What is Computer Internet Technology?

<p>Computer Internet technology refers to devices, software, hardware and transmission protocols used to connect computers together in order to receive or send data from one computer to another within a small network or as part of a small network within a larger network, such as the Internet. Included are local-area networks (LANs), wide-area networks (WANs), bridging, switching, routing, voice and data integration, wireless integration, dial-up technology, cable access technology, network security and network management. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutComputerInternetTechnologyCareers">Important Facts About Computer Internet Technology Careers</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Professional Certification </td><td> Voluntary certification is often preferred by employers</td></tr> <tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> Typically an office setting</td></tr> <tr><td> On-the-Job Training </td><td> Some in-person training after securing employment is common</td></tr> <tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Mastery of various computer technologies, along with analytical, communication and problem-solving skills</td></tr> <tr><td> Median Salaries (2021)* </td><td> $120,520 (computer network architects); $80,600 (network and computer systems administrators); $159,010 (computer and information systems managers); $62,760 (computer network support specialists; $78,300 (web developers)</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlooks (2021-2031)* </td><td> 4% (computer network architects); 3% (network and computer systems administrators); 16% (computer and information systems managers); 7% (computer network support specialists); 23% (web developers)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---ComputerNetworkArchitect">Computer Network Architect</h3> <p>Computer network architect is one possible career choice in this field. You'll use computer Internet technology to design and set up networks for your employer or client, such as LANs, WANs, intranets and extranets. You'll determine the specifications of the network and what computer Internet technology you'll need to implement the plans. You may also handle network security issues and network management. If you're interested in this career, you can expect 4% growth from 2021-2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The BLS reported a May 2021 median income of $120,520. </p> <h3 id="section---NetworkAndSystemsAdministrator">Network and Systems Administrator</h3> <p>Being a network and systems administrator involves providing support for a company's networks, such as installing new hardware and software, doing systems maintenance, training users, troubleshooting problems and monitoring network performance. The BLS reported this career would experience average growth of 3% between 2021 and 2031. The median wage of an administrator was $80,600 in May 2021. </p> <h3 id="section---InformationTechnologyITManager">Information Technology (IT) Manager</h3> <p>Working in the role of an IT manager, you'd direct other workers among other tasks, including planning hardware and software upgrades, determining the most cost-effective IT solutions for your organization and managing information security. You'd work to ensure that the IT used in the organization meets its unique needs. Computer and information systems managers, according to the BLS, will experience a fast employment increase of 16% between 2021 and 2031. They were paid a median wage of $159,010 as of May 2021. </p> <h3 id="section---NetworkSupportSpecialist">Network Support Specialist</h3> <p>Network support specialists are technical support professionals who work to make sure a company's network is functioning properly and troubleshoot problems that arise. They also maintain the systems in an effort to prevent problems. Computer network support specialist employment growth is projected to increase at a 7% rate between 2021 and 2031, reported the BLS. The May 2021 median wage was $62,760 . </p> <h3 id="section---WebDeveloperOrAdministrator">Web Developer or Administrator</h3> <p>Other career options include Web developer or Web administrator. As a Web developer, you'll use your background in computer Internet technology to help create and design applications or websites based on employer or client needs. As a Web administrator, you are responsible for maintaining the content and availability of an employer or client websites. You may monitor uptime and site performance, handle visitor feedback and record information about incoming site traffic and activity. The BLS expects a 23% job growth for web developers between 2021 and 2031. It also reported a median wage of $78,300 in May 2021. </p> <h3 id="section---DegreePrograms">Degree Programs</h3> <p>Degrees and majors in computer Internet technology are rare. Generally, you'll pursue an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. An associate's or bachelor's degree program may allow you to choose a concentration such as Web design or programming. In general, programs offering computer Internet technology courses may include classes in the following subjects: </p> <ul><li>Computer architecture </li><li>Network security </li><li>Database management </li><li>Data structures</li></ul>