunities for advancement.
Newly hired repairers computer can run on personal computers or devices. With experience, they may advance to positions maintaining more sophisticated systems, such as networks and servers. Before repairers of ATMs may advance to bench technician positions responsible for more complex repairs. Experienced workers may become specialists who help other repairers diagnose difficult problems or work with engineers in designing equipment and developing maintenance procedures. Experienced workers can also gain access to management positions responsible for supervising other repairers.
Since familiarity with equipment, experienced repairers may also go to customer service or sales positions. Some experienced workers open their own repair shops or become wholesalers or retailers of electronic equipment.
Work as a computer technician service
Computer, automated teller machines and office machine repairers held about 152,900 jobs in 2008. Wholesale companies employed about 29 percent of workers in this occupation, most of these establishments were wholesalers of professional and commercial equipment and supplies. Many workers have also been used in electronics and appliance stores and stationery stores. Others worked in electronic and precision equipment repair companies and systems design. About 20 percent of computers, automated teller machines and office machine repairers were self-employed.
Job Outlook
Employment is expected to decline slowly. Opportunities will be best for applicants with knowledge of electronics, formal training and repair experience. Employers increasingly prefer applicants who are certified.
Employment growth is hampered due to ATM workshops new technology that can test and restart machines remotely. The relatively slow rate of new ATMs are installed also limit the demand for ATM repairers, despite a greater dependence on these machines for consumers.
Less repair of office machines will be needed, such as office equipment are often expensive and increasingly replaced instead of repaired. However, digital copiers and office machines are the newest most expensive and complicated. This equipment is often computer that is designed to run on a network and can perform multiple functions. But because this equipment becomes more reliable, the need for workshops continue to fall.
Employment opportunities. Employment opportunities should be limited only to new devices require much less maintenance and repair. Consequently, the vast majority of vacancies arise from the need to replace workers who retire or leave the profession for other reasons. Those who have knowledge of electronics, certification, training and repair experience have the best opportunities.
A growing number of new ATMs, electronic kiosks offer services known as non-traditional sales, such as information processing workers and ticket purchase, in addition to banking services. Candidates who have experience in installation, maintenance and repair of such equipment is also to improve employment.
