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What does a computer support specialist do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Ming Chow
What does a computer support specialist do

A Computer Support Specialist is responsible for providing the highest customer service for clients with technical and system issues, resolving network failures, and creating support tickets for IT personnel. Computer Support Specialists utilize various system tools and applications to diagnose end-users network issues and conduct immediate troubleshooting. They also help the IT staff design and improve system features and infrastructures and create instructional manuals for deliverables. A Computer Support Specialist must have excellent technical and communication skills to document customers' requests and identify system solutions.

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Computer support specialist responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer support specialist resumes:

  • Monitor and manage end-user LAN/WLAN connectivity, and utilize diagnostic tools for monitoring and testing physical networking performance.
  • Interface daily with customers providing hardware and software support for a relational database design and written in INGRES using SQL.
  • Perform domain registration, connect peripheral equipment, and troubleshoot workstations/blackberries remotely using SMS application.
  • Deploy new machines, installing OS, applications, drivers, and network configurations.
  • Participate in vulnerability resolution for both OS and specific applications on the OIG network.
  • Establish a new process for imaging machines using Linux and write documentation for it.
  • Establish a new process for mass imaging machines using Linux with a fast turnaround time.
  • Perform creation and testing of HTML WWW pages for business enhancement through online ordering capabilities.
  • Provide full creative direction for HTML coding, graphic design, page layout and site maintenance.
  • Configure TCP/IP LAN networking on Win95/98 NT and XP machines and configure server-base applications to work on client's machine.
  • Monitor and troubleshoot batch jobs processes critical to daily operation.
  • Develop major data dictionary entries identifying element characteristics, and mapping the elements to DOD standards.
  • Maintain the availability of company computer resources including servers, workstations, laptops, printers and multimedia equipment.
  • Ensure that all workstations operating properly by providing preventative maintenance, which include repairing equipment and troubleshooting when necessary.
  • Authore dHtml web pages using Javascript to present documentation.

Computer support specialist skills and personality traits

We calculated that 8% of Computer Support Specialists are proficient in Computer Support, Troubleshoot, and Technical Support. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Listening skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Computer Support Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Computer Support, 8%

    General computer support and troubleshooting, to more in-depth systems and server administration

  • Troubleshoot, 7%

    Performed domain registration, connect peripheral equipment, and troubleshoot workstations/blackberries remotely using SMS application.

  • Technical Support, 7%

    Provided over-the-phone and in-person technical support to Florida National Guard installations and Department of Military Affairs offices.

  • Customer Service, 6%

    Received calls about Microsoft programs, troubleshooting, submitting trouble tickets, assisted with installing/updating software -Customer Service on an hourly basis

  • Desk Support, 5%

    Prepare documentation and procedures for Help Desk supported installations.

  • Computer System, 5%

    Maintained sophisticated computer systems with various Windows and Linux based operating systems for an academic institution.

Common skills that a computer support specialist uses to do their job include "computer support," "troubleshoot," and "technical support." You can find details on the most important computer support specialist responsibilities below.

Customer-service skills. One of the key soft skills for a computer support specialist to have is customer-service skills. You can see how this relates to what computer support specialists do because "computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic." Additionally, a computer support specialist resume shows how computer support specialists use customer-service skills: "build customized computer systems based on customer specifications; successfully built four computers for personal use in 2015. "

Listening skills. Many computer support specialist duties rely on listening skills. "support workers must be able to understand the problems that their customers are describing and know when to ask questions to clarify the situation.," so a computer support specialist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways computer support specialist responsibilities rely on listening skills: "managed helpdesk calls, and documented issue(s) and resolution, communicated training materials to employees at all levels. "

Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of computer support specialists is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday computer support specialist duties, as "support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems, analyze them, and solve them." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "operate and support microsoft sharepoint software solution. "

Speaking skills. computer support specialist responsibilities often require "speaking skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "support workers must describe the solutions to computer problems in a way that a nontechnical person can understand." This resume example shows what computer support specialists do with speaking skills on a typical day: "developed training materials and presented bi-monthly lunchtime training sessions for end users. "

Writing skills. Another common skill required for computer support specialist responsibilities is "writing skills." This skill comes up in the duties of computer support specialists all the time, as "strong writing skills are useful for preparing instructions and email responses for employees and customers, as well as for real-time web chat interactions." An excerpt from a real computer support specialist resume shows how this skill is central to what a computer support specialist does: "developed mapping standards and provided technical writing and software support. "

Most common computer support specialist skills

The three companies that hire the most computer support specialists are:

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Compare different computer support specialists

Computer support specialist vs. Systems support

A systems support agent is responsible for resolving system applications and network issues, performing technical configuration, and upgrading systems infrastructure. A systems support representative conducts regular maintenance and diagnostic tests on the computer applications to ensure its optimal performance and efficiency to support business operations and avoid delays in deliverables. They also assist the technology team in designing backup systems and improve existing networks according to business requirements and specifications. They write resolution reports for reference to prevent the reoccurrence of system malfunction and inconsistencies.

