Intro to IT Support - What is IT?

Introduction

  • Speaker: Kevin Limehouse

  • Current Position: Support Specialist for platforms billing DoubleClick at Google

Personal Journey into IT

  • Passion for IT began at age 8 when allowed to keep an old computer.

  • Disassembled the computer, sparking a deep interest in technology.

  • Became the main IT support for a large extended family (11 aunts, over 35 cousins).

Family Background and Education

  • Parents grew up in small rural towns in South Carolina.

  • Raised in the Jim Crow South; parents valued education as a means to success.

  • Kevin and his sister were instilled with the same belief.

  • Pursued a university education in computer science.

Professional Experience

  • Graduated in February 2007 and began working at Google.

  • Experience in IT support includes troubleshooting and managing IT inventory.

  • Current role involves providing technical and billing support to Google sales teams.

  • Responsibilities include editing automation scripts and troubleshooting issues.

Understanding Information Technology (IT)

  • Definition: The use of digital technology (computers, Internet) to store and process data into useful information.

  • IT industry encompasses all jobs and resources related to computing technologies.

Types of Jobs in IT

  • Network Engineers: Ensure communication between computers.

  • Hardware Technicians: Replace and repair computer components.

  • Desktop Support Personnel: Assist end users with software.

Importance of People in IT

  • The essence of IT support is people, not just technology.

  • Technology must be usable and understandable for impactful communication and collaboration.

Impact of IT on Society

  • IT enhances various industries: education, medicine, journalism, construction, transportation, entertainment.

  • Essential for modern living: job searching, education access, health information.

The Digital Divide

  • Definition: Growing skills gap in digital literacy based on socioeconomic factors.

  • Individuals lacking digital skills struggle to compete.

  • IT professionals can bridge the digital divide by empowering communities.

Conclusion

  • Overcoming the digital divide requires understanding socioeconomic challenges.

  • IT professionals can inspire future generations through accessibility and support in technology.

  • Diverse backgrounds in IT can drive opportunities and breakthroughs in the industry.