InsideTech

In part 1 of our series on getting experience without experience, I looked at free, online resources you can learn from and accumulate experience with. Now I'll show you a few resources you can use to take the next steps. 3. Open source and vendor programs Whether you're trying to learn routing protocols like BGP or MPLS, or trying to integrate ...

Complex technology projects require testing – lots of it – in order to avoid gaffes (and outright disaster). QA engineers work to execute testing plans and goals to ensure systems work properly. Tasks include the design and implementation of testing procedures, interaction with support staff, categorizing bug fixes and enhancement requests, and reviewing bug reports. Median Salary $63,000 Education Requirements QA ...

Web developers are responsible for the behind-the-scenes code and programming of Web sites and Web-based services. While the edges are often blurred in Web positions, Web developers typically have a more technical orientation than Web designers, who focus on a site’s look and feel, and information architects, who focus on sites’ organization. Web developers’ projects vary widely, ranging from bare-bones active ...

Computer programmers write, test, and maintain software applications. Programmers also conceive, design, and test logical structures for solving problems by computer. Job titles and descriptions may vary, depending on the organization, and this group has a wide range of responsibilities and educational backgrounds. Applications programmers write programs to handle a specific job, such as a program to track inventory within an ...

Network administrators, design, test, and evaluate systems such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, intranets, and other data communications systems. Systems are configured in many ways and can range from a connection between two offices in the same building to globally distributed networks, voice mail, and e-mail systems of a multinational organization. Network systems and data ...

Name: Aaron Greengrass Title: Systems Administrator Company: Affinitylabs Age: 33 IT Tenure: 1 year contracting: 3 years systems administration; 6 years systems repair and tech support Job Title/Description: SysAdmin/Tech Support Describe A Typical Workday: 1 hour systems monitoring (including reviewing logs, and other monitoring software) broken up into about 4 x 15 minute segments. About 2-3 hours working with the development ...

Software engineers analyze users’ needs and design, construct, test, and maintain computer applications software or systems. They also solve technical problems that arise. Software engineers can be involved in the design and development of many types of software, including software for operating systems and network distribution, and compilers, which convert programs for execution on a computer. Computer applications software engineers build ...

Computer and information systems managers direct the work of systems analysts, computer programmers, support specialists, and other computer-related workers. These managers plan and coordinate installation and upgrading of hardware and software, programming and systems design, development of computer networks, and implementation of Internet and intranet sites. They’re increasingly involved with the upkeep, maintenance, and security of networks. They analyze the computer ...

IT doesn't just mean the guy who comes to fix your PC when it breaks down. The technology industry has developed a diverse range of careers, including everything from tech support specialists to database administrators to specialized project managers. Whether you're just starting your IT career or looking to take the next step up the ladder, InsideTech is here to help. ...

Have you ever been knee-deep in financial duress, perhaps losing all of your savings and retirement funds as your employer went belly up? No one wants to get stuck in such dire straits, but it’s a valid concern, especially when news mounts about indicators of a recession. The good news is that an economic recession doesn’t have to bring despair to ...

Resumes normally get less than a 15-second glance at the first screening. If someone has asked you to review his resume and you want to help him ensure it gets read - or want to know if your own is up to par - be sure you can answer yes to the following questions: h2. First Impression Does the resume look ...

Don't just sit there, basking in your continued employment... Phew. You survived the culling. Or maybe your company has managed to avoid a mass layoff. Either way, you're one of the lucky ones. Unlike so many of your friends and family, you won’t have to deal with the unemployment office or cancel your cable -- yet. But instead of sitting ...

Tech conventions -- like Microsoft's WinHEC, Apple's WWDC, or even the yearly Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas -- can be incredibly valuable or a colossal waste of time. You're going to end up at one sooner or later, whether you're an exhibitor, a company representative doing research, or just an interested developer looking to enhance your skills. Make sure you get ...

All interviews were not created equal. Depending on the role, the industry and the ruthlessness of your potential employer, you may encounter one – or a combination – of the common interview types. Each one is unique, and demands a tailored approach to its preparation. Lucky for you, we've identified the five most common interview methods. We'll give you the ...

Let’s assume that you have already used Twitter to increase your knowledge in the IT field as I’ve mentioned before, or as suggested to IT execs by Peter Kretzman in Getting’ Twitter, from the Technology Executives Perspective. Now you are following a strong network of interesting and potentially useful networking contacts. You’ll need to engage these Tweople to receive the ...

I challenge you to find a more appropriate time than now to focus on re-branding your professional image to set yourself apart from the plethora of IT job seekers. In order to reach the final interview round, professionals need to be creative and thoughtful in how they differentiate themselves from the others. As I reflect on how I might be able ...

Tech geeks, take note: Silicon Valley is still the center of the technology universe, but if you're thinking about a career in computing and want to avoid the Bay Area's sky-high cost of living, consider another locale—say, Durham, N.C., or even Huntsville, Ala. Flip through this slide show for a glimpse of the 30 cities boasting the most high-tech jobs per ...

Changing careers is never easy. Half the world thinks you've lost your mind, headhunters say you'll never work again and your relatives contribute the old "I told you so" routine. But for many burned-out, bored or multitalented folks who are sitting on skills they're not getting a chance to use, changing fields is the only way to keep from losing their ...

When you spend your whole day in front of computers, it's important to get away from BlackBerrys and Wi-Fi connections every once in a while. InsideTech has compiled 19 adrenaline-inducing adventures for the tried and true outdoorsman (or woman). We’ve scoured the travel guides, combed the Internet and sought out word-of-mouth recommendations to bring you the best of the best. ...

You’ve heard that your base salary is largely determined by your education level – but did you ever wonder exactly how much education matters? If you’ve got enough smarts, it shouldn’t matter whether or not you have formal training – right? Wrong. Or at least, it's not always that simple. As job scarcity continues to drive more competition to each open ...