In the second quarter, technology stocks and the tech sector lost about 1.34% overall, according to data from Morningstar.  Then again, you can’t blame tech stocks alone — the economic environment was volatile, as the U.S. got more sluggish and there were continued jitters over the Greek debt crisis.

But looking at the rest of the year, there should be some profit-making opportunities for technology stocks.  Consider that the Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) IT spending survey reached its second highest reading since 2007.  Part of this is because of seasonal factors as customers make decisions on budgets.   But there is also a need to replace aging software and hardware systems.

Despite all of this, it can still be tough to pick the right technology stocks.  After all, there are some companies, like Research In Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM), which are experiencing dramatic shocks to their business and have seen sharp drops in their stock values.

So when looking for investment ideas, it’s a good idea to focus on quality companies that have attractive valuations.

Let’s take a look at three that I like:

Tech Stock to Buy – NRC

NCR (NYSE: NCR):  Back in 2007, the company spun-off its Teradata (NYSE: TDC) division.  It was a smart move since it allowed NCR to focus on its core business, which includes self-service technologies like automated teller machines (ATMs), kiosks and point of sale applications.

There has also been continued efforts to reduce costs at NRC.  For 2011, the expectation is to realize between $75 million to $100 million in savings.

However, as seen with its first earnings quarter results, NCR is also starting to ramp-up its growth.  One important segment is retail and hospitality, which is seeing strong backlogs.  There are also large opportunities in emerging markets like China, India and Brazil.

NCR is also scaling its entertainment business (which involves DVD rental kiosks).  For example, quarterly same-store sales were up 51% year-over-year.  Basically, this is a business that has much long-term potential.

Tech Stock to Buy – Juniper

Juniper (NASDAQ: JNPR):  While JNPR stock is known for its routers and switches, the company is also a top provider of security systems and networking monitoring technologies.  In light of the surge in data across the globe — because of cloud computing and social networks — there is certainly growing demand for these kinds of offerings.

Interestingly enough, Juniper is likely to benefit from the stumbles of Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), which is in the process of restructuring its business.  Besides, Juniper has a long track record of selling complex technologies to major companies like telecom operators.  This is certainly a barrier to entry and should help maintain pricing power.

So far this year, Juniper stock has been posting strong revenue growth, which is running at a 20% clip.  A key has been the company’s focus on research and development.  Keep in mind that it has been launching a variety of new products, such as QFabric and the T4000 core router.  These should help keep momentum strong into 2012.

Tech Stock to Buy – Synchronoss

Synchronoss (NASDAQ: SNCR):  The company has a technology called ConvergenceNow, which allows for the activation for things like smartphones.  A big growth driver has actually been Apple’s (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone.  You see, Synchronoss has a long-standing relationship with AT&T (NYSE: T) to activate the devices.

True, this business has diminished over the years, especially with Verizon’s (NYSE: VZ) adoption of the iPhone.  Yet Synchronoss’ technology platform has proved versatile.  That is, as cable and telecom operators add news businesses, they need systems to better manage things.

More importantly, Syncrhonoss makes a substantial amount of its revenues from transaction fees.  So as there continues to be growth in digital services, the company should benefit nicely from on the top line.

As of this writing, Hilary Kramer owned a position in Cisco.