Information Technology - Definition and
History
http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/careersintechnology/p/ITDefinition.htm
Information Technology – A Definition:
We use the term information technology or IT to refer to an entire industry. In actuality,
information technology is the use of computers and software to manage information. In some
companies, this is referred to as Management Information Services (or MIS) or simply as
Information Services (or IS). The information technology department of a large company would
be responsible for storing information, protecting information, processing the information,
transmitting the information as necessary, and later retrieving information as necessary.
History of Information Technology:
In relative terms, it wasn't long ago that the Information Technology department might have
consisted of a single Computer Operator, who might be storing data on magnetic tape, and then
putting it in a box down in the basement somewhere. The history of information technology is
fascinating! Check out these history of information technology resources for information on
everything from the history of IT to electronics inventions and even the top 10 IT bugs.
Modern Information Technology Departments:
In order to perform the complex functions required of information technology departments
today, the modern Information Technology Department would use computers, servers,database
management systems, andcryptography. The department would be made up of several System
Administrators, Database Administrators and at least one Information Technology Manager. The
group usually reports to the Chief Information Officer (CIO).
Popular Information Technology Skills:
Some of the most popular information technology skills at the moment are:
Computer Networking
Information Security
IT Governance
ITIL
Business Intelligence
Linux
Unix
Project Management
For more information about technical skills that are popular in the job market, check out theIT
Career Skills List..
Information Technology Certifications:
Having a solid education and specific specialty certifications is the best way to progress in an
information technology career. Here are some of the more popular information technology
certifications:
Computer Networking - All About Computer Networking
Computer Networking Information:
Computer Networking
Computer Networking is a focus within engineering that deals with communication between computer systems or devices.
Computer networking is often considered a sub-discipline of a few areas: telecommunications, computer science, information
technology and/or computer engineering. Computer networks rely heavily on the theoretical and practical application of each of
these engineering disciplines.
A computer network is any set of computers or devices connected to each other with the ability to exchange data. Examples of
different networks are:
Local area network (LAN)
Wide area network (WAN)
Wireless LANs (WLAN)
Wireless WANs (WWAN)
Computer Networking – Job Profiles
Network Engineer
Network Administrator
System Administrator
Database Administrator
Information Technology
Project Manager
Computer Networking – Certifications
Cisco Certifications
Microsoft Certifications
Oracle Certifications
Information Security Certifications
Information Technology Certifications
Computer Networking – Companies
Cisco Systems
Shared Technologies
NetApp
Qualcomm
Yahoo!
Microsoft
Intuit
U.S. Government
Google
Computer Networking - Also of Interest
Highest Paying Certifications
Technology Publications
Salary Research
Computer Networking - Get a New Job
Find a New Job
Resume Samples
Best Places to Work
Computer Networking - Related Job Search Info
Information Technology
Project Management
Job Interviews
Related Articles
Connect Two Home Computers for File Sharing
Cris Banson - Computer Networking Guide
Computer Terms - Dictionary of Computer Terms - Computer Terms Glossary
Computer Jobs - Information Technology System Network Programming
Networking Fundamentals - Computer and Wireless Networking Basics
Top 10 Technical Career Skills - Information and Resources
Whether you are just starting your technical career or looking to make a career change, it helps to know what career skills are hot
in the job market. The following list of technical skills are currently in high demand. The list includes information, a brief history
of each technology, and links to training resources.
1. Unix Operating System
The Unix Operating System is the foundation of the internet. Read about Unix, the history of Unix, and find resources for Unix
training. Unix is a critical skill for a career in Information Technology.
2. Linux Operating System
The Linux Operating System is a Unix-like operating system that is being used by many large companies. It is quickly growing in
popularity and is a popular operating system to develop for. Linux is a great career skill if you want a career as a System
Administrator.
3. Java Programming Language
Find information and training resources for the popular Java programming language. Java is an object oriented programming
language developed by Sun Microsystems. Java is a popular career skill if you want a to be a Web Developer.
4. C++ Programming Language
C++ is another high level, object oriented programming language. C++ is often used in commercial application software
development. It has been (and continues to be!) a hot programming career skill in the market. A career as a Software
Engineer would be the most likely with C++ expertise.
5. Perl Programming Language
Perl is a dynamic scripting language that is used quite often in networking, system administration and web site development.
Knowledge of this multi-use language is a must-have for many career paths.
6. MySQL Database Management
MySQL is a database management tool that is widely used. Knowledge of MySQL is necessary for many careers,
including Database Administrators, Web Developers, and Software Engineers.
7. Microsoft C# Programming Language
The C# programming language from Microsoft Corporation is rapidly gaining popularity as more companies utilize the .NET
framework. This is one of the hottest career skills in the market right now for Developers.
8. XML - Extensible Markup Language
XML or Extensible Markup language, is a popular language that makes information on the internet viewable across many
different platforms. It is relatively easy to learn. While many Developers know XML, fewer of them are experts in XML. It is a
specialty focus that is gaining popularity for a career in Web Development.
9. HTML Skills
HTML continues to be a necessary skill to have for Web Design careers. Expert knowledge of HTML is a must-have for this
career path.
10. Project Management
Management of technical projects is a necessary career skill for advancement, no matter which technical career path you choose.
Formal Project Management training is a great start to more senior level technical roles.
Technical Career Skills - Suggested Reading
Job Search Tools
Interview Tips
Online Degrees
Technical Career Skills - Also of Interest
New Job Listings
Web Developer
Web Designer
Technical Career Skills - Other Information
Cisco Systems
Entry Level Jobs
System Administrator
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Film/TV Careers: Assess Your Skills
All About the History of Information Technology
The history of information technology is fascinating! Here are some of my favorite links to information about the history of
information technology.
1. IT History Timeline
A great IT History timeline from the University of Alabama's Telecommunication and Film department.
2. Timeline of Electronics Inventions
From GreatAchievements.org - a time line of electronics inventions.
3. History of Technology - Early Inventors Successes
Information about the innovators of the early technology revolution, including Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and others.
4. History of Computer Languages
History of computer languages. Alphabetical listing of computer languages along with a timeline of programming language
development. Links to more information on programming languages.
5. History of the World Wide Web
Timeline based history of the world wide web. Amazingly, the timeline starts in 1945!!
6. History of Technology - The Dot Com Bubble
Information about the Dot Com Bubble in the technology industry.
7. History of Technology - The Dot Bomb
Information about the bursting of the dot com bubble, also know as the dot bomb period of information technology history.
8. Top 10 IT Bugs
The worst of the worst - the top 10 information technology bugs of all time.
History of Information Technology - Also of Interest
Job Interviews
Salary Calculators - Salary Research
Professional Information Security Organizations
History of Information Technology - Find a Job
Resume Tips
Cover Letters
Job Search Sites
History of Information Technology - Other Information
Resignation Letters
Thank You Letters
Job Fairs
Technology Industry
NLRB - National Labor Relations Board
Employment Law Information From Cornell Law
Information About the EEOC
Links to State Labor Laws
DOL - Department of Labor Information
