Unboxing IT

A Look Inside the Information Technology Black Box

By (author) Christopher McCay

Publication date:

13 May 2016

Length of book:

154 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781475822120

Computers and technology have reached a level of invisibility in our lives that is equal to indoor plumbing and electricity. We don’t think about the mechanics of how they work, but when any of those systems breaks it is a MASSIVE disruption in our lives. All of us understand the basics of how a fuse box works or how to plunge a toilet, and with this book you will learn those equivalents in the IT world. This book will give a basic understanding of the various disciplines that exist within the IT world, some of the thought processes behind the methodologies IT professionals follow, and touch on some of the realities of living in a truly technological wonderland.

Preface
Introduction – IT: The Black Box
The Dimensions of the Box
1 - History of IT
2 - Talking Tech
What's in the Box?
3 - What Do the Organization and IT Want From Each Other??
4 - Communicating With the Organization
5 - What Numbers to Watch?
The Walls of the Box
6 - Hardware
7 - Software
8 – Networks
9 - Help Desk
How do We Build the Box?
10 - Project Management & Methodologies
11 - Process Improvement
12 - Risk Management
13 - Vendor Management
14 – Security
Who Holds the Box?
15 – Staffing & Teachable Moments
Your Personal Box
16 - Living a Digital Life & IT Consumerization
17 - Future Watching
Closing the Box
Conclusion

McCay, director of information technology at Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc., takes readers on a delightful, insightful journey through the world of information technology (IT) by highlighting technology and its importance. The author’s strong IT background gives him an interesting perspective on how technology can and should be appreciated and utilized. McCay begins the expedition with a brief history of computers and technology before delving into extensive IT language and communication with IT professionals. He uses humor and plainly written, common analogies to bridge the IT–end user gap by creating visualizations and comparisons and warns IT professionals to scale back on their 'tech-speak' to the outside world. His book addresses all aspects of IT, thoroughly describing hardware components found in computers and mobile devices. In the software discussion, McCay explains operating systems, application software, and the explosion of app development. He also examines the importance of the help desk, an often unappreciated role in an organization, and glamorizes the position and emphasizes its appeal to any job seeker. This book is a simple, informative look into the IT world, containing a wealth and breadth of knowledge from the industry.

Summing Up: Recommended. All readers.