Information Technology – A Career Path For All Ages

Information technology (IT) is the application of computers to make, manage, store, and communicate all forms of data and information. It includes software, hardware, documentation, networks, and other communication tools. IT is usually used in conjunction with business processes rather than for personal or entertainment purposes. One example of information technology is web development, which involves the application of computer software to design, develop and maintain a website.

Web servers, network devices, and other computer hardware are part of IT. There are many categories under which information technology can be grouped. Management of these systems involves planning, designing, implementing, monitoring, correcting, and controlling the various computer systems and components. Some types of information technology systems are client-server, intranet/intranet, network environment, distributed systems, and desktop.

Information technology is a rapidly advancing field that encompasses a wide range of practices from packet switching and routing, to computer systems, personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), networks, and even the Internet itself. The rapid advancement of this field is fueled primarily by research and developments in computer science, math, computer engineering, software engineering, and communications. There are several subdisciplines within IT. These include computer sciences, which includes such areas as computer architecture, computer programs, computer science, and systems; information technology, which includes such areas as information systems, multimedia, networking, and computer systems; and digital and electronic media, which includes such areas as software engineering, information management, system development, and computer systems. A few areas within Information Technology that are of growing importance include user training, website development, software training, education, manufacturing, multimedia, and networking.

Information technology has produced great strides and improvements in virtually every field and industry. Advances in computer science have led to the development of such technological innovations as desktop components (motherboards, processors, and graphics cards); digital networking that has brought about the world-wide-web; and the Internet itself, which has opened new ways of doing business, providing entertainment, and communicating with other people. Computer scientists play a vital role in the research and development of information technology, especially in the areas of computer science, engineering, software engineering, and networking. These scientists and engineers are often considered the “instructors” of the modern information technology system. They apply different methods and theories to solve problems, and they use a variety of means to make their discoveries.

Within the broader context of information technology, there are two general categories of people involved: hardware and software engineers. Hardware engineers design and develop new computer hardware. Software engineers write the code that operates the new computer software. The roles of both of these types of IT workers are important to the continued progress of information technology.

There are many career paths available within information technology. One can choose to specialize in one of the many fields of information technology, depending on the area of expertise and personal interests. Some of the more popular fields of expertise are computer systems, networking, e-commerce, information science, and multimedia. With the ever-changing innovations taking place within information technology, the number of career paths available for those interested in this exciting and ever-changing field is nearly limitless.