IT, ICT and Computer Science
People often confuse computer science and information and communications
technology (ICT). While similar, they are distinct areas of study.
Whether it's a business looking to hire someone or a student trying to decide what to
major in, there is a lot of confusion about the difference between computer
science (COMPUTER SCIENCE) and information and communications
technology (ICT).
It’s not unusual for these two terms to be confused, and in fact, there is a lot of overlap
between them. A professional in either discipline will be familiar with most common
computer programs and will be tech savvy in general.
The difference comes down to the focus of each discipline.
What are the Differences Between IT and ICT?
I know what you’re thinking. Wasn’t the article focusing on the differences
between COMPUTER SCIENCE and ICT? Why are we talking about information
technology (IT) now?
Before diving further into the key differences between COMPUTER SCIENCE and
ICT we need to explain the macroscopic level between IT and ICT, since the first is the
term that is more widely used in the world of informatiComputer Science. In fact, ICT
is a much broader sector that encompasses all aspects of IT along with an additional
focus on the communications field.
IT experts focus on the development of apps and software, as well as the monitoring
and maintenance of database systems and all the internal information infrastructures of
a company. ICT expands the range of IT to connective communication technologies,
and include all sides of networking, telecommunications and mobility.
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However, the reason why you keep hearing the terms ICT and IT used interchangeably
depends on the evolution of our communications technologies. Today, there’s no real
border between communication and computers anymore. Nearly anything and any
device is connected to the internet, and it’s nearly impossible to be specialized in IT
without having a deeper understanding of ICT as well.
Can you imagine being an IT Officer without being able to troubleshoot emails, instant
messaging apps or the immense range of Internet of Things (IOT) devices?
Although ICT is, by definition, more expansive, today the two definitions tend to
overlap. Having said this, let’s move to what ICT is.
What is Information and Communications
Technology (ICT)?
ICT focuses on how to best employ the programs out there, usually for business needs.
This means that ICT professionals need to know about existing applications, how they
interact, how they are best used and how to troubleshoot problems between them.
In a nutshell, ICT (or IT) professionals are those who make practical use of the
technology invented by COMPUTER SCIENCE engineers. They operate the
infrastructures, apps, tools and operating systems required to carry out all kind of tasks
needed by governments, institutions and corporations. They need a certain degree of
critical thinking, and the ability to use the tools and resources at their disposal as
effectively as possible.
Their focus is finding solutions, working in tandem with other operators outside their
department such as digital marketing specialists, customer support professionals and
human resources managers. The tasks and responsibilities of ICT professionals range
from building communication networks (network architects) to
prevent cybercrime (information security analysts), storing and administering data
(database administrators), or troubleshooting infrastructures and perform day-to-day
maintenance (system administrators).
What is Computer Science (COMPUTER SCIENCE)?
Where ICT and IT focus on the practical side of informatiComputer Science
technologies, computer science deals with its more theoretical aspects. Computer
Science is focused on creating new applications for computers. This means that
computer scientists must have a deeper understanding of
computers, algorithms, programming languages, theory and so on.
While ICT professionals are usually technicians, Computer Science specialists are, in
fact, engineers and scientists undergoing a rigorous education more often than not. A
Computer Science specialist must know at least one (but usually more) programming
language such as Python, Java, C++ or HTML.
They must code on a daily basis and know how to using advanced algorithms to invent
new tools to transfer and manipulate information. Programmers and software engineers
are both COMPUTER SCIENCE specialists that focus on creating new tools and apps
that will be later used by ICT and IT professionals.
They’re a bit different from computer engineers, though, since CE must build the
computer parts and make them work together. Computer scientists are generally
concerned with software, operating systems and their implementation and functionality.
COMPUTER SCIENCE specialists can be found in a broad range of different
environments, ranging from software houses, video game companies, and universities.
They can focus on various tasks, such as developing and upgrading operating systems
(system engineers), developing and coding apps, video game and tools (application
software developers), or programming the code required by a website to work (web
designers).
In contrast to ICT operators, however, they are not concerned with the day-to-day
application of computer technologies. For example, if a tool’s efficiency must be
improved, a COMPUTER SCIENCE will work on creating a patch that will upgrade
the software, while an IT professional will find a way to improve the way it integrates
with the current infrastructure.
