What is the most important skill to become a computer technician?

While a degree is not required, computer technicians must be knowledgeable with most computer hardware and software, as well as troubleshooting procedures, and basic electronic repair. Technicians work is often over the phone, so communication skills are helpful.

1. 1 Learn what hardware is. Hardware is the physical stuff that makes up the computer and the media that is used to connect computers to other computers.          
2. 2 Learn what software is. Software is the stuff that makes the computer work and it includes the applications, protocols, and the operating system.          
3. 3 Learn the specs (technical specifications) of your computer. There are some programs one can use in order to learn the specific specs a computer has, if you do not know off-hand. E.g. CPU-Z.          
4. 4 Learn to use your computer's command line, but use it when you need to. Learning to use your computer's command line (MS DOS Prompt/Command Prompt in Windows, Terminal or Konsole in Linux) is essential to at least boosting your efficiency on your computer. In Windows, the DOS prompt isn't especially useful, but it's a good idea to know how to use it. However, in Linux or UNIX, Mac or BSD, or other Unix-like operating systems, it is important to be able to use the command line so that you can work more efficiently via bash scripts.          
5. 5 Learn to type without looking at the keyboard. This isn't especially important, but this will definitely boost your efficiency at the computer, and make yourself look more sensible.          
6. 6 Ask. If someone does something on a computer that you would like to know, ask them about it.          
7. 7 Learn a programming language. This is one of the most important things to do. Don't confuse certain types of languages with others. Interpreted languages like BASIC aren't very good for true computer programming, but if all you want to do is write a simple computer game, it's fine. HTML or CSS are for web pages, and it's a good idea to know them, but they won't be especially useful for really programming your computer. It is recommended that you learn the scripting language of your prompt (e.g. Bash) as that will bring power and simplicity for a novice programmer and admin. However, you may learn any language you like.          
8. 8 Start learning basic repair procedures. This can help you out a lot if your or someone else's computer breaks down, which will also increase your reputation as a computer geek. You may learn the advanced methods, but that may require lessons from an actual computer geek.          
9. 9 Work with others with their computer problems. By interacting with other PC users, you may find that they know things that you don't and vice versa. However as a computer geek wannabe, you'll want to know more about computer than your friends, at any given time.          
10. 10 Help others out with their computer problems. Not only will you build a name for yourself, but it is good practice and can help you learn about situations and problems you have not encountered before.          
11. 11 Learn how to install and upgrade drivers for various hardware types. This will come in handy when you re-install your Operating System.          
12. 12 Learn to recognize malware(computer viruses, spyware and the other nasty stuff) before running the daily antivirus/antispyware scans.          
13. 13 Use a restrictive firewall, that would cause normal people to cry because they don't understand how to use it. Of course, you should know how to use it!          
14. 14 Use an Open Source Operating System. Most computer geeks will use an open OS such as *BSD or Linux, because it is (usually) free and allows them to do geeky stuff such as programming, running servers and using a command line interface (CLI).          
15. 15 Use Shortcuts. It is important to know shortcuts as it shaves off valuable seconds of your precious time.          
16. 16 Know the inner workings of the Internet.          
17. 17 Remember to keep things simple. Skip overwhelming or overly-complicated ideas. Instead, focus on learning the knowledge and skills you may need to accomplish a big idea in the future.          
18. 18 Expand your knowledge. Computer geeks aren't too smart to learn something new about computers. True computer geeks are always learning, and when they don't understand, always asking for help. Collect knowledge. Put things together. Read articles on Wikipedia, join computer forums for your programming language or just regular forums, and ask questions. If you have trouble learning, write things down and quiz yourself. Whatever your methods, be sure to be continuously learning more about computers.          
19. 19 Certain kinds of math are very important to geeks. One bit of data is a binary digit - a one or a zero. Eight bits make a byte. Most people think of a kilobyte as1,000 bytes, but it's really1,024. Learn how many bytes are in a kilobyte (KB), megabyte (MB), gigabyte (GB) and so on. Once you have that down, get comfortable with binary. From there, learn to use octal and hexadecimal, and how to convert from one base to another. When you understand why programmers always get Christmas and Halloween mixed up, you're well on your way to becoming a true geek.            

computer technicians must be knowledgeable with most computer hardware and software, as well as troubleshooting procedures, and basic electronic repair.

A computer technician must be versed in a variety of computer systems, software platforms and coding languages to effectively tackle the various problems that may arise with a given computer system. In addition to these technical skills, a computer technician must have people skills to communicate the nature of problems to superiors and customers so they develop strategies to minimize repeat occurrences

• Diagnosing computer problems is an essential skill for a computer technician. This can include software issues such as virus and malicious software removal, as well as hardware problems including determining if certain computer components are failing and how to replace or repair them. Computer diagnostics involves a series of protocols including voltage discharge to ensure the safety of the technician and those working around him. These safety procedures must be incorporated into the technician's repair skill set, and be used every time the technician begins a repair assignment.

• Offices across the country use local networks to link computers together for ease of file sharing and security. A computer technician needs to have in-depth knowledge of how computer networks function, how to set them up and how to troubleshoot problems when they arise. Excelling in this particular skill area can land a computer technician a job as an information technology professional monitoring the network of a large company. The technician may also develop a career as a freelance network specialist setting up computer networks for local businesses

   

• Computer jargon can seem complicated and confusing to someone who has not had the level of training a computer repair technician has. A computer technician needs to possess the communication skills to deliver important information regarding computer or network problems to those using the equipment in a way they can easily understand. When users understand the problem and how it was caused, they can develop strategies to avoid creating the problem again in the future. This can help build trust between the computer technician and computer users in other departments of a business.

• Computer diagnostics and repair is a service-oriented industry. A technician with a friendly attitude is more likely to secure long-term clients than someone who is abrasive and has poor customer-service skills. Part of developing excellent customer-service skills is to listen to customer needs and place what the customer wants over individual goals or agendas. When customers believe they are dealt with fairly and honestly, they are more likely to come back should other computer service needs arise. A positive customer-service experience can also lead to an increase in customers based on positive word-of-mouth reviews.

Patience is the most important skill - you will need LOTS of it.. and remember the customer is always right, even when they are wrong. The ability to quickly master new technician tools is also important. You also need to now how to switch it off and on again

okay for me the most important skills are to Learn (you can watch YouTube of disassembling laptops or installing new parts, this is what i do ) and practice that’s what i did, i never went to college to study it because most of the stuff i want is in the internet and it helped me to understand how things should be done :) even when i learned about how to use frontpage or how to create a website and for computer parts i went to computer shops and i saw them how they assemble then when i go home i try to do the same with my pc or to find a damage pc to do it also I watched some YouTube videos to know better

I can summarise the basic concepts for your questions in these two points

1. Study the basic precedures, functions, troubshotings and commands of the laying Operating System (platform) So mostly try to know basical information about1. Windows NT for most Windows platform2. Linux for Ubuntu, Redhat and the rest families of linux
2. Study basic circuit and electrical physics.

As a thump rule, simply before memorizing your post knowledge first understand the computers environment as it has the major role in maintaining the computer. Again the computer through a time can adopt some usage behavior so fill free to ask the user of how he/she does what matters you.

good luck

امتلاك المعرفة للقدرة على تحليل وتشخيص العطل وليس الهدم وإعادة البناء 

Typing

Word processing

Spreadsheets

PowerPoint

E-Mail “netiquette"

hardwear andd softwear.........