By DeVry University
April 30, 2021
7 min read
April 30, 2021
7 min read
Information technology plays an important role in many aspects of our lives, and in some ways that we may not even realize. Over the last few decades, IT has increasingly influenced the way we connect with each other, the way we learn, the way we work and the different ways our businesses grow, innovate and prosper.
But exactly what is information technology? How is it used by the companies we do business with each day, and how can you prepare to pursue a career in information technology?
Information Technology 101: What is Information Technology?
Why is Information Technology Important?
Understanding Core Concepts in IT
Hardware vs. Software
Becoming an IT Professional: What Degree is Good for Information Technology?
What are Some of the Job Titles in Information Technology?
What IT Certifications Should I Consider Earning?
What Skills Are Important for a Career in IT?
What Are Typical Salaries in Information Technology?
What to Look for in an Information Technology Program?
Operating systems
Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android and Linux are all operating systems found in today’s computers and mobile devices.
Device drivers
Drivers enable communication between the OS and hardware components like printers. As your IT guy may have told you, that printer’s not going to work unless its driver has been installed.
Firmware
Controlling a device’s basic functions, this type of software is typically pre-installed in a device and may need to be updated periodically for the device to function optimally.
Utilities
Like your computer’s own maintenance department, this type of software provides tools for system maintenance and optimization.
Boot loaders
This funny-sounding software helps your computer boot up (start the computer working and prepare for operation) or reboot by initializing the OS during startup.
Application software is the category of computer programs that enable us to perform a wide range of tasks. In large and small businesses, application software is used to manage and analyze data, send and receive emails, create, edit and share documents and presentations and manage payroll and customer relationships. In our personal lives, applications allow us to capture and manipulate images to post on social media, file our tax returns, navigate our way past traffic jams, browse the internet and shop virtually at our favorite stores.
Examples of application software include some that you might use every day:
Microsoft’s ubiquitous MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) enable us to create and edit documents, presentations, spreadsheets and emails.
Internet browsers, like Safari, Google Chrome and Firefox enable web searching and browsing.
Real-time online communication tools such as Skype, Zoom and Google Meet are intended to bring us together even if we’re miles apart.
Project management applications like Teams, Asana and Slack allow teams to collaborate virtually.
Graphic and computer-aided design software, such as Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, Canva and AutoCAD, help create the graphic files used in marketing, manufacturing, construction and other business sectors.
Computer Information Systems
Learn how to code and write programs, update existing programs, debug programs and create and test code. Areas of focus can include computer forensics, cybersecurity, database management, software programming and more.
Information Systems Management
Build essential knowledge of information security, data administration and management and IT project management. Learn how to apply information systems concepts to real-world challenges and evaluate potential technology solutions.
Information Technology Management
Gain the skills to advance your knowledge of information systems, networks and applications. Learn how to apply management techniques, business acumen and analytical abilities to technical environments.
Information Technology and Networking
Study the Internet of Things (IoT), operating systems, programming, hardware, connectivity and security. Specialize in areas such as automation and electronics, information systems and programming or network systems administration.
Network Systems Administration
Learn how to install and configure routers and switches, troubleshoot problems and monitor network performance. Gain critical thinking and system analysis skills, as well as prepare to earn industry certifications.
Software Development
Gain interdisciplinary skills and knowledge of operating systems, programming, hardware and connectivity. In addition to learning how to develop desktop, web and mobile apps and tools, a focus on software development may also offer specializations in big data and analytics.
You may also consider undergraduate technology certificate programs, like DeVry’s IT Essentials Certificate, that focus on core skills you can apply toward specialized degrees later on.
Computer Information Systems
Computer Programmer, Computer Security Specialist, Computer Support Specialist, Data Analyst, Database Administrator, Software Engineer
IT Management
Computer and Information Systems Manager, Database Manager, Network Systems Analyst and Data Communications Analyst
Networking
Computer Network Support Specialist, Computer Systems Analyst
Software Development
Software Application Developer, Software Systems Developer
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
Useful for cloud solution architect, project managers and developers, this certification puts your skills in creating and using AWS (Amazon Web Services) cloud initiatives on display.
Certified Cloud Security Professional
This certificate recognizes advanced-level technical skills and knowledge of design, management and security of data applications and infrastructure of cloud computing. It’s built around the policies and best practices established by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium.
Google Professional Cloud Architect
One of several Google-related certifications, this credential acknowledges your ability to design, develop and manage resources on Google’s cloud architecture.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Offered by EC-Council, the CEH v12 certification focuses on the latest methods used by hackers and information security professionals to lawfully hack an organization’s systems. This one is a bit different than most certifications, in that you have to apply to the EC-Council and submit an exam eligibility form before you can purchase an exam voucher.
Certified Information Systems Auditor
Recommended for professionals working in information security (IS) auditing, security or control, the CISA certification is recognized globally as the primary certification for audit control.
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Offered by ScrumAlliance as the first in a multi-step learning journey, the CSM credential is an advanced project management certification.
CompTIA Certifications
CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association) offers multiple certifications that verify foundational IT skills across a range of devices and operating systems. Their CompTIA A+, CompTIA Cloud+ and CompTIA Security+ certifications are all sought after by employers.
Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)
Offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), this credential demonstrates the knowledge and skills required to assess, build and implement thorough data privacy solutions. At least three years working in privacy governance is required to pursue this certification.
Communication
Robust verbal and written communication skills enable IT professionals to work effectively within their team members, speak clearly and confidently with their counterparts in other departments, and help non-technical personnel to understand technical subject matter.
Strategic thinking
Information technology professionals use this trait to make informed decisions relative to project management, scheduling, budgeting and other aspects of their department’s operations and initiatives.
Time management
Strong time management skills enable IT staff and their teams to meet deadlines and maintain an overall higher level of productivity.
Planning
With strong planning skills you can be more effective in organizing projects, budgets and presentations. A good planner knows how to break down a goal into actionable steps to be taken by individuals or the team collectively.
Hands-on work with foundational technologies and IT concepts.
Access to computer equipment and tools that help you gain real-world skills.
Opportunities to specialize your IT degree in a niche discipline.
Curriculum that prepares you to earn industry-recognized certifications.
Professors with strong academic credentials and experience in the IT industry.
Options for on campus, online and hybrid learning.
An accredited university that empowers students to achieve their goals.
1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
2At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credit will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied.
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In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. The University’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Arlington Campus: 1400 Crystal Dr., Ste. 120, Arlington, VA 22202. DeVry University is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, www.tn.gov/thec. Naperville Campus: 1200 E. Diehl Rd., Naperville, IL 60563. Unresolved complaints may be reported to the Illinois Board of Higher Education through the online compliant system http://complaints.ibhe.org/. View DeVry University’s complaint process https://www.devry.edu/compliance/student-complaint-procedure.html Program availability varies by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program.
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