several different careers in information technology. Which one(s) are of interest to you?

§          Some careers include those listed in figure 15-12

§          Computer support specialist

§          Computer technician

§          Computer trainer

§          Cryptographer

§          Database administrator

§          Data entry worker

§          Desktop publisher

§          Information systems manager

§          Network administrator

§          Programmer

§          Software engineer

§          Systems analyst

computers are changing the business world.

§          It can change the way they market products

§          It can change the way they build goods and services

§          Example: Internet banks allow on line banking without traditional buildings

four ways people react to new technology

1.      three negative ways people cope with technological changes in the workplace.

a)    Cynicsm

§          The cynic feels that the idea of using a microcomputer is overrated.

§          They feel as though their time could be spent doing something more important.

§          Cynics may express there doubts openly, or may only pretend to be interested in computing technology.

b)    Naiveté

§          Many naïve people are unfamiliar with computers.

§          They may think computers are magic boxes capable of doing everything, even things they can’t handle.

§          On the other hand, some underestimate the capability of computers.

c)     Frustration

§          The frustrated person may already be quite busy and may hate having to take time to learn about microcomputers.

§          Sometimes it can be the person, sometimes it can be the system e.g. poorly written manuals, etc

2.     one positive way people cope with technological change in the workplace.

a)    Proactivity

§          Proactive means “acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes”.

§          A proactive person looks at technology in a positive, realistic way

Stay in contact with both formal and informal lines of communication

a)    Stay current

§          Whatever their particular line of work, successful professionals keep up both with their own fields and with the times.

§          Learn how computing technology is used in your profession.

§          Read trade journals in your industry

§          Participate electronically with special interest newsgroups on the Internet.

b)    Maintain your computer competency

§          Try to stay ahead of the technology.

§          Books, journals, and trade associations are good sources about new technology.

§          Read the general business press – Business Week, Fortune, Inc., The Wall Street Journal, etc.

§          Read some IT magazines – InfoWorld, PC World, MacWorld, etc.

c)     Develop professional contacts

§          Besides being members of professional associations, successful people make it a point to maintain contact with others in their field.

§          Both electronic and “face to face” contacts are important.

d)    Develop specialties

§          Both general skills and special skills are important.

§          Don’t become identified with a specific technological skill that is becoming obsolete.

§          Expect to take additional training throughout your life to stay current and learn new skills

e)     Be alert for organizational change

§          Every organization has both formal and informal (e.g. the grapevine) lines of communication

§          You need to keep in contact with both these lines of communication

§          Watch for new trends in the organization – future hiring, layoffs, etc.

f)      Look for Innovative Opportunities

§          Look for ways to be more efficient – how can procedures be automated?  How can technology make your tasks easier?

§          Approach changes as ways to “save money” rather than “improve information”

§          Concentrate on the business and organizational problems that need solving, then look at the technology needed to solve them.

How to be a WINNER?

To avoid getting left behind, important to realize that life is now becoming a continual learning experience. Many students think “Once I get my degree, I’ll be set.” Important to realize that your education will not stop after high school, your degree from a two-year college, or even your degree(s) from the four-year universities.

Technology is continually changing and we need to change with it or we will get left behind! Sometimes these changes seem to be ruling our lives rather than our controlling our own futures.

Read trade publications; go on line to find out the latest; stay in touch with people in your industry to find out what they know, how they are coping, and what they are doing to stay up-to-date.

Important to develop skills in particular areas – but don’t limit yourself. Those who limit themselves to just Web development or just networking or just programming a particular language may find themselves struggling with the future. Overlap – don’t spread yourself thin, but know enough to be able to jump from one area to another within a specific area. If you’re interested in programming, learn two or three that are related. Know what is coming down the pike so you can easily fit into the next generation.

Web development and networking can work together… remember that the Internet (and the Web) is just a great big network. Know how one works help understand how the other works. Specialize in one, but learn to translate that into understanding the other.

Look for opportunities to improve yourself and to advance yourself. Be careful with whom you talk, but let people know what you do know and what your skills are!

Information Systems careers

Information Systems offers excellent opportunities

1.1.Systems analyst - assists organizations to evaluate their needs, design and implement  information technology solutions

2.2.Web technology - designs, creates, evaluates and monitors company Web sites; also Web administration; be willing to relocate 

3.3.Database Administrator - structures, coordinates, links and maintains internal databases

44.4.Programmer - writes code to produce new computer programs or maintain existing ones

5.Network Manager - ensure effective operation of existing information and computer systems; effective implementation of new ones 

6.Computer Support Specialist - prepare and train new users; set up classes; may be even help “man” the Help Desk.

Your Look to the Future

•

Take positive control 

•

Concentrate on goals 

•

Use computer to your advantage 

•

Gain control over technology

The future is uncertain. Many .com’s are failing, so the Internet will change focus and jobs and job descriptions will change. Networking is going more and more to certification to verify people have certain level of skills. Microsoft continues to dominate the user end for word processing, spreadsheets, and database – although Oracle database for the Internet and the office is gaining.  Java and SICSO for the Internet are is increasing in popularity.

Basically, read, read, read. Learn as much as you can in areas you like. Pick up books and attend seminars. Make yourself available to change, relocate, or adjust your skills.

Keep reading, talking with others in the industry, networking for opportunities and careers, keep up on your education – and be ready to change!

CRTs, flat-panel, and specialty monitors

§          Distributed processing separates the data processing onto different servers rather than on one dedicated host computer

a)    Cathode-Ray Tube

§          Most common type of desktop monitor.

