Keep up with Tech Developments as a Computer Technician

A long time ago I asked a fellow technician how he kept up with Tech developments. He always had the news on the latest and best utilities, useful apps, and tweaks and tricks for tuning operating systems. His answer? Actually, he mentioned the articles here at Technibble as his primary source on new tools and repair technology.

What can you as a computer technician do to keep on top of new developments, utilities, and new methods of repair? You’ll want to keep up on new consumer devices that are on the market, so you know what will most likely be heading into your shop. You’ll also want to have the tools for those devices, so that’s another reason to keep up on that Tech. But how do you keep up on everything?

Keep Up Using Social Media Networks

A good start is keeping up to date with Technibble articles, but in addition to that, use social media networks to your advantage. Do you have a Twitter account for your business? Do you have a Facebook account? Follow developers of devices using those social media networks. That means Microsoft, Samsung, Apple, etc. Also, when you search for those names on Twitter you’ll come up with non official accounts that offer tips and updates on Tech, and those are good accounts to follow as well.

Some time ago there was an article on Technibble covering some of this, so check it out here before you forget. Also, check out this article over at YFNCG.com for Facebook accounts to follow.

Another tip for keeping up with tech is subscribing to RSS feeds, and I recommend the sites associated with the Twitter accounts referred to in that article I just mentioned. There’s also a list compiled here of podcasts, by Matt over at YFNCG.com.

You can go overboard and follow everything and never have time to work, never read then at all because catching up is overwhelming, or weed through them periodically, saving articles to read when you have a bit of spare time to catch up. Try to strike a balance so you can keep up on developments and breaking stories but still have time for everything else.

Business Networking Can Help

Do you network with any fellow Techs? It’s good to have a business social network of fellow Technicians, such as the forums here at Technibble, to bounce ideas off and ask questions about new technology or old technology and how to deal with upgrading it.

Have you tried Meetup.com yet? Take advantage of those business networks often, and ask what they think is new in the Tech world, or what challenges they’re currently facing.

To illustrate, some antivirus solutions depend on the statistics and reports from other machines all around the world, so it is known what challenges are faced and solutions can be applied based on those reports. Business networking for Techs follows the same strategy, so take advantage of it, it works.

Many of us install ad blockers on our machines, and we install them for clients when they complain about ads, and that’s why this next tip may seem contrary to our nature. One way of keeping up with new devices is to watch the ads that feature new devices and technology.

The premise behind this is that these ads have been designed to really sell these devices, and it obviously works. We may not like to admit it, but the music, sound, and imagery are cleverly perfected to make you want to buy what is being advertised, and as a general rule, consumers take the bait. The products pushed the most in advertising are most likely the new devices you’re going to see coming through your door for repairs or for help with figuring out how they work.

As a final note, the IT field is a constantly updating field. Because of this, everyone involved in the industry is a perpetual student. If there’s something you don’t understand, read up on it. Ask questions. Embrace the new technology rather than stay with the old. If you can, try it out. It’s a constant investment of time and energy to keep on top of everything, but at the same time, it requires balance to keep everything prioritized so you can be productive and up to date at the same time.

If you keep it balanced and focus only on what you specifically cover in the industry, you’ll be able to keep on top of everything and manage your technician career into the future. If you have any tips on how you stay focused and stay on top of technology trends, drop a tip below!