Mostly Asked Computer Technician Interview Preparation Guide

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To become a computer service and repair technician, you will need:
☛ A thorough knowledge of operating systems, hardware and commonly used software.
☛ Good communication and customer service skills.
☛ Excellent problem-solving skills.
☛ A patient and organised approach.
☛ The ability to meet deadlines.
☛ A willingness to keep up to date with IT developments.
☛ An awareness of electrical safety issues.

This is a fairly large topic but the essentials to know is understand the power supply wattage's and voltages:
☛ Have an understanding of motherboard and CPU socket types.
☛ Understand different RAM types and speeds.
☛ Understand motherboard slot types (AGP, PCI, PCI-E etc..)
☛ Understand hard drive types such as IDE and SATA and understand hard drive jumpers and their configurations.
With these skills, you need to be able to assemble a computer. I am not just talking about putting one together, but building a good one by knowing their part speeds, compatibility and possible bottlenecks.

Formatting a computer is a fairly common task for most computer technicians but its a little more than just sticking in the Windows CD during boot time and installing. You also need to know the differences between OEM, Retail, Branded, Home, Professional, Volume and Corporate Licenses.

☛ Know to setup a network with a modem, router and a few client computers.
☛ Understand how IP addresses work in a private network vs public Internet situation.
☛ A general understanding of masking/subnetting.
☛ Understand what your Gateway is.
☛ Understand how DHCP works and also know how to setup a basic computer to computer network.
☛ Understand how and when to use static IPs.
☛ Know how to forward ports.
☛ If wireless is involved, know how to apply encryption, understand signal strengths and how it can be improved.

You need to be able to remove data from a non-booting operating system by either using a boot CD and an external hard drive; or by putting the bad drive into a good system of your own and recovering it that way.

Computer technician positions may require or prefer a degree in computer information services or a similar degree. Network administration or electrical engineering are also common degree paths for this profession. While a bachelor's degree is preferable, you may find employment with an associate's degree and demonstrated acumen and experience. Continuing education may also been required within your specialization.

Many tools are needed to perform this job. A computer technician will typically need an anti-static wrist strap, power supply tester, cable crimping tool, cable tester and a variety of screwdrivers. There are several software-based troubleshooting tools offered in this field which may require a subscription for professional use. Storage devices such as an external hard drive or large USB drives often prove invaluable. Other tools may be required within specific positions and they may be listed in the job notice.

Computer technicians are expected to be disciplined and dedicated troubleshooters with a broad and deep knowledge of information technology maintenance. Technicians are able to work in different environments, from private homes to computerized corporations. Good computer technicians are polite and have strong work ethics and integrity when handling a client's property.

You need to be able to remove tough viruses like Antivirus2009 (without formatting) and understand how to use tools like Combofix, SmitFraudFix, Autoruns, Process Explorer, Malwarebytes, Superantispyware and UBCD4Win.

Day to day tasks would include:
☛ Installing new IT systems.
☛ Upgrading existing hardware and software.
☛ Visiting home users to set up their PCs or fix faulty equipment.
☛ Testing systems to make sure that they are working properly.
☛ Servicing printers, scanners and other office equipment (known as peripherals).
☛ Preparing cost estimates for new installations.
☛ Carrying out routine administration, like organizing staff rotas.

Private clients usually have single separate computers to troubleshoot. Larger companies usually have computer networks on their premises. It requires a special sort of expertise to know how to handle interconnected systems. It might take some research and understanding of the specific companies' infrastructure and information technology needs.

Technicians are usually very good at quickly understanding any client, whether scientists or laymen and being able to effectively communicate whatever the client needs to know about the problem and its solution.

Technicians can work in any industrial sector but it is natural for a technician to work with a limited category of customers. So just talk about yourself and try to provide information relevant to the interview. Describe your job in general (hardware store and repair shop, IT companies, etc.). List a few specific tasks you usually do, such as visiting private homes to repair minor problems on the spot, or installing and maintaining software and hardware security in the companies of a specific district.

Experience in computer repair and networking is a common requirement for a computer technician. Repairing a computer or small network typically involves substantial troubleshooting skill, and many employers seek a balance of academic study with experience in curing computer ailments.

You can begin preparing to become a computer technician while still in high school. Many high schools offer certification training courses or credit towards a 2-year college degree or an Associate's degree. High school graduates can choose to pursue either a 2 or 4 years college program and many community colleges offer computer technician training programs that focus on jobs found in the real world. The most important training courses you will need to take are those courses that prepare you for your certification exams. These courses can be taken as part of a degree program or on a stand-alone basis.

The requirements to become a computer technician vary, but there are a few things that will afford you the best opportunities:
☛ Education
☛ Certifications
☛ Experience
☛ Equipment

Adaptability is vital in this field. Computer technology is constantly changing and evolving, with the average lifespan for a particular model of technology standing at around two years. Always keep abreast of the latest advances in technology and stay ahead of the curve as much as you possibly can.

Most people will call you as a last resort because they have already tried to fix the problem themselves and were not able to. Keep the atmosphere calm and display a positive and friendly attitude.

You should be consistently patient with yourself and with the people you work with to become a successful computer technician.

There are three important attributes you may need to keep in mind and continually nurture:
☛ Have patience.
☛ Continue to improve.
☛ Have a positive attitude.

These are certifications which do not focus on a specific vendor or product, but instead span the full spectrum of hardware and software producers. It also certifies proficiency in such important corollary aspects as security, safety and environmental issues, communication and professionalism.

These certifications are oriented toward specific technologies and are managed by the vendors of these technologies. They are tailored to users of those technologies and to the institutions that employ them.

There are many varieties and levels of computer technician certification. In general, they fall into the following categories:
☛ Vendor-neutral certifications
☛ Vendor-specific certifications

Professional certification is a formal designation which confirms that a person is qualified to perform a job or task. Certifications in the computer technician field are invaluable because they validate your knowledge of computers and let others know that you have the skills needed to do the job right.

Computer technician training can take many forms and can begin anytime in your life. Advanced learning may not need to take place completely inside the classroom either. It can be self-driven and continuous. Computer-based training at home is certainly useful, as is a robust curiosity for understanding how computers work.