Information technology (IT) is the use of computer systems or devices to access information. Information technology is responsible for such a large portion of our workforce, business operations and personal access to information that it comprises much of our daily activities. Whether you are storing, retrieving, accessing or manipulating information, IT greatly impacts our everyday lives.
Information technology is used by everyone from enterprise companies all the way down to one-person businesses and local operations. Global companies use it to manage data and innovate their processes. Even flea market sellers use smartphone credit card readers to collect payments and street performers give out a Venmo name to gather donations. If you use a spreadsheet to catalogue which Christmas presents you bought, you’re using information technology.
What Are the Types of Information Technology
Information technology is a broad term that involves the use of technology to communicate, transfer data and process information.
The different trends within information technology include, but aren’t limited to -
- Analytics
- Automation
- Artificial intelligence
- Cloud computing
- Communications
- Cybersecurity
- Data/database management
- Infrastructure
- Internet of things
- Machine learning
- Maintenance and repair
- Networks
- Robotics
- Software/application development
- SCADA
Which IT Certification Should I Get First
It’s a good idea to get foundational knowledge first and then build on those certifications once you’ve identified your areas of interest.
The best IT certifications to start with would be -
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+)
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
- Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner
