Information Technology, Computer Science or Computer System Information?

So I'm going to be a Sophomore in college this year and I'm wanting to major in either Information Technology, Computer Science, or Computer System Information now the thing is that I'm very weak in math so i'm not sure which one of these fields would be the lest math oriented I hate math with a passion but everything involves math and I can't avoid that but I was just wondering which of these three is considered the best in terms of salary or being available. I also spend all my time in front of a computer and I enjoy technology so that's why I'm considering one of these three majors but I was wondering if someone could also explain the differences between these three as well. I also was curious as to which seems to be the lest boring or maybe a more entertaining one. I'm just looking to see if someone can provide me some information about each one and also which field makes the most money and which one is the most entertaining and lest math based. I was also curious to see which one you would recommend as well and for what reason would you recommend it

Computer science
Computer science is the blending of principles, theories and applications of the technologies that underlie the access to information. This science involves studying the structure, mechanization and expression of algorithms, which are methodical processes for solving problems. Computer science problems do not always involve computers. In fact, these types of problems existed before computers did, and even some modern problems can be worked out by hand rather than by the use of a computer.
The information that computer scientists uncover, process, store and communicate is often encoded in a computer memory in either bits or bytes. Bits aid in the transfer of files between machines, while bytes are the most fundamental units of information measurement and storage in computer science. Computing science explores the transfer of this information.
Computer science began in the 1940s and is becoming a rapidly growing discipline as the technological age advances. Computer scientists believe that computers are a fundamental part of the world and that an age will come when everybody has several computers. It is a more complex field than simply building computers or writing programs. Computer scientists study problems to determine if they can be computed, compare algorithms to decide on the best solution, create programming languages to express these algorithms, design and build computer systems to execute specifications from research, and apply algorithms to application domains, or sets of software systems that share design features.

A computer scientist can work in any discipline or industry because computer skills transfer easily to many areas. Mathematicians, scientists and engineers all use computer science, but those who work in medicine, the humanities, law and education regularly employ the tenets of this science as well. Computing science is also used to describe scientific concepts like genetics, to predict earthquake patterns and to understand theories such as the Big Bang.
At its basic level, computer science is about solving problems. A computer scientist, therefore, must be a good analytical thinker. He or she must also have the dedication to press forward with something until a specific solution is found. Computer science necessitates the use of logic to evaluate solutions and revise strategies to get the answer exactly right. Computer scientists should also have a lot of patience because finding an answer and results often takes time.
A major in computer science can lead to careers in software engineering, laboratory research and development, and system administration, among others. Common tasks of a computer scientist include designing and implementing software, creating new uses for computers, developing solutions to computer problems, and planning and managing technological infrastructures. The ability of a computer scientist to adapt to new technologies is critical.




INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

In the 1960s and 1970s, the term information technology (IT) was a little known phrase that was used by those who worked in places like banks and hospitals to describe the processes they used to store information. With the paradigm shift to computing technology and "paperless" workplaces, information technology has come to be a household phrase. It defines an industry that uses computers, networking, software programming, and other equipment and processes to store, process, retrieve, transmit, and protect information.
In the early days of computer development, there was no such thing as a college degree in IT. Software development and computer programming were best left to the computer scientists and mathematical engineers, due to their complicated nature. As time passed and technology advanced, such as with the advent of the personal computer in the 1980s and its everyday use in the home and the workplace, the world moved into the information age.
By the early 21st century, nearly every child in the Western world, and many in other parts of the world, knew how to use a personal computer. Businesses' information technology departments have gone from using storage tapes created by a single computer operator to interconnected networks of employee workstations that store information in a server farm, often somewhere away from the main business site. Communication has advanced, from physical postal mail, to telephone fax transmissions, to nearly instantaneous digital communication through electronic mail (email).

