Information technology

Information systems (IS) and information technology (IT) are often considered synonymous. In reality, information technology is a subset of information systems. The difference between information systems and information technology is that information systems incorporates the technology, people and processes involved with information. Information technology is the design and implementation of information, or data, within the information system.

IT technicians diagnose computer problems, monitor computer processing systems, install software, and perform tests on computer equipment and programs. Technicians may also set up computer equipment, schedule maintenance, and teach clients to use programs. Other job duties can include minor repairs and computer parts ordering.

IT job requirements include strong knowledge of computers and how they operate, which includes having a broad understanding of hardware and software, operating systems, and basic computer programming. Familiarity with electronic equipment, Internet applications, and security may also be required. Technicians may also need good communication skills because this position requires frequent interaction with clients.

Information Technology Duties and Responsibilities:

Administer network and data security, including directory, group policy, firewalls, virus protection, and email security;
Perform data backups to ensure all company-owned work is saved;
Install and update network system improvements;
Install and configure wireless networking equipment;
Monitor servers, LAN/WAN, and Wi-Fi to ensure full coverage;
Assist with the design, implementation, and support of new software and features;
Evaluate connectivity issues, equipment, and software and hardware;
Respond to IT issues; hardware maintenance, software, networking, etc.;
Provide helpdesk and technical support either by phone, remote access, or site visits;
Oversee troubleshooting for system errors;
Set up equipment for new users and employees;
Consult with vendors and clients to integrate and update company technology;
Ensure system optimization for all technology resources.

Network

Network engineers are the technical experts responsible for setting up computer networks, maintaining them, and offering technical support to users where necessary.

Ever heard of Wi-Fi, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) or global area networks (GANs)? Well, these marvellous things allow us to communicate, exchange information and connect to the internet – and they’re looked after by network engineers.

Network Engineer Responsibilities:

Maintaining and administering computer networks and related computing environments including systems software, applications software, hardware, and configurations;
Performing disaster recovery operations and data backups when required;
Protecting data, software, and hardware by coordinating, planning and implementing network security measures;
Troubleshooting, diagnosing and resolving hardware, software, and other network and system problems;
Replacing faulty network hardware components when required;
Maintaining, configuring, and monitoring virus protection software and email applications;
Monitoring network performance to determine if adjustments need to be made;
Conferring with network users about solving existing system problems;
Operating master consoles to monitor the performance of networks and computer systems;
Coordinating computer network access and use;
Designing, configuring and testing networking software, computer hardware, and operating system software.

Software

Software engineers apply principles and techniques of engineering, mathematics, and computer science to the design, development, and testing of software applications for computers.

A bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or another related field is required. You will also need at least five to seven years of software engineering or software development experience, preferably in a related field to be successful in this role.

Software Engineer Responsibilities:

Developing and directing software system validation and testing methods;
Directing our software programming initiatives;
Overseeing the development of documentation;
Working closely with clients and cross-functional departments to communicate project statuses and proposals;
Analyzing data to effectively coordinate the installation of new systems or the modification of existing systems;
Managing the software development lifecycle;
Monitoring system performance;
Communicating key project data to team members and building cohesion among teams;
Developing and executing project plans;
Applying mathematics and statistics to problem-solving initiatives;
Applying best practices and standard operating procedures;
Creating innovative solutions to meet our company’s technical needs;
Testing new software and fixing bugs;
Shaping the future of our systems.

If you like to view tertiary programs related to this article, click here to go to the list of Information Technology, Network, and Software course recommendations. If you are not sure which path you want to pursue for your tertiary education, you should find this psychometric test here to be helpful in providing some aptitude breakdown and course suggestions upon completion of the test. Feel free to proceed to the test, it's free after all!

Information Technology, Networking and Software, is there any difference?

Information technology

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