DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF:

COMPUTER PERSONNEL
OR IT DEPARTMENT STAFF

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 DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR (DBA)
• This employee is responsible for the organization's data and maintains the data
structure.
• The database administrator has control over all the data; therefore, detective controls
and supervision of duties must be observed closely.
• This is usually a role filled by a senior information systems employee because these
employees have control over the physical data definition, implementing data
definition controls and defining and initiating backup and recovery.
• undertake daily administration, including monitoring system performance, ensuring
successful backups, and developing/implementing disaster recovery plans
• manage data to give users the ability to access, relate and report information in
different ways
• develop standards to guide the use and acquisition of software and to protect
valuable information
• modify existing databases or instruct programmers and analysts on the required
changes
• test programs or databases, correct errors and make necessary modifications
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• train users and answer questions
COMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS

• Provide technical assistance, support, and advice to customers and other

users.
• This occupational group includes technical support specialists and help-desk
technicians.
• These troubleshooters interpret problems and provide technical support for
hardware, software, and systems.
• They answer telephone calls, analyze problems by using automated
diagnostic programs, and resolve recurring difficulties.
• Support specialists may work either within a company that uses computer
systems or directly for a computer hardware or software vendor.
• Increasingly, these specialists work for help-desk or support services firms,
for which they provide computer support to clients on a contract basis.
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 Technical support specialists

• They Answer telephone calls from their organizations’ computer

users and may run automatic diagnostics programs to resolve
problems.
• Working on monitors, keyboards, printers, and mice, they install,
modify, clean, and repair computer hardware and software.
• They also may write training manuals and train computer users in
how to use new computer hardware and software.
• In addition, technical support specialists oversee the daily
performance of their company’s computer systems and evaluate
software programs with regard to their usefulness.
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 Help--desk technicians
Help

• Accepts problem calls from users and registers each call on a help desk database
• Solves the problem for the user over the phone if possible. The assistance is usually limited to simple
problem solving related to the operating system, software and basic peripheral devices
• If the problem cannot be solved over the phone, the help desk mobilises the relevant it staff member,
usually by email or in the help desk database, to assist the user.
• Assist computer users with the inevitable hardware and software questions that are not addressed in a
product’s instruction manual.
• Help-desk technicians field telephone calls and e-mail messages from customers who are seeking
guidance on technical problems.
• In responding to these requests for guidance, help-desk technicians must listen carefully to the
customer, ask questions to diagnose the nature of the problem, and then patiently walk the customer
through the problem-solving steps.
• Help-desk technicians deal directly with customer issues, and companies’ value them as a source of
feedback on their products.
• These technicians are consulted for information about what gives customers the most trouble, as well
as other customer concerns.
• Most computer support specialists start out at the help desk.
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Network support

• Assist users in rectifying network-related problems

such as security access, Internet access, network
failure, printer failure
• Assist the network administrator in managing user
accounts, installing software on the network,
backing up and retrieving files and maintaining
network security
• Maintain the help desk database by recording
problem resolution on problem calls attended to.
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Software support

• Monitor the state of custom software systems

• Troubleshoot when the software fails to work properly
• Keeping records of hardware and software purchased,
including the purchase of consumable items
• Ensuring equipment is well maintained and serviced
where required.
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 NETWORK ADMINISTRATORS / SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATORS
Closely related jobs:
• Network Technician,
• Network Engineer,
• Website Administrator,
• Systems Administrator,
• Telecommunications Engineer

• Network administrators provide operational support for and management of computer networks to ensure they
run efficiently. The IT networks can range from internet and private networks to large communications
networks.
• Design, install, and support an organization’s local-area network (LAN), wide-area network (WAN), network
segment, Internet, or intranet system.
• They provide day-to-day onsite administrative support for software users in a variety of work environments,
including professional offices, small businesses, government, and large corporations.
• They maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor the network to ensure its
availability to system users.
• These employees are responsible for maintenance and configuration of network equipment, such as routers,
switches, firewalls, wireless access points, and so on.
• These workers gather data to identify customer needs and then use the information to identify, interpret, and
evaluate system and network requirements. Administrators also may plan, coordinate, and implement network
security measures.
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 CONTINUED……………….