Great technological advances have been made since the days when computers were huge pieces of equipment that were stored in big, air conditioned rooms, getting their information from punch cards. The information technology industry has turned out to be a huge employer of people worldwide, as the focus shifts in some nations from manufacturing to service industries. It is a field where the barrier to entry is generally much lower than that of manufacturing, for example. In the current business environment, being proficient in computers is often a necessity for those who want to compete in the workplace.
Jobs in information technology are widely varied, although many do require some level of higher education. Positions as diverse as software designer, network engineer, and database administrator are all usually considered IT jobs. Nearly any position that involves the intersection of computers and information may be considered part of this field.




Computer System Information
When people think of the Internet, they often think of their favorite website. Or, they think of it as a place to research and find information. But do you ever think about the fact that the Internet is one giant computer network? After all, the information and your favorite websites have to come from somewhere. In fact, they're stored on servers all around the world. When you look up how to get to the Picasso museum in Barcelona, Spain, for example, your computer is connecting to another computer in another continent!


Network and systems administrators are people who manage computer networks and systems. They make sure that the links between computers, software, servers, and printers and other equipment are working properly. They make sure that data is stored and backed up. They also make sure that information is kept secure. This includes keeping hackers out of sensitive files that include personal data. Overall, network and systems administrators want to keep the flow of information between computers smooth and safe and effortless for end users ¿ people who use the individual computers that are part of the larger network.

In computer systems networking and administration programs, you study the basics ¿ computer programming, operating systems, and hardware and software. You also take courses about database management, security issues, and ways to fix problems. Most importantly, you learn about different kinds of servers and networks. You learn about making networks run smoothly and efficiently. In addition, you study techniques for updating systems and storing data. You learn how to use computer equipment "off the shelf" as well as designing original software or equipment for different network and system needs.

Community colleges, technical colleges, and vocational schools offer programs ranging from one to two years. They are designed to prepare students for jobs as entry-level network or systems administrators. Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs. Graduates of these programs are prepared with a broad base of knowledge of the networks and servers that they can apply to business activities.

With a degree in computer systems networking and administration, you can be called many titles: systems administrator, network analyst, project manager, or probably the most common term: "the computer person."

Because new kinds of computers, servers, and network systems are constantly developed or updated, many network and systems professionals choose to become specialized in addition to getting a degree in the field. Without specialized certification, it would be nearly impossible to keep up with all the changes in computer technology.

Specialized certificate programs in computer systems networking are usually offered through community colleges, technical institutes, or vocational schools. Some programs are offered through online courses or proprietary schools. These programs vary in length from a few weeks to a year or more. Common certifications are for Microsoft, Cisco, Nortel, Enterasys, and Linux/UNIX networks and software. Keep in mind that you don't just become a Cisco certified administrator, for example. There are different types of certifications for each vendor. These certification programs focus on different applications, from wireless networking to firewalls.

In general, your courses will concentrate on the specific computer networks and systems you wish to specialize in. You also study how to troubleshoot and debug network and system setups. This means that you learn how to test them for errors before they go live. You can concentrate on local area and wide area networks, or LANs and WANs. You can concentrate on Internet applications, such as e-commerce. Or, you can specialize in data security and storage.

In general, most two-year degrees can be transferred to four-year colleges and universities. In addition, graduate study is possible through programs in computer science or management information systems. Check out these programs of study for further information on a master's or doctorate degree.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KyoKudo

Computer science
Computer science is the blending of principles, theories and applications of the technologies that underlie the access to information. This science involves studying the structure, mechanization and expression of algorithms, which are methodical processes for solving problems. Computer science problems do not always involve computers. In fact, these types of problems existed before computers did, and even some modern problems can be worked out by hand rather than by the use of a computer.
The information that computer scientists uncover, process, store and communicate is often encoded in a computer memory in either bits or bytes. Bits aid in the transfer of files between machines, while bytes are the most fundamental units of information measurement and storage in computer science. Computing science explores the transfer of this information.
Computer science began in the 1940s and is becoming a rapidly growing discipline as the technological age advances. Computer scientists believe that computers are a fundamental part of the world and that an age will come when everybody has several computers. It is a more complex field than simply building computers or writing programs. Computer scientists study problems to determine if they can be computed, compare algorithms to decide on the best solution, create programming languages to express these algorithms, design and build computer systems to execute specifications from research, and apply algorithms to application domains, or sets of software systems that share design features.

