CHAPTER 15 Your Future and Information Technology

In this chapter, we looked into technology and organizations as well as technology and people. Besides that, we also learnt how to become a winner and exposed to the different careers in IT.

1. Technology can introduce new ways for businesses to compete with each other.

2. Some of the principal changes are as follows:

• New product: Technology creates product that operates faster, are priced cheaper, are often of better quality, or are wholly new.
• New enterprises: Information technology can build entirely new businesses. Two examples are Internet service providers and Web site development companies.
• New customer and supplier relationship: Businesses that make their information systems easily available may make their customers less likely to take their businesses elsewhere.

3. People react to changing technology in one of the four ways.

• Cynicism
• Naivete
• Frustration
• Proactivity

4. Six tips for us to be a winner in this information age.

• Stay current
• Maintain our computer competency
• Develop professional contacts
• Develop specialties
• Be alert for organizational change
• Look for innovative opportunities

5. Different careers have their own responsibilities in IT.

• Computer support specialist: Provides technical support to customers and other users.
• Computer technician: Repairs and installs computer components and systems.
• Computer trainer: Instructs users on the latest software or hardware.
• Cryptographer: Designs, tests, and researches encryption procedures.
• Data entry worker: Inputs customer information, lists, and other types of data.
• Database administrator: Uses database management software to determine the most efficient ways to organize and access data.
• Desktop publisher: Creates and formats publication-ready material.
• Information systems manager: Oversees the work of programmers, computer specialists, system analysts, and other computer professionals.
• Network administrator: Creates and maintains network.
• Programmer: Creates, tests, and troubleshoots computer programs.
• Software engineer: Analyzes users' needs and creates application software.
• System analyst: Plans and designs information systems.
• Technical writer: Prepares instruction manuals, technical reports, and other scientific or technical documents.
• Webmaster: Develops and maintains Web sites and Web resources.

Citation: Computing Essentials 2011