Used also to describe someone who is taking their time in a lazy manner. This is akin to saying that someone was lazy for an undefined period of time (see putzing, putzes, or putzed).
Joe was a putz with his computer.
Chuck putzes in his office.
Matt putzed on the golf course all day.
To change or alter something haphazardly in order to observe a result. Often done with no significant goal in mind and as a form of wasting time. Interchangeable with "dick around".
Someone who putz's with equipment on a regular basis instead of contributing a in useful manner may be called a putz monkey.