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How Do I Get a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology?
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Information technology is a frequently changing field that works well for students who plan to update their skills continuously. People who earn a bachelor of science in information technology study both the technical field of computer science and the business fields of management and communication. Working on a bachelor of science in information technology requires excelling in both the methodology and business sides of the computer science field.
The requirements for a bachelor of science in information technology typically include learning how to code software applications. Courses in computer science will teach either one language in depth or beginner information in multiple languages. Computer science requirements also typically include learning about artificial intelligence and the theory of programming. The purpose of learning the computer science field is that the information technologist works to evaluate the requirements of projects for applications developers. These course requirements tend to be lighter for information technology majors than for traditional computer science students.
On the business side, students need courses in operations management, introductory accounting and financial management. These classes prepare information technology graduates to work in the field as business analysts and project managers. Students will learn how to communicate with programmers, who often use technical jargon, as well as clients, who have more interest in the business side of development projects. By taking quality business courses, information technology students will be able to create proposals for projects, budget out the time and money needed and perform other basic business tasks.
Students who are getting a bachelor’s degree in information technology also should consider working in an internship or a cooperative learning job, also called a co-op. A co-op is paid, though usually the pay is not significant, and an internship often is unpaid. Either an internship or a co-op can give the information technology student real-world experience working in the field. Students will get an idea for whether they like the field and where they might fit within the industry.
When a student decides to begin working toward an information technology degree, he or she should make sure to check all requirements for earning the degree. Information technology requires students to enroll in both computer science and business courses, so the student should be sure that he or she will be able to get all of the required courses in the proper order. Variety and perseverance are necessary for someone trying to get a bachelor’s degree in information technology.
UNIT 2
Computer hardware and software.
Computer Programming.
Computer programming is a field that has to do with the analytical creation of source code that can be used to configure computer systems. Computer programmers may choose to function in a broad range of programming functions, or specialize in some aspect of development, support, or maintenance of computers for the home or workplace. Programmers provide the basis for the creation and ongoing function of the systems that many people rely upon for all sorts of information exchange, both businesses-related and for entertainment purposes.
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The computer programmer often focuses on the development of software that allows people to perform a broad range of functions. All online functions that are utilized in the home and office owe their origins to a programmer or group of programmers. Computer operating systems, office suites, word processing programs, and even Internet dialing software all exist because of the work of programmers.
Computer programming goes beyond software development. The profession also extends to the adaptation of software for internal use, and the insertion of code that allows a program to be modified for a function that is unique to a given environment. When this is the case, the computer programmer may be employed with a company that wishes to use existing software as the foundation for a customized platform that will be utilized as part of the company intranet.
A third aspect of computer programming is the ongoing maintenance of software that is currently running as part of a network. Here, the programmer may work hand in hand with other information technology specialists to identify issues with current programs, and take steps to adapt or rewrite sections of code in order to correct a problem or enhance a function in some manner.
In short, computer programming is all about developing, adapting, and maintaining all the programs that many of us rely upon for both work and play. Programmers are constantly in demand for all of these three functions, since businesses and individuals are always looking for new and better ways to make use of computer technology for all sorts of tasks. With this in mind, computer programming is a very stable profession to enter, and provides many different possibilities of employment opportunities.
Software Programs.
Software programs, computer programs, or computer software, are programs or routines for a computer system or part of the system itself. Application software programs are often add-ons, specially made for the operating system, and designed to add various types of functionality for the user. Software programs of many different types are made for users with different aims. Categories frequently used for software programs include design and publishing software, games, educational software, music and audio software, productivity software, reference software, personal finance software, utilities, and security software.
Design and publishing software programs provide contexts in which users can create illustrations, edit photographs, and lay out documents for publication. Illustration software includes drawing and painting tools, shapes, and clip art that can be combined and layered with lettering and enhanced with special effects. Peripherals such as a stylus and tablet for entry may give the user finer control for illustration and photograph editing. Photographs can be touched up, cropped, and altered in other ways. Simple and complex documents, including those that combine text and images, can be created with the elements locked into position for certain results.
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Games and educational software programs can have some overlap, as some games are educational. However, there are also games that are strictly for fun and educational programs that do not take the form of games. Instruction ranges from pre-kindergarten material and typing programs to sophisticated language courses for adults. Test preparation for college entrance exams and other assessments is also available. Games include many varieties of solitaire, as well as multi-player games in which there is a narrative thread.
Various forms of music and audio software allow the user to create, edit, and play multimedia, while productivity software is designed to get work done. Productivity software includes word processing software, spreadsheets, slide presentation software, and software for dictating and taking notes and creating footnotes. Reference software puts dictionaries, encyclopedias, magazine collections, and other valuable resources at one’s fingertips, and personal finance software helps one create and maintain a budget, as well as figure one’s taxes.
Utilities are often programs that extend the functionality of the operating system. For example, Parallels Desktop® 5.0 for Mac allows one to load a Windows operating system on one’s Apple computer. StuffitDeluxe makes it easy to compress and decompress files, while other software is available for burning CD-ROMS and DVDs. Automated backup software is another utility software program type. Security software is designed to both clean existing viruses and malware from computers as well as prevent future attacks.
Software Development.
Software development is the process by which a company, team, or individual devises and implements an overall plan to create a new software program. This process can also be applied to an established program to create a new version of that software, though this is usually an abridged version of the process unless the new version is largely different from the previous one. Numerous steps are involved in this process, beginning with understanding what is needed from software, developing a plan for creating it, writing the code, and bug testing prior to launch. Software development can be a process that involves anything from a single programmer to dozens or hundreds of individuals.
The process of software development usually begins with research or a general understanding of what type of software is needed in the marketplace. This may be an entirely new program that addresses an unfulfilled need or a new piece of software in an existing market. As software development begins, this research establishes the purpose of the software being developed and the overall goals of the development.
Once those involved in software development have a goal for the program they are working on, they can begin developing the plan for implementing that software. A great deal of work is typically required before any actual code is created, especially for aspects of a program such as the user interface and the basic architecture. Graphic designers, interface developers, programmers, and producers on a large team can all be involved in this stage of development.
Software development then typically moves from these early phases of brainstorming ideas for creating the overall structure of the program to actually writing the code for the software. This implementation typically involves one or more computer programmers, and the source code is created in any number of different applications, programming languages, and other utilities. During and after the code has been created, a great deal of testing is typically involved to ensure the program runs properly and is as free of bugs, glitches, and errors as possible.
Ongoing software development may continue even once a program is written, tested, and launched to the general public. Such development may serve to fix errors found after launch or introduce minor improvements and some new features. User feedback can also be utilized to gather information for ways in which the program might be improved in a larger sense. This feedback can then be used to begin software development again on a new version of the program, which can offer features and utilities not found in the previous version.
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