A computer scientist can work in any discipline or industry because computer skills transfer easily to many areas. Mathematicians, scientists and engineers all use computer science, but those who work in medicine, the humanities, law and education regularly employ the tenets of this science as well. Computing science is also used to describe scientific concepts like genetics, to predict earthquake patterns and to understand theories such as the Big Bang.
At its basic level, computer science is about solving problems. A computer scientist, therefore, must be a good analytical thinker. He or she must also have the dedication to press forward with something until a specific solution is found. Computer science necessitates the use of logic to evaluate solutions and revise strategies to get the answer exactly right. Computer scientists should also have a lot of patience because finding an answer and results often takes time.
A major in computer science can lead to careers in software engineering, laboratory research and development, and system administration, among others. Common tasks of a computer scientist include designing and implementing software, creating new uses for computers, developing solutions to computer problems, and planning and managing technological infrastructures. The ability of a computer scientist to adapt to new technologies is critical.




INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

In the 1960s and 1970s, the term information technology (IT) was a little known phrase that was used by those who worked in places like banks and hospitals to describe the processes they used to store information. With the paradigm shift to computing technology and "paperless" workplaces, information technology has come to be a household phrase. It defines an industry that uses computers, networking, software programming, and other equipment and processes to store, process, retrieve, transmit, and protect information.
In the early days of computer development, there was no such thing as a college degree in IT. Software development and computer programming were best left to the computer scientists and mathematical engineers, due to their complicated nature. As time passed and technology advanced, such as with the advent of the personal computer in the 1980s and its everyday use in the home and the workplace, the world moved into the information age.
By the early 21st century, nearly every child in the Western world, and many in other parts of the world, knew how to use a personal computer. Businesses' information technology departments have gone from using storage tapes created by a single computer operator to interconnected networks of employee workstations that store information in a server farm, often somewhere away from the main business site. Communication has advanced, from physical postal mail, to telephone fax transmissions, to nearly instantaneous digital communication through electronic mail (email).

Great technological advances have been made since the days when computers were huge pieces of equipment that were stored in big, air conditioned rooms, getting their information from punch cards. The information technology industry has turned out to be a huge employer of people worldwide, as the focus shifts in some nations from manufacturing to service industries. It is a field where the barrier to entry is generally much lower than that of manufacturing, for example. In the current business environment, being proficient in computers is often a necessity for those who want to compete in the workplace.
Jobs in information technology are widely varied, although many do require some level of higher education. Positions as diverse as software designer, network engineer, and database administrator are all usually considered IT jobs. Nearly any position that involves the intersection of computers and information may be considered part of this field.




Computer System Information
When people think of the Internet, they often think of their favorite website. Or, they think of it as a place to research and find information. But do you ever think about the fact that the Internet is one giant computer network? After all, the information and your favorite websites have to come from somewhere. In fact, they're stored on servers all around the world. When you look up how to get to the Picasso museum in Barcelona, Spain, for example, your computer is connecting to another computer in another continent!


Network and systems administrators are people who manage computer networks and systems. They make sure that the links between computers, software, servers, and printers and other equipment are working properly. They make sure that data is stored and backed up. They also make sure that information is kept secure. This includes keeping hackers out of sensitive files that include personal data. Overall, network and systems administrators want to keep the flow of information between computers smooth and safe and effortless for end users ¿ people who use the individual computers that are part of the larger network.

In computer systems networking and administration programs, you study the basics ¿ computer programming, operating systems, and hardware and software. You also take courses about database management, security issues, and ways to fix problems. Most importantly, you learn about different kinds of servers and networks. You learn about making networks run smoothly and efficiently. In addition, you study techniques for updating systems and storing data. You learn how to use computer equipment "off the shelf" as well as designing original software or equipment for different network and system needs.

Community colleges, technical colleges, and vocational schools offer programs ranging from one to two years. They are designed to prepare students for jobs as entry-level network or systems administrators. Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs. Graduates of these programs are prepared with a broad base of knowledge of the networks and servers that they can apply to business activities.

