[rishabhsharma]

Hi guys, please give me some basic differences between an IT(Information Technology) dept. and a CS(Computer Science) dept(just the basic one), so that I can have a clear distinction between duo.....

[Martyr2]

They differ greatly from school to school really. So while the definition I am going to give you below may be mainstream, it can certainly be different in another school. Take a look at the courses in the programs to get a better idea of how they are different.

Information Technology is usually focused around information systems. Things like network topologies, operating systems, database design, how systems talk to one another and how to apply/troubleshoot systems to help support business processes.

Computer Science is a bit more theory and usually has a math component to it. Things often taught in these programs are algorithm design, programming languages, software design, cpu architecture, and often applying math to software to come up with solutions.

But like I said programs vary from school to school. Some IT courses I have seen teach algorithms and I have seen computer science bring in a lot of business concepts.

To get the best gist of the difference, think of IT as typically being computers in business focused and talking about information itself and computer science more of a theoretical computing field... more of a "science" and more interested in actual data.

I typically see IT programs being a bit more hands on but that is bit of a generalization.

This post has been edited by Martyr2: 19 May 2012 - 04:24 PM

[CTphpnwb]

I'd say IT is also less about writing code, although CS isn't primarily about that either. I know IT guys who never write code at all, but all of the CS people I've known have written some code at some point.

[rishabhsharma]

@CTphpnwb But I thought IT is totally software field oriented and IT guys do nothing but write codes whereas CS guys do some hardware too... You confused me.....

[Ryano121]

On the most basic level in my experience

IT guys use software
CS guys make the software.

(of course with a load of exceptions).

[Smurphy]

I am a CS student right now. [list=1]

The big difference between IT and CS at my school is as follows.

1. IT students less focused on programming (They get intro to C and Object oriented programming in JAVA)

2. Almost no theory. They focus on networks how they work and top level stuff like setting up virtual machines and being a good Sysadmin.

3. WAY less math intensive.

4. Also they do not have to take a proficiency exam unlike CS majors.

[DarenR]

I graduated with a BS in computer science in software engineering in information technology . Long i Know but my degree was mainly about designing proams from the ground up and programming. Barely anything on networking.

spent 2 semesters each in java c# vb.net
spent 1 semester in networking
spent 2 semester in software engineering
spent 1 semester in sql
spent many others doing in between design and coding
rest of the time it was dumb course (gen studies)

[motcom]

I have a Computer Science Diploma, my duties are, owner of Company, Sales person, Software Development - web and windows apps, Database Design and administration, Report Writing in 3 different Report writing tools, Server Setups and Repairs with backups, Domain Administration, Hosting Company, Network Administration and Implementation, Software Training for users that are totally Noob and a lots more.

My partner in crime does not have a certification but knows all of the above too. It all depends what you want to do with it i guess but you can do it without any Certification, if you have lots of patience, experience and know what to look for on google hahahaha

[motcom]

if you like coding go that direction i guess

This post has been edited by motcom: 23 May 2012 - 04:47 AM

[AdamSpeight2008]

Information Technology and skills it involve are often looked on as the basics.
Do you know what a Computer is?
Can you use a Mouse?
Can you use a Keyboard?
Can you use Microsoft Office? Eg E-Mail, Word, Excel.

Tasks that involves manipulating components of a piece of hardware, is left for "professionals" of the IT Dept.


Computer Science is more focus on the theory of computing, computer language design. (lot more mathematics involved.)
-Eg Finite Automata, Lambda Calculus, Continuation Passing Style.

Computer Engineering is more practical approach to design and build products.
- Software System(s) Design Analysis, Database Design, Programming. (May involve a lot less programming than you initially think.)

This post has been edited by AdamSpeight2008: 23 May 2012 - 02:22 PM

[blackcompe]

Quote

Computer Engineering is more practical approach to design and build products.
- Software System(s) Design Analysis, Database Design, Programming. (May involve a lot less programming than you initially think.)

COE is more like 50% hardware design and 50% software design, where you're designing complex circuits and doing low-level programming. The CS half is automaton, data structures, algorithms, etc., and the COE/EE half is signals and systems, circuit analysis, digital design, VLSI design, etc. CS students are more likely to take more of the upper-level CS courses, whereas COE take core CS courses and possibly a few more to fill electives.

[stackoverflow]

This may not directly apply, but a typical IT job is usually in service or support of some kind. A CS job is usually in developing or in academia. These are just generalizations and not always true.

To give a more real example, I walked in the break room and met a guy for the first time. Our conversation was something like this:

Me: "Which department do you work in?"
Him: "I'm in the IT department-- tech support. I put out fires. You?"
Me: "I'm with the developers."
Him: "That makes me the fire marshal and you the exterminator!"