Information Technology purpose is to create, maintain, and make information available.

There are many roles in the world, but few are well known to those outside of the fields. Those taking this course, will be starting as student of the various IT degree programs, but take a step back and see what are some of the key features of each major and job role. It is not uncommon for students to realize that they want something else entirely.

Computer Disciplines

1. Computer engineering
   1. Design of hardware systems and software that make them work
   2. Writing drivers
   3. Development solutions for IoT (Internet of Things – alarm systems, refrigerator)
   4. Theoretical and Applied for Computer Hardware & Architecture
2. Computer Science
   1. Developing effective ways to solve computer problems and create new ways to use computers
   2. Robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and algorithms
   3. Primarily Theoretical in Application Technologies, Software Methods and Tech, and System Infrastructures
3. Software Engineering
   1. Development and maintenance of reliable and efficient software systems
   2. Theoretical and Applied for Software Methods and Technologies
4. Information Systems
   1. IS is the concept of integrating IT solutions to meet organizational business goals
   2. Theoretical and Applied for Organizational Issues & Information Systems
5. Information Technology
   1. Focuses on technology supporting information systems in an organization
   2. Responds to the practical needs of the organization
   3. Primarily deals in application based in Organization Issues & Information Systems, Application Technologies, and Software Methods & Technologies

When looking for work, how can you determine what a role may entail?

When seeing the names of roles, think about their meaning

Administrator – deals in daily operations, maintenance, and support of existing systems. Thought to be maintainers and operators

Architect – Designs the overall architecture and technology. It defines how systems should interact, chooses tech, and creates high-level plans. Senior-level strategic planners and decision makers. Architect is a designer who defines who the system should be built and ensures it fits the business and technical strategy

Engineer – deals in design, development, and implementation of IT systems. Thought to be builders and planners. This can include executing solutions, writing scripts, configuring systems, troubleshooting problems. These are mid to senior technician implementations. Engineer is a builder who creates systems based on defined plans.

Analyst – deals with IT support needs, data processes, and system usage. They are interpreters and advisors. They tend to have higher business involvement as they work with end users, stakeholders, and technical teams. They also can be known as consultants, support, or specialists.

Example: Data Science

https://www.zionandzion.com/building-a-cohesive-and-effective-data-team

D322- Intro to IT

Computer History