Network support specialists help and advise computer users and organizations. They often support computer networks or provide technical assistance directly to a computer user. They test and evaluate existing network systems and perform regular maintenance to ensure that networks operate correctly. They play a vital role in the routine maintenance of an organization’s networks. They perform file backups on the system daily, weekly, or monthly as maintenance for its disaster recovery efforts.
Network support specialists may assist computer users over the phone, email, or through in person visits. They pay attention to customers’ descriptions of their computer issues and ask customers questions to diagnose the issue properly. They walk users through the recommended problem-solving steps and set up or repair the equipment and related devices. Network specialists sometimes train users to work with new computer hardware or software, including printers, word processing software, or email. Network support specialists need an associate’s degree and certification in computer science and technology.