With a degree in computer systems networking and administration, you can be called many titles: systems administrator, network analyst, project manager, or probably the most common term: "the computer person."

Because new kinds of computers, servers, and network systems are constantly developed or updated, many network and systems professionals choose to become specialized in addition to getting a degree in the field. Without specialized certification, it would be nearly impossible to keep up with all the changes in computer technology.

Specialized certificate programs in computer systems networking are usually offered through community colleges, technical institutes, or vocational schools. Some programs are offered through online courses or proprietary schools. These programs vary in length from a few weeks to a year or more. Common certifications are for Microsoft, Cisco, Nortel, Enterasys, and Linux/UNIX networks and software. Keep in mind that you don't just become a Cisco certified administrator, for example. There are different types of certifications for each vendor. These certification programs focus on different applications, from wireless networking to firewalls.

In general, your courses will concentrate on the specific computer networks and systems you wish to specialize in. You also study how to troubleshoot and debug network and system setups. This means that you learn how to test them for errors before they go live. You can concentrate on local area and wide area networks, or LANs and WANs. You can concentrate on Internet applications, such as e-commerce. Or, you can specialize in data security and storage.

In general, most two-year degrees can be transferred to four-year colleges and universities. In addition, graduate study is possible through programs in computer science or management information systems. Check out these programs of study for further information on a master's or doctorate degree.

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Thanks O_O but I was looking for a more generalized definition and also you didn't answer any of my other questions...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rainguardian

Thanks O_O but I was looking for a more generalized definition and also you didn't answer any of my other questions...

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Yeah sorry it wouldnt let me post anything else.. i was gonna reply again but that would = double posting..

I have a friend in computer science and his annul wage is 87,000$ At tops.
Computer sciene has alot of math but well worth the trainning..
Computer's are the feauture so this is a good STUDY..

i'd love too help u on the other's but i dont know anyone in that and i dont wanna give u the wrong information.. Try PMing FLASHD.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KyoKudo

Yeah sorry it wouldnt let me post anything else.. i was gonna reply again but that would = double posting..

I have a friend in computer science and his annul wage is 87,000$ At tops.
Computer sciene has alot of math but well worth the trainning..
Computer's are the feauture so this is a good STUDY..

i'd love too help u on the other's but i dont know anyone in that and i dont wanna give u the wrong information.. Try PMing FLASHD.

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It's fine anything helps I suppose and I figured all three fields had high paying salaries also I did some research and Computer Science I believe has the most math involved out of the three I sort of wanted the one with the least math just because I'm terrible at math it's my weakest subject :/

Yeah thats why i said there's alot.. but sorry i couldn't help on the rest.
Goodluck on ur choice.

The answers to most of your questions are all pretty relative except the salary and amount of math present. All 3 departments come with a pretty high salary (how much depends of the company, since all 3 are in the same range), while the amount of math is in this order (less to more): Systems, IT, Comp. Science.

As for the other questions ... how interesting which department is, is based on your interests. I am a system admin and enjoy my job. It requires me to administer servers and be always up to date on new technology. Sometimes it requires me to code, but it's nothing too complex. KyoKudo made a really good post for you to see what are your interests and what would you enjoy doing.

Availability depends on the region you live at. Some places need more of this other more of that, but generally computer related jobs will always be available (at least in your lifetime).

Recommendations ... here I cannot really help you, since it is based on your preferences (again read KyoKudo's post for help).

Thanks guys, for sharing such useful information.

If you like the software side of things I'd say major in computer science. That's what I'm doing and the classes are pretty sweet. Programming + algorithms = orgasms.
As far as math goes though. Your going to learn to love it or hate it. It's in everything computer related. Most computers science + IT fields at my school you have to have at least finished above calculus III. Like cambell mentioned though, the pay is awesome and just thinking about people using something you've created to better there lives is an awesome feeling. Good luck!

That computer also ties with another computer I owned which was a Dell Inspiron laptop, but I guess it was my own fault for being a used laptop anyway lol. It wouldn't turn on anymore and gave me a blue screen

Learn programing
I think self employment (freelancing) is a great way to earn money part time without any strings/contract attached :