THE COMPUTING

INDUSTRY

6CFUN Weeks 1-2

Prepared by: Dr. Maria Teresa S. Salta
1st Sem 2019-2020
 COMPUTING DOMAINS
• Computer Science Theory
• Networking
• Hardware
• Graphics
• Programming Languages
• Software Engineering
• Systems Programming
• Artificial Intelligence
• Information Technology
*Source: http://aihorizon.com/essays/basiccs/general/cs_areas.html
 Computer Science Theory
• highly mathematical, concerning itself with questions about the
limits of computation
– includes what can be computed and how fast certain
problems can be solved
• subsections of theory:
– algorithm development
– cryptography: security; involves encryption and decryption
of data
– machine learning, including developing new and better
learning algorithms and coming up with bounds on what can
be learned and under what conditions
Hardware

• deals with building circuits and chips;

• hardware design lies in the realm of engineering,
and covers topics such as chip architecture, but
also more general electrical engineering-style
circuit design
 Networking
• covers topics dealing with device interconnection,
and is closely related to systems
• covers a variety of practical topics such as resource
sharing and creating better protocols for
transmitting data in order to guarantee delivery
times or reduce network traffic
• other work in networking includes algorithms for
peer-to-peer networks to allow resource detection,
scalable searching of data, and load balancing to
prevent network nodes from exploiting or damaging
the network
Graphics
• The field of graphics has become well-known for
work in making amazing animated movies, but it
also covers topics such as data visualization, which
make it easier to understand and analyse complex
data
 Programming Languages
• Programming languages are the heart of much work
in computer science; most non-theory areas are
dependent on good programming languages to get
the job done
• Programming language works focus on:
– Optimization: speed, efficient use of resources;
correctness
– Functionality: purpose, flexibility
– Productivity: development of new languages and
algorithms
Software Engineering

• relies on some of the work from the programming

languages community, and deals with the design
and implementation of software
• generally a practical discipline, with a focus on
designing and working on large-scale projects
Systems Programming
• deals with building programs that use a lot of
resources and profiling that resource usage
• includes building operating systems, databases,
and distributed computing, and can be closely
related to networking
• the design, implementation, and profiling of
databases is a major part of systems programming,
with a focus on building tools that are fast enough
to manage large amounts of data while still being
stable enough not to lose it
Artificial Intelligence
• includes everything from planning and searching for
solutions to machine learning
• some focus on building game playing programs
• also includes work on neural networks and machine learning,
which is designed to solve difficult problems by allowing
computers to discover patterns in a large set of input data
• also includes work in the field of robotics (along with
hardware and systems) and multi-agent systems, and is
focused largely on improving the ability of robotic agents to
plan courses of action or strategize about how to interact with
other robots or with people
Information Technology
• the use of any computers, storage, networking and
other physical devices, infrastructure and
processes to create, process, store, secure and
exchange all forms of electronic data
• the term information technology (IT) was coined
by the Harvard Business Review, in order to make a
distinction between purpose-built machines
designed to perform a limited scope of functions
and general-purpose computing machines that
could be programmed for various tasks.
COMPUTING
SKILLS SET
 TECHNICAL SKILLS
• Big Data Analysis
– Data mining, modeling, management, etc.
• Coding and Programming
– Hardware, software, security, information
management, troubleshooting, etc.
• Social Media Management & Digital Marketing
– Content management systems, digital
photography and marketing, search engine
optimization, social media, web analytics, etc.

*Source: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/technical-skills-list-2063775
 SOFT SKILLS
»Analytical thinker - to understand the issue and evaluate different
solutions to find best fit
»Problem-solver - to solve complex problems in a systematic and logical way
»Creativity - out-of-the-box thinking to ensure most innovative and effective
solutions
»Critical thinker – know which methodologies to use and when to use them
»Resilient - determination and humility in the face of multiple failures
» Flexible - accepts changes and immediately looks for other creative
solutions after setbacks or unexpected changes; open to suggestions and
feedback
 SOFT SKILLS continued…

»Leadership - to manage teams and influence decisions

»Good listener - listens closely to client’s or employer’s needs; not afraid to
ask questions
»Negotiator – able to come to an agreement that satisfies both parties
»Good presenter - able to articulate ideas clearly and effectively to others
»Teamwork - able to communicate your ideas and listen to others'
suggestions, and know when to take a leadership role and when to be a
team player.
 References
• AI Horizons. Fields of Computer Science. Retrieved from
http://aihorizon.com/essays/basiccs/general/cs_areas.html
• Important Technical Skills. The Balance Careers. Retrieved from
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/technical-skills-list-2063775
• Rouse, M. Information technology (IT). Retrieved from
https://searchdatacenter.techtarget.com/definition/IT