• install, configure and maintain PCs, networking equipment and

network operating systems
• monitor and configure networks to optimize performance and resolve
faults
• undertake recovery action in the event of a system failure
• establish and control system access and security levels
• provide training and support for system software
• Implement and co-ordinate housekeeping procedures, including system
back-ups, setting up user accounts, monitoring file access etc.
• plan and implement maintenance and upgrades for system software
and hardware
• maintain peripheral devices connected to the printer such as printers
and scanners
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SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATORS

• Are the information technology employees responsible for the efficient use of
networks by organizations?
• This employee is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the LAN and
associated components such as mid-range or mainframe systems. Although
small organizations might have only one systems administrator, larger
organizations have many.
• They ensure that the design of an organization’s computer site allows all of the
components, including computers, the network, and software, to fit together and
work properly.
• Furthermore, they monitor and adjust the performance of existing networks and
continually survey the current computer site to determine future network needs.
• Administrators also troubleshoot problems reported by users and by automated
network monitoring Systems and make recommendations for enhancements in
the implementation of future servers and networks.
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SYSTEM ANALYST AND DESIGNERS
Job Titles
• Network Designer
• Systems Analyst
• Solutions Architect
• Senior Systems Engineer
• Senior Solutions Architect
• Systems Architect
• Principal Solutions Architect

• Analyzing problems in software development and guiding the

rectification of faults in programs
• Analyzing software requirements and defining program parameters and
specifications
• Undertaking analysis of current software products and determining
approaches which will improve their user interface, performance and
integrity
• Leading team members and third parties in client organizations in the
integration of technological methodologies and components of projects
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 CONTINUED……………….

• Ensuring and being accountable for the technical integrity of the design in
accordance with the client’s requirements
• Ensuring that programs meet marketing/user requirements by testing and
monitoring initial field use and problems
• Guiding the preparation of software manuals and guides
• Improving the interface between systems users, the operating system and
applications software
• Conducting user requirements analysis to match customer needs to company
products and services
• Assisting the sales force with pre-sales activity such as proposal preparation,
systems demonstrations and presentations, particularly in relation to larger and
more important clients.
• These employees are involved in the system development lifecycle (SDLC)
process. They are responsible for determining the needs of users and developing
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requirements and specifications for the design of needed software programs
COMPUTER SECURITY SPECIALISTS

• May plan, coordinate, and implement the organization’s information

security.
• These workers may be called upon to educate users about computer
security,
• Install security software,
• Monitor the network for security breaches,
• Respond to cyber-attacks
• Gather data and evidence to be used in prosecuting cybercrime.
• The responsibilities of computer security specialists has increased in
recent years as there has been a large increase in the number of cyber-
attacks on data and networks.
• This and other growing specialty occupations reflect an increasing
emphasis on client-server applications, the expansion of Internet and
intranet applications, and the demand for more end-user support.
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IT SECURITY

• They’re in charge of keeping organizations safe from malicious

digital attacks.
• This includes implementing and running security software,
• Scanning for abnormalities
• Upgrading systems
• Keeping their company informed of the risks involved in daily
activities.
• This job requires a lot of problem solving, crisis management, and
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effective communication between team members and higher-ups.
COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS

• Computer programmers write, test, and maintain the programs that computers follow when
performing specific functions.
• The main task of computer programmers is problem solving and development of systems
solutions using the appropriate methodologies and techniques.
• A programmer uses programming languages, such as C++, PHP, or Java to communicate with
computer to perform a set of instructions.
• In addition to writing new programs, computer programmers update and maintain existing
programs.
• They test programs to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and to identify programming errors

• Write, test, and maintain the detailed instructions, called programs that computers must follow
to perform their functions.
• Programmers also conceive, design, and test logical structures for solving problems by
computer.
• Programmers write programs according to the specifications determined primarily by computer
software engineers and systems analysts.
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• After the design process is complete, it is the job of the programmer to convert that design into
a logical series of instructions that the computer can follow.
 CONTINUED……………….
• The programmer codes these instructions in a conventional programming
language such as COBOL; an artificial intelligence language such as prolog; or
one of the most advanced object-oriented languages, such as Java, C++, or actor.
Different programming languages are used depending on the purpose of the
program.

• Work with field experts to create custom software

• Analyze technical data, designs, and prototypes
• Prepare and present reports on project specifications, activities, and status
• Write computer software, programs, or code
• Document reliability of technical specifications
• Work with software providers to increase proficiencies while working within
applications
• Work cross-departmental on development and support
• Prepare software documentation for end users
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DATA PREPARATION STAFF
• Are those people responsible for the translation of data into machine readable form?

