Computer Network Support Specialists

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Computer Network Support Specialists

Careers / Computer Network Support Specialists

Summary Description


	Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Certified Novell Administrator (CNA)

2.	Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

3.	Computer Network Specialist

4.	Computer Network Support Specialist

5.	Computer Networker

6.	Configuration Technician

7.	Customer Engineer

8.	Customer Service Engineer

9.	Customer Support Engineer

10.	Implementation Consultant

11.	Internet Information Technology Specialist

12.	Internet Network Specialist

13.	Internet Security Specialist

14.	Internetworking Technician

15.	IT Consultant (Information Technology Consultant)

16.	IT Director (Information Technology Director)

17.	IT Manager (Information Technology Manager)

18.	LAN Support Specialist (Local Area Network Support Specialist)

19.	Network Analyst

20.	Network and Threat Support Specialist

21.	Network Applications Specialist

22.	Network Desktop Support Specialist

23.	Network Diagnostic Support Specialist

24.	Network Engineer

25.	Network Management Specialist

26.	Network Operations Specialist

27.	Network Services Information Technology Specialist

28.	Network Specialist

29.	Network Support Specialist

30.	Network Support Technician

31.	Network Technical Analyst

32.	Network Technician

33.	Network Workstation Technical Specialist

34.	Networking Specialist

35.	Operations Specialist

36.	Personal Computer Network Analyst

37.	Senior IT Assistant (Senior Information Technology Assistant)

38.	Systems Specialist

39.	Systems Support Specialist

40.	Technical Analyst

41.	VoIP Network Technician

42.	WAN Support Specialist (Wide Area Network Support Specialist)

Job Tasks

	Back up network data. Create electronic data backup to prevent loss of information.

	Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals. Implement security measures for computer or information systems.

	Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches. Analyze security of systems, network, or data.

	Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment. Resolve computer network problems.

	Document network support activities. Document network-related activities or tasks.

	Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment. Configure computer networks.

	Install network software, including security or firewall software. Install computer software.

	Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups. Resolve computer network problems. Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.

	Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues. Provide technical support for computer network issues.

	Evaluate local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) performance data to ensure sufficient availability or speed, to identify network problems, or for disaster recovery purposes. Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.

	Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function. Monitor the performance of computer networks. Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.

	Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment. Maintain computer hardware.

	Configure and define parameters for installation or testing of local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), hubs, routers, switches, controllers, multiplexers, or related networking equipment. Develop specifications for computer network operation. Configure computer networks.

	Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems. Install computer software. Install computer hardware.

	Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures. Test computer hardware performance. Test software performance.

	Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables. Install computer hardware. Resolve computer network problems.

	Monitor industry websites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification. Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.

	Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations. Document network-related activities or tasks.

	Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems. Train others in computer interface or software use.

	Test repaired items to ensure proper operation. Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.

	Install and configure wireless networking equipment. Install computer hardware.

	Maintain logs of network activity. Document network-related activities or tasks.

	Document help desk requests and resolutions. Document operational activities.

	Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs. Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.

	Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals. Prepare instruction manuals.

	Run monthly network reports. Document network-related activities or tasks.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Computer Support Specialists
	Computer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some, called computer network support specialists, support information technology (IT) employees within their organization. Others, called computer user support specialists, assist non-IT users who are having computer problems.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Computer Support Specialists
	Most computer support specialists have full-time work schedules; however, many do not work typical 9-to-5 jobs. Because computer support is important for businesses, many support specialists must be available 24 hours a day. As a result, many support specialists must work nights or weekends.

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Interesting Fact

Thomas Edison not only invented electric light, he also invented wax paper, the phonograph (and record), the radio vacuum tube, the motion picture camera, an electronic voting machine and dozens more!

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