Text 10. Jobs in computing

Most ICT-related jobs have developed to meet the need to analyze, design, develop, manage or support computer software, hardware or networks. The primary requirements for being a good programmer are nothing more than a good memory, an attention to detail, a logical mind and the ability to work through a problem in a methodical manner breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable pieces.

The first key point to realize is that you can’t know everything. However you mustn’t become an expert in too narrow a field. The second key point is that you must be interested in your subject. The third key point is to differentiate between contract work and consultancy. Good contractors move from job to job every few months. A consultant often works on very small timescales – a few days here, a week there, but often for a core collection of companies that keep coming back again and again.

All the people involved in the different stages of development of a computer project, i.e. analysts, programmers, support specialists, etc. are controlled by a project (or IT) manager.

• IT managers manage projects, technology and people. Any large organization will have at least one IT manager responsible for ensuring that everyone who actually needs a PC has one and that it works properly. This means taking responsibility for the maintenance of servers and the installation of new software, and for staffing a help-desk and a support group.

• Systems Analyst studies methods of working within an organization to decide how tasks can be done efficiently by computers. He or she takes a detailed analysis of the employer’s requirements and work patterns to prepare a report on different options for using information technology.

• Software Engineer/Designer produces the programs which control the internal operations of computers, converts the system analyst’s specification to a logical series of steps, translates these into the appropriate computer language, often compiles programs from libraries or sub-programs, combining these to make up a complete systems program. Software Engineer designs, tests and improves programs for computer-aided design and manufacture, business applications, computer networks and games.

• Computer Services Engineering Technician can be responsible for installation, maintenance or repair of computers and associated equipment. Some technicians carry out routine servicing of large mainframe systems, aiming to avoid breakdowns. Others are called in to identify and repair faults as quickly as possible usually by replacing faulty parts. Work can also involve upgrading machines usually on customer’s premises.

• Network Support Person maintains the link between PCs and workstations connected in a network. He or she uses telecommunications, software and electronic skills and knowledge of the networking software to locate and correct faults.

• Computer Salesperson advises potential customers about available hardware and sells equipment to suit individual requirements, discusses computing needs with the client to ensure that a suitable system can be supplied, organizes the sale and delivery and, if necessary, installation and testing.

• Application Programmer writes the programs which enable a computer to carry out particular tasks. He or she may write new programs or adapt existing programs, perhaps altering computer packages to meet the needs of an individual company. Application Programmer also checks programs for faults and does extensive testing.

• Systems Support Persons are analyst programmers who are responsible for maintaining, updating and modifying the software used by a company. Some specialize in software which handles the basic operation of the computers. This involves use of machine codes and specialized low-level computer languages. Most handle applications software. They may sort out problems encountered by users. Solving problems may involve amending an area of code in the software, retrieving files and data lost when a system crashes and a basic knowledge of hardware.

• Hardware Engineer researches, designs and develops computers, or parts of computers and the computerized element of appliances, machines and vehicles. He or she is also involved in their manufacture, installation and testing. Hardware Engineer may specialize in different areas: research and development, design, manufacturing. He or she has to be aware of cost, efficiency, safety and environmental factors as well as engineering aspect.

Study the following words and expressions:

manageable – выполнимый, удобный в управлении to differentiate – различать, дифференцировать consultancy – консультирование, консультативная деятельность contractor – работник, нанятый по срочному трудовому договору key point – ключевой момент, важный пункт timescale – срок, временные рамки core – основной, центральный, главный, системообразующий to take responsibility – принимать на себя ответственность to staff – набирать кадры, укомплектовывать maintenance – тех. обслуживание help-desk – служба помощи, служба технического сопровождения software designer – разработчик программного обеспечения appropriate – подходящий		computer-aided design (CAD) - автоматизированное проектиро-вание, машинное проектирование associated equipment – сопутствующая (вспомогательная) аппаратура breakdown – авария, поломка, выход из строя fault – сбой, ошибка, неисправность, дефект faulty - неисправный network support person – специалист по сетевой поддержке salesperson – продавец application programmer – разработчик прикладного ПО extensive – широкомасштабный, обширный systems support person – специалист по системной поддержке analyst programmer – системный программист, программист-аналитик
to amend – улучшать, исправлять hardware engineer – специалист по разработке аппаратуры appliances – бытовая техника, бытовые приборы vehicle – автомобиль	to be aware of – быть осведомленным о, знать о efficiency – рентабельность environmental factors – факторы окружающей среды engineering aspect – технический аспект