Computers and Technology
Network Design & Administration
“Network technicians make sure the network hardware and software
are operating properly so people in your organization get the information
they need when they need it. Using cable, fiber optics or even wireless
communication, you
connect users to your company’s computer system. You will thoroughly
understand networking technology for local area networks (LANs), and
for connecting to larger
networks and the Internet. You learn to quickly identify, document and
solve problems. Because you work with the users all the time, you know
the needs of your company and can recommend improvements based on user
needs and technology advances. You will probably need to keep measurements
on how the network is performing
charting network usage and downtime to help plan for the future. You
document the network configuration and prepare backup plans and procedures.
You will be
responsible for adding users, making sure they have access to the files
and
network-connected equipment they need, while maintaining security and
confidentiality of other files and data. You install upgrades with a
minimum of disruption.”
Computer Information Systems, Software Support
“Computer programmers design and create software applications.
You may analyze, design, develop, test and maintain computer and Internet-based
applications. Possibly, you’ll write specialized applications or
make custom programs
to satisfy a user’s particular needs. Not all programmers write
code all day. You may evaluate the project requirements, participate
in design meetings, determine the best solution to a problem or feature,
and develop detailed design specifications. You use development tools
and programming languages in creating and testing the software. You must
also be good at documenting your work so others will know what you did
and how. And of course, you have to test your work with real users to
make sure it’s free of errors and meets specifications.”
Technical Support
“As a technical support representative, you are a vital part of
the
contact between customers and your company. Educating users is part of
your job, as well as solving hardware and software operation and application
problems. Experience with the problems users face in daily operations
is a valuable asset. When a problem occurs, you listen carefully, ask
the appropriate questions to gather needed information and then take
steps to solve it. Dealing directly with customer issues, you are one
of the best sources of information on the product and are consulted for
information about what customers want and what gives them the most trouble.
You may start out on the help desk, walking users through the steps required
to solve a problem over the
telephone. As your experience and training increase, you may work with
hardware and software installation and configuration.”
Web Design and Administration
"You will play a vital role in your company's presence on the
World Wide Web. You may use web page development software to create or
change web pages, inserting text content, graphics and interactive modules
that are often supplied by others in your organizational team. Before
you start, you will probably talk to the many stakeholders in your company
who depend on the organization's web presence. You'll also look at successful
models and research software tools to help design the look, feel and
navigation. In some organizations you may be responsible for making sure
the web pages and updates get installed, and work with the hardware associated
with the web pages." (From the NWCET Skill Standards for Information
Technology Bellevue Community College, Bellevue, Washington)
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