COMPUTER SCIENTISTS

• Work as theorists, researchers, or inventors.

• Their jobs are distinguished by the higher level of theoretical expertise and innovation they apply to
complex problems and the creation or application of new technology.
• Those employed by academic institutions work in areas ranging from complexity theory to hardware to
programming-language design.
• Some work on multidisciplinary projects, such as developing and advancing uses of virtual reality,
extending human-computer interaction, or designing robots.
• Their counterparts in private industry work in areas such as applying theory; developing specialized
languages or information technologies; or designing programming tools, knowledge-based systems, or
even computer games.

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DATA ENTRY AND INFORMATION PROCESSING WORKERS

• Help ensure the smooth and efficient handling of information and entering all data.
• By keying in text, entering data into a computer, operating a variety of office machines, and
performing other clerical duties, these workers help organizations keep up with the rapid changes that
are characteristic of today’s “Information Age.”
• Although most data-entry activities are now outsourced, in the not-too-distant past, these activities
were performed in-house at an information processing facility (IPF).
• If this role is still used, key verification is one of the primary means of control.
• In addition to the job titles discussed—such as word processors, typists, and data entry keyers—data
entry and information processing workers are known by various other titles, including electronic data
processors, keypunch technicians, and transcribers.
• Bar codes, scanning, and web entry forms have also reduced the demand for these services.

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DATA ENTRY KEYERS

• Usually input lists of items, numbers, or other data into computers or

complete forms that appear on a computer screen.
• They also may manipulate existing data, edit current information, or
proofread new entries into a database for accuracy.
• Some examples of data sources include customers’ personal information,
medical records, and membership lists.
• Usually, this information is used internally by a company and may be
reformatted before other departments or customers utilize it.
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DATA CONTROL

• This section receives and distributes all incoming data for appropriate processing;
they set up batch reporting for all agencies and submit schedules for processing to
Computer Operations.
• After processing has occurred, they check and distribute reports to all customers.
• This area interacts with agency customers and other Information Technology areas
to resolve processing problems.
• This area maintains all tape media including updating the tape inventory system
and it also has responsibility for offsite tape storage.
• Updating the Information Technology web page using HTML and other software
tools is done by Data control.
• Data control is also responsible for all data preparation prior to centralized
processing.
• Assisting the paper peripheral area and reception area are also functions of this
section.
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COMPUTER OPERATOR

• A computer operator is the person who keeps the large computers running.
• This person’s job is to oversee the mainframe computers and data centers in
organizations.
• Responsible for the operation of all enterprise, operating systems and personal
computers that are utilized to service the customer base.
• This area receives all hardware service calls, assists in terminal and communication
equipment installation and software/hardware trouble diagnosis.
• Processing of all batch production work as well as all paper peripheral processing
are also functions of Computer Operators
• Some of their duties include keeping the operating systems up to date, ensuring
available memory and disk storage, and overseeing the physical environment of the
computer.
• Since mainframe computers increasingly have been replaced with servers, storage
management systems, and other platforms, computer operators’ jobs have grown
broader and include working with these specialized systems.
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COMPUTER LIBRARIAN

• Responsible for all types of media, including tapes, cartridges,

CDs, DVDs, and so on.
• Librarians must track, store, and recall media as needed.
• They also must document when the data was stored and retrieved,
and who accessed it.
• If data moves off-site, librarians track when it was sent and when
it arrived.
• They may also be asked to assist in an audit to verify what type of
media is still being held at a vendor's site.
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WEB DEVELOPER

• They’re the ones who are responsible for building websites and the infrastructures behind
them—
• Web developers may also be known as “web producers,” “multimedia architects,” and “internet
engineers”, making their titles as diverse as their work portfolios.
• They create web pages, web applications and web content,
• They also need proficiency in Web languages, like HTML and JavaScript.
Writing well designed, testable, efficient code by using best software development practices
• Write well designed, testable, efficient code by using best software development practices
• Create website layout/user interface by using standard HTML/CSS practices
• Integrate data from various back-end services and databases
• Gather and refine specifications and requirements based on technical needs
• Create and maintain software documentation
• Be responsible for maintaining, expanding, and scaling our site
• Stay plugged into emerging technologies/industry trends and apply them into operations and
activities
• Cooperate with web designers to match visual design intent
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