![[Featured Image] Two people examine data represented in graphs and charts on large screens in an office.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/3AmsNeMmdIUytvhtu8ePPX/92e66e4f3ec1ed931a4d4ecaec27b029/GettyImages-551986071.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Information Systems vs. Information Technology (IS vs. IT)
Compare and contrast definitions, industries, degrees, and career paths in information systems and information technology with this guide.
July 6, 2023
Article
IT Support
Explore the key skills and qualifications needed for a career in information technology. Learn how professionals in roles such as IT support specialist play a crucial part in keeping organizational technology systems running smoothly.
![[Featured Image] A person with a beard sits at a desk in front of a laptop smiling.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4d0JdCYZL9qEVVaFlQNmxt/f0030de6b967c848a69f4134b7417bdd/GettyImages-567354469.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A systems administrator in a white sweater reviews Linux interview questions on his laptop in a co-working space.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/O2gWmGDVkYg4kqAXBJfMB/78730c8a07079aac34018e655786cc8c/GettyImages-1132115579.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Explore popular IT support courses
Status: Free Trial
Status: New AI skills
Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, Package and Software Management, Network Troubleshooting, Systems Administration, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Administration, IT Infrastructure, Information Systems Security, TCP/IP, Network Security, File Systems, Microsoft Windows, Computer Security, Professional Networking, Application Security, Desktop Support, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Interviewing Skills, Applicant Tracking Systems
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft 365, Network Security, Business Software, Computer Hardware, Cybersecurity, Desktop Support, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Troubleshooting, Technical Support, Hardware Troubleshooting, Hardware Architecture, Generative AI, Operating Systems, Collaborative Software, Network Protocols, TCP/IP, Application Security, Microsoft Teams, Information Systems Security, Multi-Factor Authentication
Status: Free Trial
Skills you'll gain: Desktop Support, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation, Operating Systems, Help Desk Support, Technical Documentation, Hardware Troubleshooting, Software Documentation, End User Training and Support, Computer Networking, Information Technology, Computer Architecture, Technical Communication, Linux, Microsoft Windows
![[Featured image] Three colleagues stand together in a server room and troubleshoot an issue on a computer monitor.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6hxOXs8MLU9k9mYpyVPsIK/a7414a78ee742995cbd95ae1ef3bb821/GettyImages-672157207__3_.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Feature Image] An IT manager working in one of the highest-paying IT jobs meets with the IT team to discuss the ongoing strategy for the company’s digital transformation.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/QgxIdI3NIEXaTVmUrLlNK/702a28ed68f72e6b9502171c4dc27c24/GettyImages-1413759114.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image]: QA Tester, working on a desktop computer, identifying and analyzing problems during the debugging process of the software.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/1tPfcTC0l523DnstxkXgho/4badca73ee40e229624883d213af6af7/GettyImages-1280720394.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] Cybersecurity analyst working on creating a firewall to secure the network.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/3AUaFq4JpATHurg81SAUj0/6f34db2e2a38d9ea77d350f89447ea60/GettyImages-76530721__2_.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Feautured image] Two IT support technicians discuss IT issues in front of a large monitor.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/7J9Qh1Xr191CdF3ty1tv7O/11d5e37698ad30d554ee7b650fbfc7de/GettyImages-1171809330.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image]: An IT associate wearing an orange top sits at a desktop computer, exploring information about free IT certifications.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/114Z6JxwjZjEfnfTQpSqrl/5ba0afe55a2a28bcf6087b27ab6db79d/pexels-rfstudio-3059745.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image]: IT Business Analyst, working at a desktop computer, evaluating the company's current technology.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/1iR3izwqxhutloa99XeX8C/641d59ca0dc9de9d6229a398022a5f70/GettyImages-980654204_IT_project_management__8_.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A remote customer service agent is checking their tablet while at home.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/7AUOu6uojX2rTimV8xWlfU/8c4f03fb1232d5e31c370a4a0851fe32/iStock-1282867879.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image]: Two professionals with a master's in information technology review a computer system to ensure it operates properly.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4bZPGGH5fclShkZcvvUeYc/3ec56ff6e580899baff6b7e3dc230900/GettyImages-2099147743.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
In today's data-driven world, professionals skilled in IT disciplines are in high demand across many industries. A career in this fast-growing field provides opportunities to use technical skills to drive meaningful business impact. Explore the diverse career paths, essential skills, and job types within IT to start your journey in this exciting and rewarding domain.
Interested in entry-level IT? Find out more about what information technology is and common entry-level roles.
Interested in CompTIA A+? Read about the CompTIA A+ certification, and explore other certifications for IT professionals.
Interested in solutions and support? Dive into a solutions engineer's daily work and learn more about what a technical support engineer does.
Ready to start learning? Explore our catalog of IT support, CompTIA A+, and technical support courses for beginners and experienced professionals.
