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Become a Computer Professional

Saturday, February 20, 2010
posted by Frank Stevens

Computer Professional

As you should know by now, computer technology is growing at a rapid pace. Computers are everywhere. They are in your home, they are at your work, they are at the Department of Motor Vehicles, and they are even at the grocery store. Every action that can be automated is using some sort of computer control. Many of these controls are standardized, with basic operating systems that are used in several different areas. As computer technology grows into more markets, industries, entertainment venues, and personal uses, the world will see an increased demand for information technology professionals.

According to the Information Technology Society of America (ITAA), information technology is “the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware.” The term is so widely recognized that it has been shortened to the universally recognized “IT.” When somebody tells you that they work in IT, you probably know what they are talking about. IT professionals come in many different flavors. One might be a computer systems analyst, a database administrator, a software designer, a web developer, a computer repair technician, or one of many other professions. Despite the specific job, IT professionals have similar traits. All aspects of working with computer technology require attention to detail, problem solving skills, the ability to multi-task, the ability to work with teams, and the ability to communicate in written and oral formats.

Information technology is not a profession for amateurs. Computers run complex functions at most businesses. When a computer goes down, it can cost a company a lot of money. When a network goes down, it can be catastrophic. IT professionals are expected to be able to find the problem, correct the problem, and make sure that the problem does not happen again, as fast as possible. You cannot just walk in off of the street and expect to get a position in an IT department. You need to have a targeted education. You need to have the necessary skills for the job and have to be well versed on the latest technological trends. The best way to get ready for a career in IT is to attend college.

Depending on the career you want and how fast you want to start working, you can find an education program that will suit you. If you want to learn enough to start work, with the expectation of learning more on the job, you can enroll in a certificate program that will teach you a specific skill. If you want to learn a broad range of skills to make yourself a serious candidate for employment at a large firm, you can enroll in a Bachelor’s degree program. If you are already an IT professional and want to become a recognized expert of a specialized skill, you can go back to school and get a Master’s degree in your chosen discipline.

Information technology is a growing industry. If you want a career that is interesting, has room for advancement, and continues to change, information technology is right for you.

Choosing the Right Contractor

Monday, November 2, 2009
posted by Frank Stevens

Choosing the Right Contractor

Choosing a contractor for work on your home can be a very important decision. It can mean the difference between a quick and fairly priced modification to your home that you can enjoy for years and years, or it can mean a job left unfinished, poorly done, and substantial court action to try to get your money back or even to gain reimbursement for damages inflicted on the rest of your house.

In the first place, one should never do business with an unlicensed contractor. No matter how highly recommended or how persuasive an individual may be, demand the protection of a licensed professional. Licensed contractors are bonded and insured to cover damages to your property or even job site injuries for which you, as the property owner might otherwise be liable. For your own financial protection, this should be absolutely mandatory when choosing a contractor.

Secondly, understand that not all contractors are created equal. A contractor may be skilled and licensed in a particular facet of construction. For example, a plumbing contractor is qualified and authorized to handle plumbing work, and nothing more. A plumbing contractor may not, according to California state law, accept jobs requiring skills in multiple areas. He may not for example undertake the responsibility for the building of a hot tub room even though some plumbing may be involved. He is not authorized by his license to engage the services of contractors outside the plumbing profession such as carpentry contractors or electrical contractors who might be required for the completion of the project.

A general building contractor, on the other hand, is qualified to oversee a job requiring the services of more than one type of construction skill. He can quote the entire project and subcontract specific parts of the job, or directly hire the necessary professionals to do the work properly. A general building contractor, though, is prohibited from accepting work for which only a single specialized contracting skill is required. He may not undertake the rewiring of a house or room if that is the only work required. This is to help protect the individual skilled trades and allow them to work independently of general contractors, should they so desire.

In addition to hiring the right kind of contractor for the job that one needs done, one should also be sure to check references for the contractor. Independent agencies such as the Better Business Bureau and even the local Chamber of Commerce should also be consulted to see if they are aware of any issues with the contractor before any contract is signed.

A contract should always be required. A good contract spells out specific milestones to be completed by the contractor that are tied to partial payments for the work done. The largest part of the payment should be made when the job is fully completed to the client’s satisfaction. Penalties and recourse for both sides should be clearly spelled out in the contract before any dispute arises.