§          Uses similar technology as standard TV screens

§          Advantage is they are relatively inexpensive and have a high quality image display.

§          Disadvantage is they take up a lot of room

b)    Flat-Panel Monitor

§          The advantage is they take up less room, and are frequently used on laptop computers.  Now becoming popular for desktops as well since they have dropped in price

§          Two basic types are:

§          Passive matrix (dual scan monitors): lower power, but poorer clarity

§          Active matrix (TFT: Thin Film Transistor): costs more, uses more power, but produces a much better image.

c)     Other (Specialty) Monitors

§          E-books (aka e-book readers) are PDA sized devices that display text and graphics.  These have not had a lot of commercial success, yet it is possible to download e-books onto computers.

§          Data projectors: capable of projecting the output onto a screen for a large audience

§          High Definition TeleVision (HDTV): a merger of microcomputers and television (PC/TV) offers much clearer and more detailed wide screen pictures than a standard TV (but currently at more cost).  Since images are digital, they can be stored and edited.

output

Output is processed data or information

It typically takes the form of text, graphics, photos, audio, or video

Output devices are any hardware used to provide or create output from the computer, e.g. printers, monitors, speakers, etc.

About   resolution, dot pitch, refresh rate, and size.

§          Clarity: the quality and sharpness of a monitor; depends on:

§          Resolution: measured in Pixels (Picture Elements) e.g. a 1,280 x 1,024 resolution screen displays 1,310,720 pixels.  The greater the number of pixels, the better the resolution.

§          Dot Pitch: the distance between pixels, typically measured in millimeters.  Most monitors have a dot pitch less than 0.3 mm.  The smaller the dot pitch, the better the clarity.

§          Refresh Rate: how often the image is “re-drawn” on the monitor.  Most monitors have a refresh rate of 75 Hz or better (image refreshes 75 times every second).  The faster the rate, the better the image

§          Size or Viewable Size: the diagonal length of the monitor’s viewing area.  Smaller monitors have better image quality, but it’s also smaller to view

voice recognition systems

a)    Voice recognition systems

§          Voice Recognition Systems use a microphone for input, and a special sound card and software translates the analog signals into digital signals that can be processed and stored.

§          Many applications now support voice recognitions.

§          Using a “language bar” you can switch between “voice command mode” – allowing you to control menu options, and “dictation mode” – allowing you to enter content text into a document.

b)    MIDI

§          Musical Interface Digital Interface (MIDI) is a standard that allows musical instruments to connect to a computer.

§          MIDI devices are specialized musical instruments that provide input in the form of encoded digital signals representing musical sounds.

§          Electronic keyboards are the most commonly used MIDI devices.

difference between digital cameras and traditional cameras

§          Digital cameras store the images electronically

§          Traditional cameras use film

pointing and scanning devices different

§          A pointing device just changes your location on the screen (moves the cursor).  A scanning device converts printed output into digital input for processing by the computer.

   three types of scanners.

§          Scanning devices convert scanned text and images into a form that the system unit can process.

a)    Optical Scanners

§          An optical scanner (aka scanner) accepts documents consisting of text and/or images and converts them to machine readable form.

§          They work by recognizing light, dark, and colored areas that make up individual letters or images.

§          Flatbed scanner: works like a copy machine

§          Portable scanner: often is a hand held device that slides across the document being scanned.

§          Typical use is by advertising professionals who scan images and combine them with text.

b)    Bar Code Readers

§          Bar code readers/scanners contain photoelectric cells that read bar codes.

§          Typical uses are in grocery stores that use Universal Product Codes (UPC) which match up the product with a database entry containing product information such as price.

§          These devices are either handheld wand readers or platform scanners.

c)     Character and Mark Recognition Devices

§          These devices read special characters and marks.

§          Three types include:

o       Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR): used by banks for processing checks.  Special reader/sorter machines process the checks much faster than the older manual methods

o       Optical Character Recognition (OCR): use special pre-printed characters that can be read by a light source, and are still understandable by human readers.  Retail stores frequently used these types of scanners.

o       Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) aka Mark Sensing: frequently used to score multiple choice tests marked by pencil on a form.

pointing device

§          A pointing device provides a comfortable interface with the system unit, by accepting pointing gestures and converting them into machine-readable input.

§          Five types include:

a)    Mouse

§          A mouse controls the pointer displayed on the monitor

§          The mouse pointer usually appears in the shape of an arrow

§          Mechanical mouse: traditional mouse with a ball in the bottom and cord connecting it to the computer

§          Optical mouse: has no moving parts – it emits and senses light to detect mouse movement.

§          Cordless or wireless mouse: a battery operated device that typically uses radio waves or infrared light waves to communicate with the system.

§          Other similar pointing devices include:

§          Trackball (aka Roller Ball)

§          Touch surfaces (aka Touch Pads)

§          Pointing stick (aka Trak Point)

b)    Joystick

§          Most popular input device for computer games

c)     Touch Screen

§          Monitor with a touch sensitive plastic screen

§          Typically used for restaurants, ATM’s and information kiosks

d)    Light Pen

§          A light sensitive pen-like device

§          Typically used for editing digital images.

§          They can include both wired and wireless technologies

e)     Stylus

§          A pen-like device commonly used with Tablet PCs or PDAs

§          Require a touch sensitive input device such as a writing pad

§          Typically used for entering menu choices or text via handwriting.