UNIT 10 INTERVIEW : COMPUTING SUPPO

UNIT 10 INTERVIEW : COMPUTING SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Organizations that have a large number of computers normally have a TECHNICAL SUPPORT DEPARTMENT of some kind. The computing SUPPORT STAFF in these departments have a range of responsibilities, including the purchase and installation of computer hardware and software, setting up, managing and maintaining network systems, troubleshooting computing problems•, and designing and adapting
software. They also train users in the use of both equipment and software.
The person being interviewed in this unit is a Computing Support Assistant and is

likely to be involved with basic troubleshooting problems. Problems can occur in any

area but printing problems are very cornmon. This is probably because printers are partly mechanical and the moving parts are more likely to give problems. The
alignment and condition of the paper is important, and it is not uncommon for the paper to get stuck in the n1echanism causing what is known as a PAPER JAM:. General purpose office programs !such as ww.-d 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 not uncommon for memory problem to occur, particularly if the user is using a large number of programs at the same tin1e. emory problems often 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 staff to keep up w•ith all the changes. ways that this co1nputing support assistant uses
to keep in touch with developments include .attending courses, using the Internet, and
reading current magazines .