The annual salary of systems supports is $105 higher than the average salary of computer support specialists.Even though computer support specialists and systems supports are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require troubleshoot, technical support, and customer service in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, computer support specialist responsibilities require skills like "computer support," "desk support," "user support," and "computer software." Meanwhile a typical systems support has skills in areas such as "pc," "provides technical support," "desktop support," and "end user support." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Systems supports really shine in the professional industry with an average salary of $72,760. Comparatively, computer support specialists tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $75,865.systems supports tend to reach similar levels of education than computer support specialists. In fact, systems supports are 2.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Computer support specialist vs. Installation specialist

Installation specialists are skilled employees who are responsible for installing various equipment, machinery, and computer systems for a company or clients. These specialists must work with HVAC contractors to install air-conditioning ductwork and materials in business establishments and homes. They should recommend corrective action when identifying electrical and environmental deficiencies to ensure optimized performance and reliability of equipment. Installation specialists must also test hardware and software to determine its efficiency and reliability as well as its compatibility with the existing system.

Installation specialist positions earn lower pay than computer support specialist roles. They earn a $14,324 lower salary than computer support specialists per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both computer support specialists and installation specialists have skills such as "customer service," "computer system," and "sql. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, computer support specialist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "computer support," "troubleshoot," "technical support," and "desk support." Meanwhile, an installation specialist has duties that require skills in areas such as "ladders," "scaffolding," "quality measures," and "hvac." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Average education levels between the two professions vary. Installation specialists tend to reach similar levels of education than computer support specialists. In fact, they're 1.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for computer support specialists in the next 3-5 years?

Ming ChowMing Chow LinkedIn profile

Associate Teaching Professor, Tufts University

Infrastructure, including cloud and networking, Security, Machine Learning, and Data Science.

References:
1. cybersecurity
2. cybersecurity

Computer support specialist vs. Technical specialist

The role of technical specialists is to provide technical support for applications and programs to staff members and customers within an organization. They train staff and customers on products and apps and offer advice on the best practices for utilizing technical programs and applications. They also design training materials to teach other staff members the most effective methods of using its technology. It is also their job to reduce company costs by looking for ways to improve productivity and lessen expenses.

On average, technical specialists earn higher salaries than computer support specialists, with a $24,847 difference per year.By looking over several computer support specialists and technical specialists resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "technical support," "customer service," and "computer system." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, computer support specialists are more likely to have skills like "computer support," "troubleshoot," "desk support," and "network printers." But a technical specialist is more likely to have skills like "patients," "project management," "customer satisfaction," and "c++."

Technical specialists earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $92,419. Computer support specialists earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $75,865.When it comes to education, technical specialists tend to earn similar degree levels compared to computer support specialists. In fact, they're 5.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Computer support specialist vs. Technical support associate

A technical support associate is responsible for assisting customers and end-users' technology and network issues, configuring system applications and improving network infrastructure. Technical support associates inspect inconsistencies on the network systems, identifying technical support solutions, and repairing defective system components. They also implement strategic techniques to boost the technology's optimal performance, maintain a record of resolution for reference, and process customers' upgrade requests. A technical support associate must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as extensive communication and organizational skills to support operations, especially on high-volume days.

Technical support associates typically earn lower pay than computer support specialists. On average, technical support associates earn a $20,275 lower salary per year.While both computer support specialists and technical support associates complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like troubleshoot, technical support, and customer service, the two careers vary in some skills.While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "computer support," "network printers," "user support," and "microsoft windows" are skills that commonly show up on computer support specialist resumes. On the other hand, technical support associates use skills like printers, customer satisfaction, phone calls, and technical knowledge on their resumes.technical support associates reach similar levels of education compared to computer support specialists, in general. The difference is that they're 3.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of computer support specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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