To begin, it’s a good question-and quite frequently asked too. Basically, computer information technology (commonly referred to as “IT” within tech industries and the business world) is a term used to describe the design, creation, and maintenance of complex computer and networked computer systems. Many businesses and professionals use the term to also encompass the wide range of technology that surrounds the computer systems themselves too.

For example, computer information technology is often used to describe:

* Computer hardware
* Computer servers
* Computer networks and networking equipment
* Computer monitors
* Software and operating systems
* Printers
* Copy machines
* Fax machines
* Office phone systems
* Internet systems
* Cell phones
* Many additional types of technology and data management equipment

IT also represents the how all of these systems are used and how they inter-relate to one another at the same time.

In the Workplace: The IT Department

While it is not necessarily a rule, more often than not these days, a business’s IT department will typically manage all of the office’s technology needs, including everything from the procurement of computer and technology equipment to the installation and ongoing maintenance of the systems. In the modern data centered workplace environment we’ve come to expect today, ensuring the computer information technology backbone is operating effectively and efficiently has become absolutely mandatory to running a successful business or workplace operation.

Why Is Computer Information Technology So Important?

IT has become the lifeblood of how business is done. As our world continues to adapt more and more towards an information based society, managing the stream and storage of data and making access to data more and more reliable and easy to use is not just important from a profit standpoint alone-we’ve actually come to totally depend on technology 100% to make business possible.

In this type of environment, ensuring that every small “slice of the pie” operates and performs as it should is essential. Think of it much like setting up a chain of dominoes-if one piece of an organization’s technology system goes down, it is certainly going to have an entire chain of cause and effect throughout the entire organization.

Information technology is so important because it requires thoughtful and knowledgeable planning and development to create sophisticated systems that work seamlessly with each other to produce an end result of transparent functionality that we rely on. It’s almost like one of those things that we’ve just gotten used to-we’ve come to expect it to work flawlessly all of the time, only noticing it when something goes wrong.

This kind of operational transparency is usually the main goal of IT professionals. Making sure that data and technology systems work properly and dependably enables others to perform their duties without a hitch. Qualified IT professionals are always in high demand and generally well compensated for the services they provide.

It’s safe to say that computer information technology really is what makes the world of technology go ’round!

The availability of jobs for network engineers and systems administrators is expected to grow by more than 27% per year from 2004 to 2014, according to data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A network engineer may also be referred to as a network administrator, systems administrator, network analyst, network designer, network architect, WAN administrator, LAN administrator, IT systems administrator, network operations analyst, or network technician. The principal job of a network engineer is to run and oversee computer communication systems and data transfer within an organization or between companies. Computer networks are used by companies to collect and process data, access the Internet and web-based utilities, and share files and resources. The network engineer serves as both a road engineer and a police officer directing traffic on the information superhighway.

The Duties of a Network Engineer Network engineering jobs involve the designing and maintenance of both hardware and software components of computer networks. Network engineers are specialists in constructing and maintaining local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs). All of the elements within an organization’s IT system, including individual desktop PCs, file servers, mail servers, backup servers, application servers, custom-designed workstations, and more, come within the purview of the network engineer’s job.

Here are some of the tasks network engineers commonly perform:

* selection of hardware and software solutions for organizational needs * implementation of hardware and software solutions and utilities * testing and resolution of system issues, including compatibility issues * analysis of organizational needs * building IT networks to support organizational needs * troubleshooting and ensuring smooth network operations * upgrading equipment and systems * maintaining network and data security * establishing user accounts and passwords * providing compatibility training * documentation of problems and solutions * analysis and design of networks * researching objectives of new or current networks * apprising existing networks and IT solutions * designing networks to maximize productivity * monitoring networks to find and establish regular behavioral patterns * protecting and extending equipment life * educating end users

The Skills of a Network Engineer

Network engineers must possess technical backgrounds; a systematic understanding of computer hardware, applications, and operating systems; and technical knowledge of networking hardware and software. A networking engineer generally must possess:

* an understanding of networking principles and influencing factors * thorough knowledge of routing protocols and switching technologies * an understanding of network security systems, strategies, and procedures (repetition) * specific knowledge of WAN/LAN infrastructure * a mastery of scripting languages * expertise regarding server products and technologies * familiarity with industry protocols * experience with IP addressing, including subnetting * experience with troubleshooting router, switch, and fault-tolerant or redundant environments * hardware maintenance skills * strong communication skills * motivation * decision-making ability

Working Hours and Environment

It is standard for network engineers to work around 40 hours per week. However, time spent installing new systems or conducting maintenance often extends beyond normal working hours. Network engineering jobs are usually in metro environments.

How Does One Become a Network Engineer?

Network engineers typically have IT backgrounds as well as bachelor’s degrees or higher-level educational qualifications. Certifications from institutes and organizations like Microsoft and Cisco also carry weight with employers. Engineers with different IT-related backgrounds or specializations in network design, operations, and related fields can become network engineers. Many universities and colleges offer degrees in network engineering. There are also network management and network engineering programs at various higher education institutions. Working network engineers often upgrade themselves by acquiring specialty certifications from industry organizations like Microsoft.