Difference between CS and IT

A lot of people are asking “what is the difference between Computer Science and Information Technology.” Both two contexts are associated with computer hardware, software network and the like. Even CS and IT graduates can hardly differentiate between the two. When they are asked in a job interview about the difference between CS and IT, most of their answers are the same: “no difference at all.” It is actually a big problem for a CS/IT applicant, if he or she cannot answer this simple question during job interview. This can be an indication that he or she might not be qualified for the job he or she is applying to.

Computer Science and Information Technology are not the same. Computer Science covers the theoretical studies of algorithms and computations including its applications. In other words, CS gives focus to logical and mathematical aspects of computing. The underlying question in this discipline is “What can be automated?” This means that, aside from computations, it also responds to the questions of what are the resources needed in order to run what has been computed. Application Software Developer, Web Developer and System Engineer are the possible careers in CS.

On the other hand, Information technology involves the application of what computer scientists did in order to store, retrieve, modify and network data. It manages information in a most convenient way. They create a database, a container of all information, to organize information quickly. This tool also helps them to eliminate redundant data which is common in a paper-pen type system. In addition, since technology is in the grasp of IT, it is also associated with Internet. Information Technologists manage networks too. The possible careers in IT are Computer Database Administration, Network Administration, Security Analyst of Information, Technical Support and the like.

Computer Science and Information technology started decades ago, but a lot of people still don’t know what the difference is, between the two. Even some professionals of these fields cannot distinguish the two contexts. For better understanding, let us put this way: Computer Science professionals are like electricians who put lights and set up appliances in the house, while IT professionals are those people who live in the house and use these appliances for a desired result.

I hope this article helps you out.