Computers & Employment By Andrew Attard and Stephen Calleja

There are several types of employment in computing Four major areas in computing are  Databases  Front-end tools  Network  Operating systems

Database Administrator The Database Administrator is responsible for managing a database.

Database Administrator He must have experience with performance tuning and database and query Optimization. Duties  Manages security  Installing the database and tools  Keep backups  Manages people’s finances

Application Developer The Application Developer is responsible for developing front-end tools or languages. He decides in which language he wants to be an expert e.g. in Developer 2000 or in C. He must have knowledge of the database because it can connect with front-end tools

Applications Functional Expert The Applications Functional Expert is responsible for implementing certain applications. He must know  How applications work  Which screen is used for which purpose  How to perform different tasks in the application He must choose an application which is in demand to specialize on.

Web Developer The Web Developer is responsible for creating and maintaining web-based applications. He develops applications for the web.

Web Developer His responsibilities will cover the full product lifecycle, including  definition of requirements  design of the architecture  implementation of the code  documentation of the software and applications. He requires knowledge of the internet and languages involved in the web applications e.g. Java, JavaScript, HTML and database connectivity.

Network Engineer The Network Engineer is responsible for maintaining the network in a organization. He is specialized in one of the networking technologies like NT, CISCO or Novell. He requires knowledge in  Networking software  Network protocols  Hardware involved in networking

Operating System Administrator The Operating System Administrator manages the health of the operating system. His duties are  Managing directories  Managing operating system’s security  Managing backups and restoring them  Installing products He works closely with the Database Administrator and the Application Developer.

Operating System Administrator He requires basic programming skills as he sometimes writes small programs To automate certain processes. He must select an O/S to specialize in e.g. windows NT, windows 2000 or Unix

Project Manager The Project Manager is responsible for managing the project and bringing it to completion. He leads a project teams in the definition and development of client solutions and perform typical relationship management He sees all aspects of project management e.g. defining and managing large project work plans, budgets and resources.

Project Manager He does not require detailed technical skills. However some basic knowledge of important Software and tools to understand the language of technical programmers. He requires  Skills of people management  Resource planning  Project planning  Managing conflicts  Managing time  Managing activities of the team

Roles in IT Environment System Administrator Lab Technician Computer Operator System Analyst Programmers IT Trainer Maintenance Engineer Data Entry Clerk File Librarian

Work which has to do with networks. The system administrator manages the network. Takes care of the resources in the network. Is a means of Human Interface within the network. The System Administrator supervises anything that happens within the system (the network). System Administrator

Job usually involved with networks. Has the job of checking that all computers in the network are in good working order. Repairs must be made in case of errors or malfunctions. Carries out both preventive and corrective maintenance. Responsible to install new hardware. Lab Technician

Work which is mostly concerned with hardware. Must supervise computer installation. Is responsible of individual pieces of equipment, and must operate them. Responsibilities include: loading the system, un/loading peripherals, monitor computer’s performance, and cleaning the hardware. Computer Operator

System Analysis is the beginning of a great line of work. Analysts are usually asked to design a computer system for whatever task is needed. Analysts must collect information, and consider many factors, on which the availability of the program depends. E.g.: what is needed, feasibility of the needed system, budget of the company, etc. System Analysts usually work in groups, depending on the size of the project they work on. The System Analysts are only one department out of the many involved with computerisation of systems. System Analyst

Programming is the phase that comes after analysis. Programmers work on the design made by the analyst(s), to create the needed program, or system. The programming department usually consists of a chief programmer, as well as junior programmers. The programmers, especially the chief programmer, help with the design phase of analysis. This is so that ideas can be passed from the programmers, which have to code these ideas later. Programmers must debug their programs, and test them until they work properly. Programmers

The IT Trainer is also involved with computerisation. Some of the users may have no knowledge of computer usage. The IT Trainer’s job is to teach and train these users. The IT Trainer must teach users how to use the computers, and also how to use the new system. It is vital that IT trainers have a good communication skill. IT Trainer

Maintenance Engineers are usually provided by the computer manufacturer. They are involved with the maintenance of the computer system in use. Also, they are usually called on advice when new hardware is going to be bought, to check whether it is compatible with the current system. Maintenance Engineer

Data Entry Clerks have the job of typing in data; which may be either the codes created by the programmers, or documentation on various parts of the system. No computing skill is needed, but it is demanded that Data Entry Clerks have a high skill in typing and accuracy. Punctuality is very important, and it is usually up to the Data Preparation Supervisor to see that the staff are doing their jobs at the right times and in the right ways. Data Entry Clerk

The File Librarian must manage and store the various tapes/disk files that the organisation has. This job is usually done by referring to schedules. The Librarian must know what data is needed, and dispose of any which has been dormant (not used). File Librarian

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