Organizations that have a large number of computers normally have a technical support department of some kind. The computing support assistant in these departments has a range of responsibilities, including the purchase and installation of computer hardware and software, settingup, managing and maintaining network systems, troubleshooting computing problems, and designing and adapting software. He also trains users in the use of both equipment and software.
General purpose office programs, such as word processors, spreadsheets, and databases usually have a large number of features, many of which are rarely used. Users often need help to find out how to operate these features. In PC systems it is also possible for memory problems to occur, particularly if the user is using a large number of programs at the same time. Memory problems can cause the computer to stop functioning. When this happens, the computer is said to have hung or frozen, although the term frozen usually refers to the display screen.
It is important for the computing support staff to be able to communicate with users as well as keep up to date with current technical knowledge about hardware and software. Computing is changing at an accelerating pace and it is difficult for support assistant to keep up with all the changes. Ways that this computing support assistant uses to keep in touch with developments include attending courses, using the Internet, and reading current magazines.
