Unit i

Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th edition

Unit I: The Computer Industry and CareersUnit I: The Computer Industry and Careers

Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition 2

Objectives

Take a look at early computers

Introduce IT industries

Market IT products

Introduce IT careers



Objectives (continued)

Explore IT Jobs

Explore IT education and certification

Find an IT job

Use the Internet in your job search



Taking a Look at Early Computers

Manual calculators Abacus Napier’s Bones: invented in early 1600s Slide rule: remained in use through 1960s

Machines that performed calculations automatically First mechanical calculator Thomas de Colmar’s Arithmometer


Taking a Look at Early Computers (continued)

Calculating devices that operated without human power Analytical Engine Hollerith Tabulating Machine

Early computers Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) COLOSSUS UNIVAC Called first-generation computers Used vacuum tubes


Figure I-1: A slide rule

Figure I-2: Punched cards Figure I-3: Vacuum tubes


Taking a Look at Early Computers (continued)

Second-generation computers Used transistors

Third-generation computers Integrated circuit technology Minicomputers

Fourth-generation computers Microprocessors Development of personal computers


Figure I-4: Transistors


Figure I-5: The IBM PCFigure I-6: The Apple Macintoshpopularized graphical user interfaces


Introducing IT Industries

Computer industry includes: Companies that manufacture different types

of computers Software publishers Peripheral device manufacturers


Introducing IT Industries (continued)

Information technology (IT) industry includes: Equipment manufacturers Chipmakers Software publishers Service companies Computer retailers


Marketing IT Products

Computer’s life cycle Product development Product announcement Introduction Maintenance Retirement

Software Alpha test Beta test


Figure I-12: Marketing channels


Introducing IT Careers

Computer professional Designs, configures, analyzes, develops,

tests, or ensures the security of computer hardware or software

Information Technology (IT) department Responsible for a company’s computers,

data, software, and support services

IT industry has many contract and temporary workers

Many workers telecommute


Figure I-13: Structure of a typical IT department


Exploring IT Jobs

Examples of jobs in IT departments Systems analyst Computer programmer Security specialist Database administrator Network specialist/administrator Computer operator Technical support specialist Web site designer


Exploring IT Jobs (continued)

Examples of computer professionals who work outside of IT departments Technical writer Computer salesperson Quality assurance (QA) specialist Computer engineer Manufacturing technician


TABLE I-2: ITAA job categories and sample jobs


Exploring IT Educationand Certification

Computer-related degrees Offered by colleges and universities Computer engineering Computer science Information systems (IS) Information technology (IT) Software engineering

Computer-related associate’s degrees Offered by colleges, community colleges,

and technical schools


Exploring IT Educationand Certification (continued)

Advanced degrees Master’s degrees Doctoral degrees

Certification Certificate of completion Certification exam


Exploring IT Educationand Certification (continued)

Categories of certification exams General computer knowledge Software applications Database administration Networking Computer hardware Computer security


Finding an IT Job

Figure I-22: Job hunting steps


Finding an IT Job (continued)

Create résumés for: Print Email HTML and XML

Web portfolio A hypertext version of a résumé Can contain:

• Links to Web sites of past employers• Schools attended• Samples of work


Figure I-24: Ways to post a résumé


Using the Internet in YourJob Search

Can use the Internet to: Research potential jobs and employers Post résumé Locate job leads Write to potential employers

Online job bank: database of thousands of job openings posted by employers

Job search agent: Program that automatically searches

databases; notifies you when it finds relevant jobs


Figure I-25: Online job bank


Talking Points: What Are Professional Ethics?

Defining ethics Ethics: study of moral standards and how

they affect our conduct in daily life Professional ethics: our on-the-job choices

and actions that reflect our values

Ethics and computers Computer professionals:

• Sometimes get pressured to engage in unethical activities

• Should be familiar with copyright law and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act


Talking Points: What Are Professional Ethics? (continued)

Acting on ethical issues Whistleblowing

• To reducing the risk of career repercussions:– Examine your motives

– Try the normal chain of command

– Collect evidence to back up your accusations

– Record events as they unfold

– Act ethically

– Be ready to accept repercussions

– Establish a support network

– Consult a lawyer

– Consider your strategy


Talking Points: What Are Professional Ethics? (continued)

Privacy and confidentiality issues Be familiar with laws and company policy

applicable to privacy Be aware of confidentiality issues

Staying ethical Code of ethics

• Published by many professional organizations


Summary

This chapter introduced: Key milestones in computer history The computer industry, its companies, and

its products Technology careers Education required for technology jobs Job-searching techniques for technology

jobs Ethical issues in today’s information age

Unit i

Documents

edition computer concepts

job computer concepts

careers computer concepts

job search computer

edition figure

security of computer

edition table

th edition unit