- Computer technology jobs began as far back as the 1940s with Jon Von Neumann and the first "computer," a giant calculating device with tubes and wires to perform the simplest of calculations. Since then, computer technology was used by the government in the 1950s to combat espionage and in international affairs. It was used in preparation for communicating in the event of the 1960s nuclear war and in the race for space exploration. Technology was applied to the workplace in the 1970s with the adoption of the mainframe and bulky PC for word processing. In the 1980s, computer technology found its place in schools and colleges as Macintoshes waged battle with IBM machines. Finally, in the 1990s, computer technology became a part of day-to-day life.
- Computer technology jobs fall into several categories, including administrators, programmers, analysts and technicians. Administrators manage and run a network and the equipment and staff that support it. They can be network administrators or manage a database. Programmers are made up of IT professionals who write in code and provide a computerized service (program) to a computer or computer system. They include C+ programmers, HTML and Javascript programmers and professionals who create programs in older codes as well (COBOL, FORTRAN). Analysts typically hold contract positions. They look at a current computer system or a situation in which one could be used and write reports based off their assessments. Technicians are the repair level IT professionals who respond to on-site technical problems and repair both software and hardware problems. Technicians include Helpdesk techs and on-site repairmen.
- Computer technology jobs aim to upgrade, maintain and repair. In the area of upgrading, computer technology workers analyze systems and suggest ways to better the system and implement changes. Upgrading consists of software and hardware changes. Maintenance requires current technology to be regularly replaced or "patched" to maintain the same level of performance. Maintenance works hand in hand with upgrading, especially when hardware and software must change due to increased security requirements and changes in the business vision. Repair can be a blend of upgrading and maintenance. The difference is that repairing is often unscheduled and arises in an emergency situation. Technology jobs also involve training users on proper usage of hardware and software. In addition to working with technology, many jobs require one-on-one or one-to-many interactions between computer technicians and users.
- The potential of computer technology jobs is high because the world is continually increasing its use of data communication and the Internet. While it's easy to predict the growing need for technicians and computer technology experts, it's more difficult to predict whether this will actually result in more jobs or if it will simply mean more demands on those already employed. Computer technicians are also becoming more involved in planning and executive decisions as opposed to being viewed as entry level support. Many businesses now require Chief Information or Technology Officers.
- Computer technology jobs are not as financially lucrative as they were in the 1990s. With the deflating of the dot com bubble and the saturation of certified individuals, computer technology jobs lost some of their zeal in the 2000s. However, those with computer technology knowledge mixed with an understanding of business and/or law are much more in demand than their peers who only have a technical background. Diversification allows techies to write better futures for themselves.
- Many people believe that computer technology jobs are overly abundant, excessively high-paying, impossible to learn and filled with "nerds" who are socially withdrawn. While computer technology jobs are available, they are not the same high-paying, customizable positions they once were. The market is competitive, and there are many people who have the skills and education suitable for these jobs. In the business world today, many companies expect one computer tech to handle the jobs of multiple people (e.g. network admin and repair hardware/software issues). Computer technology jobs range in pay from six figures down to just barely over minimum wage. Also, many computer techs are outgoing, mature and even athletic.
- While computer technology jobs can be rewarding in both finances and job security, they typically require massive training and schooling and constant updates on tech changes. Once computer techs begin working in a business environment, they will continue their education on that company's particular network and IT design. Anyone entering the field should know that computer technology jobs allow for little stagnant thinking.
