Computer technicians must be familiar with technical manuals and diagnostic programs for each piece of equipment. They also must keep up with the technical information and revised maintenance procedures issued periodically by equipment manufacturers. The employer supplies tools and test equipment, but technicians are responsible for keeping them in good working order. Technicians keep a record of preventive maintenance and repairs on each machine they service. In addition, they fill out time and expense reports, keep parts inventories, and order parts.
Technicians spend much of their time working with people.
They listen to customers' complaints, answer questions, and sometimes offer technical advice on ways to keep equipment in good condition. In many ways, technicians act as public relations workers for their employer, promoting customer satisfaction and good will. In addition, experienced technicians often help train new workers and sometimes have limited supervisory duties. The normal workweek for technicians is 40 hours. Many users of computer systems, however, rely on their equipment around the clock, and working time lost because of a breakdown can be very expensive.