Occupation

Computer User Support Specialists

Human Advantage 75%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.9 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

Also Known As: Application Customer Service Representative (Application CSR), Application Support Engineer, Applications Analyst, Automatic Data Processing Customer Liaison (ADP Customer Liaison), Call Center Support Representative (Call Center Support Rep), Cloud Operations Specialist, Computer Customer Support Specialist, Computer Hardware Technician (Computer Hardware Tech) +77 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
  2. Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
  3. Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
  4. Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
  5. Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
  6. Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
  7. Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
  8. Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.
  9. Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service.
  10. Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades.
  11. Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.
  12. Inspect equipment and read order sheets to prepare for delivery to users.
  13. Read trade magazines and technical manuals, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain knowledge of hardware and software.

Supplemental Tasks (3)

  1. Conduct office automation feasibility studies, including workflow analysis, space design, or cost comparison analysis.
  2. Hire, supervise, and direct workers engaged in special project work, problem-solving, monitoring, and installation of data communication equipment and software.
  3. Modify and customize commercial programs for internal needs.

Education & Training

Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Bachelor's Degree
47%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
32%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
14%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.
4%
Some College Courses
2%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
0%
Master's Degree
0%

Relevant College Majors

  • Computer and Information Sciences, General CIP 11.0101Broad foundation in computing principles and systems.
  • Network and System Administration CIP 11.1001Managing and maintaining IT infrastructure.

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

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  • Linux
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  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
  • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Windows Server
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  • MongoDB
  • MySQL
  • NoSQL
  • Node.js
  • Oracle Database
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  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • Transact-SQL
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  • UNIX
  • UNIX Shell
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  • Zoom
  • jQuery

Software (264)

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  • Active directory software
  • Adobe ActionScript
  • Adobe Distiller
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Advanced business application programming ABAP
  • Apache Ant
  • Apache Groovy
  • Apache HTTP Server
  • Apache Pig
  • Apache Solr
  • Apache Struts
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Automated installation software
  • Blackboard software
  • Blink
  • Calendar and scheduling software
  • Call center software
  • Cisco IOS
  • Citrix cloud computing software
  • Common business oriented language COBOL
  • Configuration management software
  • CrossTec NetOp Remote Control
  • Customer information control system CICS
  • Dartware InterMapper
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Data entry software
  • Database software
  • Defect tracking software
  • Delphi Technology
  • Deployment software
  • Desktop partitioning software
  • Disaster recovery software
  • Domain name system DNS
  • Dropbox
  • Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML
  • Element management software
  • Encryption software
  • Enterprise JavaBeans
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Event log monitor software
  • Ext JS
  • Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Firewall software
  • Flipgrid
  • Fund accounting software
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • Google Classroom
  • Google Drive
  • Google Meet
  • Google Sites
  • Help desk software
  • Hewlett Packard HP-UX
  • Hewlett Packard LoadRunner
  • Human resource management software HRMS
  • IBM Cognos Impromptu
  • IBM Domino
  • IBM InfoSphere DataStage
  • IBM Notes
  • IBM Power Systems software
  • IBM WebSphere
  • Information systems integration software
  • Integrated development environment IDE software
  • Internet browser software
  • Job control language JCL
  • KornShell
  • LAMP Stack
  • LexisNexis
  • License management software
  • LogMeIn GoToMeeting
  • LogMeIn GoToWebinar
  • Lucid IQ CMP
  • Mac HelpMate
  • McAfee
  • Media storage management software
  • MicroStrategy
  • Microsoft ASP.NET Core MVC
  • Microsoft ActiveX
  • Microsoft Dynamics GP
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Microsoft OneNote
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript
  • Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service
  • Microsoft Windows Pre-installation Environment
  • Migration software
  • Moodle
  • Nagios
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • Nearpod
  • NetSuite ERP
  • Network directory services software
  • NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
  • Objective C
  • Operating system monitoring software
  • Operating system software
  • Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition
  • Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
  • Oracle Fusion Applications
  • Oracle Fusion Middleware
  • Oracle Hyperion
  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
  • Oracle JDBC
  • Oracle Solaris
  • Oracle Taleo
  • Oracle WebLogic Server
  • ParentSquare
  • Password management software
  • Patch management software
  • Perforce Helix software
  • Personal computer diagnostic software
  • Poll Everywhere
  • Qlik Tech QlikView
  • Quest Erwin Data Modeler
  • Red Hat WildFly
  • Relational database management software
  • Remote control software
  • Remote install server software
  • SAP Business Objects
  • SAP Crystal Reports
  • Sage 50 Accounting
  • Salesforce Visualforce
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  • Seesaw
  • Skype
  • SmugMug Flickr
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  • SolarWinds
  • Stac Software ReachOut
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  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
  • Symantec LiveState
  • Symantec Norton Utilities
  • Symantec pcAnywhere
  • Tax software
  • Ubuntu
  • Unified modeling language UML
  • VMware
  • Veritas NetBackup
  • Virtual private networking VPN software
  • Virus scanning software
  • Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
  • Wireshark
  • YouTube
  • iPro

Tools & Equipment (14)

  • Computer tool kits
  • Desktop computers
  • Digital tapes
  • MS-DOS-bootable disks
  • Mainframe computers
  • Multi-line telephone systems
  • Network analyzers
  • Notebook computers
  • Power meters
  • Punchdown tools
  • Redundant array of independent disks RAID systems
  • Reflectometers
  • Screwdrivers
  • Wire crimpers

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

IT Support & Services Healthcare & Human Services

Zone 3
Computer User Support Specialists You are here

Health Data & Administration Education

Zone 3
Computer User Support Specialists You are here
Zone 5
Historians 75% match

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