Important questions you want to ask before you hire a computer technician. Do not let the novice technician near your network. You son of a friend can do damage much better. Network downtime translates into lost revenue.
1) How long have you done this?
Each week, I had a client who has used a son, daughter, niece, or similar to manage their small business, it needs. The term "mobile home on the computer" plants in an interview with new clients all the time. The reality is that good to use computers very different whether the computer. An experienced technician can quickly identify problems and software material, and both will be familiar with procedures to resolve the problem, or know where to find the answer.
2) Where do you work?
Experience is an important prerequisite. Experience in setting up a business peer-to-peer way to day care of an aunt does not always translate to the network type of experience required for large companies. Experience is a must in the world of technology. A good engineer is always up to date on the current state of technology, and must have a "Trick Bag" high. This bag includes a litany of past experiences and contingencies that shape what we think of the experience. A good example happened to me several months ago. Last December, I was called to investigate the background of the emerging bazaar biohazard background to the research that appears on the PC. It was obviously a diversion of some sort. It took four hours and a set of tools to fix. The good news, the next call a week later to take half an hour to secure the assembly, because now the "bag of tricks".
3) What are you working?
Many so-called geeks are likely to prove knowledge in a variety of domains. The reality is that the computer world is a vast area that contains hundreds of different technologies. Someone who is highly skilled in the Windows XP operating system can not know anything about Windows Server 2003 environment. They are similar, yes, but a very different beast in their purpose and function. Let a man get his hands on MAC PC, and wait a blank stare. Visa versa applies as well. The only difference is that the man drew the MAC will not touch the PC, at least in mixed company.
I experience some time ago with the worst nightmare of the company. Accountant husband is "really good" with computers and contract to provide support for the network (6-10) Small PC. He immediately installed a bunch of tools for Windows NT server 98, the first slow crawl, and finally blown PERC RAID controller all, essentially killing their server. The upside is that I was called up to the Calvary and fix this mess. My advice to him, do not touch the server until you know what the server is.
Never let a novice technician near your network. Network downtime translates into lost revenue or productivity.
4) What degrees or certifications do you have?
The computer world has come with degreed and certified technicians. Certification means that you take the test. A degree means you have passed all classes. After the handmade paper does not guarantee the experience. Level of knowledge necessary to become competent computer technician takes years of experience and specialized training. Personally, I have two titles, each of which takes years to complete, and half a dozen certifications from Microsoft. Where I learned to apply the two cities with a VPN secure file and print sharing? I learned from the experience. Where I learned to communicate effectively to part-time receptionist Ethel, who first touched a computer last year, the proper way to store data to a file server? I learned from the experience. The point of being a good technician will bring knowledge, experience, and humanity for the home or workplace.
5) Is this your business on?
An ad slick phone book or commercial tell you much about the company you hire, except they paid for an advertisement. I met dozens of companies that pay their sales double what they pay for their technicians. This translates into higher prices, lower back, and poor service. I can not count how many times I inherited a new customer, often landing, frustrated by the seller black is sent through the "Skippy", a new technology to improve their systems. Skippy came, looked all of twelve years, and preceded cause problems, even more than it has to start. Why? No experience, no clue, and high cost. Know that "Skippy" are paid eight to twelve dollars and hours of nine or 75 you pay. Who else and how are they concerned about the service you receive?
In my experience the best of new customers are people who come to the referral. A reference - based client starts with a relationship of trust exists. Dialogue goes like this. "Mike H. says your computer is the best guy ever, and that's enough for me." The important thing here is to ask people around you who they recommend. What is their experience with the service of a particular business?
6) What is your experience with our business or software?
A thorough knowledge and technology will be the first to admit no or limited knowledge of what you do. I met an architect who once told me "I can build you a Pizza Hut as pleasant on the planet, but I can not tell you how to make pizza". The same applies to a technician. A good technician who is skilled in a set of basic principles inherent in all such computers and networks. Many companies use a variety of proprietary software unique to their particular business. This type of software can take weeks or even years to master. A technician is not possible to master the intricacies of the client software in the world. It is therefore very important to choose a technician who has mastered a set of problem solving skills sharp, and understanding of the fundamental principles of computer hardware. operating systems and networks.
A Montana native, Kelly McCann, MCSE, MS.Ed was active in community development, education and business in Billings, Mountain area of more than 20 years.
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