If you have a computer, you’re going to need some kind of technical support or computer reparation sooner or later. In this article you are going to find out what the difference is between ‘computer IT support’ and ‘computer repair’ and when do you need each of them. What do these terms mean? And, if you really need any of that? Find that out in just a few minutes!
What Computer IT Support Means?
Computer IT support offers users help when it comes to using computer software, hardware and networks. Its focal point is maintenance, system optimization, and guidance when it comes to anything tech. They make sure that your internet connection is strong, and that everything is secured. But what are the IT support types?
- Helpdesk support – Offering support via chat, phone, or email. Issues like network problems, password resets, or software installation are solved.
- Remote support – Thanks to the way technology advanced, IT specialists can now access and help fix your computer remotely. They can give a diagnosis, and fix different kind of problems.
- Onsite support – This is the traditional kind of support. This type is required when there are hardware problems with your computer (keyboard, cables, USB, hard drive).
- Managed IT support – Maintenance services that make sure your computer is secure, and working smoothly.
There are different types of problems that IT support can help you with. What are those? So that you can know if they can, or cannot, fix the problem you have!
- Network – If you’re having problems with network equipment, or routers.
- Cybersecurity – Protecting your computer from any kind of intruder.
- Troubleshooting – Crashes, performance issues, and software failure.
- System Administration – User accounts and server management.
- Coaching – Teaching users everything necessary about technological systems.
What Does Computer Repair Refers To?
Computer repair is about fixing more physical problems than those previously discussed. But, mainly, it is about diagnosing and repairing the existing problems. Same as IT support, it also has a few types. Each of the categories represents a different kind of problem that specialists can fix:
- Hardware repairs – Replacing, or fixing computer components (RAM, motherboard, hard drive).
- Peripheral repairs – Fixing accessories (keyboard, mouse, monitor).
- Software repairs – Any issues that are related to operating systems (glitches, errors).
- Data recovery – Recovering lost data.
As you can clearly tell, computer repair is as important as IT support. Together, the two, offer you the best version of your computer.
IT Support Versus Repair: How Do the Two Differ?
You might ask yourself “What are the differences between the two?”, because they can seem quite similar. While they do overlap in fields, their focus differs a lot.
While IT support has as target the experience of the user, and assures it by optimizing all the systems; computer repair has as target the well-being of the computer and its components. IT support targets the technological system on a macro level, making sure it functions as a whole. While repair targets the micro level technology, diagnosing smaller problems, and fixing the bits and bobs that no one seems to see.
The two go hand in hand, and cannot work without each other. They are both as important, and you should pay attention to all the components of your computer, the ones you see, and the ones you don’t.
Do You Need IT Support?
The simple and short answer is yes (if you have a computer, of course). Taking constant care of both the physical and technological components of your computer might seem excessive, but it’s definitely not.
Everyone knows the joke that says that it’s easier to work on a computer with no internet at all, than one with a bad connection. Everyone knows that it’s better to make sure that your information is not stolen, than try to recover them after a data leak. All of these can be easily fixed, by having someone specialized in computer IT support to which to turn.
Even if it seems something easy, learnable from online courses, IT specialists are very educated on the subject (computer science or engineering bachelor degree). Just by looking at a guide on how to became an IT specialist, you can tell how hard the whole job is. Because, besides all the technical information that they need to know, there are a bunch of soft skills that they also need, like:
- Good communication skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Patience
- Organization skills
- Team-work
- Attention to details
Both IT support and repair are essential when it comes to keeping your computer rolling correctly and efficiently. It’s important to know the difference between the two, so you can ask the right people to fix your computer problem.
How To: Choose A Real Specialist
As you probably already know, many claim to be specialist. But, it’s not very hard to spot a fake computer specialist. A real specialist has a mix of hardware and software knowledge, knowing how to fix problems in both areas separately, but also when the spheres intertwine.
Adaptability and flexibility. Someone who can adapt to your situation, and someone who offers you flexibility when it comes to requesting their services, is someone who’s going to get the job done. But, something that is as important but it’s not receiving the deserved attention is, tools. Good tools seem like a given, but they are not! Look for companies that have their own tools, because this gives them autonomy, and it shows that their skills and craft translates into the things they work with.
Leadership and creativity. You need people that are part of a skilled team, and that requires a skilled leader. Good leadership makes great teamwork, which will give you the desired results. Creativity is also a quality that most people underrate. Creativity doesn’t mean drawing horses with wings, but coming up with the best solution to a complicated problem.
Conclusion
As technology is only going to progress, you need to make sure that you know as many information as possible about computer IT support, and even computer repair. In this way, you are ready for any problem that might be thrown your way. You have all the information needed to identify the problem, and choose the perfect specialist!
