Understanding IT: Decoding Technology and Business

by Danial Hallock, Gabriel Fitzpatrick (Editor), Jeff Brown (Illustrator)

In a brief crash course in the fundamentals of Information Technology, Security, Program Management, and Data Science, we'll take you through everything you need to know to jump start your career in Information Technology. While most books aim to spend 300 - 600 pages illustrating every nuanced management theory or technology without explaining how they fit into the larger picture, Understanding IT helps fill in those gaps. When used in conjunction with in-depth certification exam books, on the job training, or undergraduate class work, Understanding IT will help bring the "big picture" into focus. - Not sure why learning about databases is important as a project manager, or not sure why an iOS developer needs to attend tedious meetings? - Ever wonder why Security and Privacy play such an important role in the life of a systems administrator? - Uncertain how answering telephones to help general users helps your company succeed? - Confused about contemporary issues like SOPA, PIPA, or Net Neutrality? If you've ever been uncertain about how everything fits together to develop a successful business model built on Information Technology, then Understanding IT is worth picking up. As a lightweight reference book, Understanding IT helps young or transitioning IT professionals gain a quick understanding of the industry, its challenges, and the roles that they will play.

Kindle Edition

First published July 4, 2015

About the author

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One of my first flashbulb memories I have was in researching the best methods to manipulate the virtual markets of Dark Age of Camelot; I knew that if I could anticipate shopping habits of players, I could meet surges in supply and not only meet the needs of my fellow gamers, but turn a healthy profit in the process. It would take more than fifteen years, before I would realize that there's an entire academic and professional career built upon that principle: Business Intelligence.

This melding of professional and recreational passions is something that has been a key factor in my constant drive to excel. Whether it's combining advanced mathematics with the issues it raises in the social sector (i.e. privacy), or in recognizing the inadequacies of a favored hobby, my life has always consisted of an enjoyable and healthy work-life balance.