Computers Professional

INTRODUCTION:COMPUTERS PROFESSIONAL

A computer professional may be a person working in the field of information technology. A person who has undergone training in a computer-related field from colleges, universities and computer institutes. A computer professional is a person who has an extensive knowledge in the area of computing.

The common computer professionals are as follows:
i. Programmers and Software Engineers
ii. Computer Scientists
iii. Computer Systems Analysts
iv. Computer technicians
v. Database Administrators
vi. Network Administrators
vii. System Administrators
viii. Information Technology Consultants
ix. Web Developers

i. Computer Programmer and software Engineers: A software engineer is a person who applies the principles of software engineering to the design, development, maintenance, testing, and evaluation of the software and systems that make computers or anything containing software work.

ii. Computer Scientist: A computer scientist is a scientist who has acquired knowledge of computer science, the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their application. Computer scientists typically work on the theoretical side of computer systems, as opposed to the hardware side that computer engineers mainly focus on (although there is overlap). A primary goal of computer scientists is the development (and validation) of models often mathematical in nature for estimating the properties of computer-based systems (processors, programs, computers interaction with people, computers interacting with other computers, etc.) with an overarching objective of discovering designs that admit for improved performance (faster, better, cheaper, etc.).

iii. Computer Systems Analysts: Computers systems analysts study an organization’s current computers systems and procedures and design information systems solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.

iv. Computer Technician: A computer technician is a person who repairs and maintains computers and servers. The technician’s responsibilities may extend to include building or configuring new hardware, installing and updating software packages, and creating and maintaining computer networks.

v. Database administrators: Database administrators are responsible for backing up systems to prevent data loss in case of a power outage or other disaster. They also ensure the integrity of the database, guaranteeing that the data stored in it come from reliable sources.

vi. Network Administrator: Network administrators are responsible for the upkeep of computers hardware and software systems. They usually focus on the network components within their company. In some cases it is the responsibility of network administrators to design and implement new networks.

vii. Systems Administrator: A system administrator, or sysadmin, is a person who is responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems; especially multi-user computers, such as servers. computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks. They organize, install, and support an organization’s computers systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems.

viii. Information Technology Consultant: An information technology consultant is a third-party service provider who is qualified to advise clients on the best use of IT to meet specific business requirements. IT consultants may work with a professional IT consultancy firm or as independent contractors.

ix. Web Developer: A web developer is a programmer who specializes in, or is specifically engaged in, the development of World Wide Web applications, or distributed network applications that are run over HTTP from a web server to a web browser.

COMPUTERS PROFESSIONAL BODIES

The bodies for computer professions in Nigeria is called Computers Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN).

The Computers Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) was established by Decree No. 49 of 1993, promulgated on June 10, and gazetted on August 9, of that year.

The Computers Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) is a body corporate with perpetual succession and common seal, a legal entity charged with the control and supervision of the Computing Profession in the country.

In Nigeria, CPN develops standards for Information Technology practice and ensure compliance by individuals and corporate bodies that practice the computing profession or render IT services in whatever form. CPN is an abbreviation of Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria).

Its functions and responsibilities include the following:

1. To determine the standards of knowledge and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the computing profession and improve those standards from time to time as circumstances may permit.

2. To secure, in accordance with the provision of the Act, the establishment and maintenance of a register of persons seeking to be registered under the Act to practice the computing profession and the publication from time to time of the list of such persons.

Consequently, the Council is responsible for the following among other things:

• Organization, Control and supervision of computing practice in Nigeria.
• Screening of individuals seeking to be registered to engage in the sale of computational machinery and techniques related thereto and the provision of professional services in computing in the country.
• Ensuring high computing professional Ethics and Standards.
• Creation and sustenance of local and international contacts for our numerous members,
• Reduced charges for some specific professional services and facilities.
• Determining academic standards in Computer Science, Computer Engineering and other related disciplines.
• Accreditation of institutions’ courses and programmes as well as evaluation of certificates in computing.
• Conducting professional examination in computing in collaboration with the Nigeria Computer Society.
• Publication of the Register of Computer Professionals and other professional works like journals, books, magazines and newsletters.

REFERENCES
1. “Computer and Information Research Scientists”. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. March 29, 2012. Retrieved 2012-06-03.

2. Benjamin Beau Perry. “What is a computer scientist?”. The University of Newcastle.

3. “Computing Degrees & Careers » Computer Science”. Computingcareers.acm.org. Retrieved 2012-06-03.