| ters and the Internet have come a long way since | | | | subset that deals with user interface design, graphics, |
| their inception. Living in the computer age means | | | | html and CSS (cascading style sheets). Web page |
| adapting to new technologies as they evolve. The | | | | designers are behooved to have good art skills as |
| ease and speed of communication that computer | | | | they will most likely be dealing with graphics, layout |
| technology provides allows us to be more productive | | | | and Flash applications. |
| in every facet of our lives. That technology requires | | | | Why do it? |
| skilled computer professionals to design, maintain, and | | | | Other than the obvious passion for computers and |
| implement it. | | | | technology, salary and job growth potential are |
| What is it? | | | | excellent reasons to consider computer careers. |
| Computer training is divided into specialties including: | | | | Diversity of computer skills adds to marketability in |
| • Computer hardware | | | | the workforce. Many employers do not have time to |
| • Computer software | | | | train workers on basic skills and expect employees to |
| • Computer networking | | | | be more than familiar with computers. |
| • Web Development | | | | Who should do it? |
| Computer hardware refers to the actual physical | | | | If you have an aptitude or interest in math, science |
| components that comprise computers (processors, | | | | or art, and have strong problem solving and analytical |
| modems, keyboards, motherboards etc). Computer | | | | skills you are a perfect candidate for a computer |
| hardware engineers design, develop and maintain | | | | related career. Computer careers can be solitary |
| computer hardware. They may oversee the | | | | work, but often require good communication skills. |
| installation and manufacture of hardware. Due to the | | | | Systems administrators must know how to relay |
| constant flux of the industry, continued education is | | | | information to clients and coworkers in order to |
| required to keep up with trends and technology. | | | | maintain order and efficiency in the system. |
| Computer software refers to the content that | | | | Education is available in many varieties; from |
| makes a computer work. Software is divided into | | | | certifications, certificate programs, associate’s |
| three categories: Platform (such as operating | | | | degree programs, bachelor’s and even |
| systems i.e. Windows, Linux, and Macintosh OSX), | | | | master’s degree programs. Many |
| Applications (Microsoft Office, games), and | | | | professionals receive degrees in computer science |
| User-Written (templates, plug-ins, extensions). | | | | and related fields, but still others are required to have |
| Computer software engineers, like their hardware | | | | specific certifications (for example MCSE-Microsoft |
| counterparts, are required to continually learn new | | | | Certified Systems Engineer or MCSA-Microsoft |
| skills in conjunction with developing technology. | | | | Certified Systems Administrator). Many industries do |
| Computer networking refers to communication | | | | not require these specific certifications, only |
| between a group or groups of computers. This | | | | knowledge and experience of computer systems. |
| includes LAN-local area network, MAN-metropolitan | | | | When making a decision about education, research |
| area network and WAN-wide area network. | | | | the jobs that interest you and find out just what the |
| Computer network engineers work with software | | | | employers are looking for in a candidate. Why spend |
| and hardware integration across a system of | | | | four years working on a bachelor’s degree |
| computers and servers. They deal with | | | | when a shorter certificate program may be all you |
| computer-to-computer interface and connect users | | | | need? |
| to each other via private as well as public networks. | | | | Where can I find out more? |
| Web development refers to the building and | | | | For more information on careers, training, and |
| implementation of websites (design, programming, | | | | working conditions see the Occupational Outlook |
| server configuration) – Web page design is a | | | | handbook at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics site. |