When the subject of IT (Information Technology) comes up, many people immediately think of Silicon Valley,
Seattle, or emerging “tech hubs” like Austin, TX. The fact is, technology is everywhere, and our entire society is now dependent on the Internet. Oklahoma is loaded with high-quality IT talent, as demonstrated by the InnoTech business and technology conference held last week in Oklahoma City.
The InnoTech conference is presented annually by Interworks, a global data consulting firm headquartered in Stillwater. An extensive roster of industry sponsors and expert seminar speakers drew attendees from all around the state. It was a great opportunity to network and learn cutting-edge information to keep Oklahoma’s information networks running efficiently and safely. Sean Lowery of Prospera Events and his staff are to be commended for presenting a great conference.
What does this mean to “regular” computer users? Why should people care if their local IT folks are having a fun time at some nerdy conference? Those are good questions, which I shall attempt to answer.
The worlds of technology, computers and the Internet change every day; sometimes, multiple times in the same day. What was true last week, last month, or last year may not be true, today. What was true five minutes ago may have suddenly become the wrong way to do things. I tell my customers all the time, “The only thing you can count on with computers is that things are not going to stay the same.”
Conferences like InnoTech give IT folks a way to keep up with the latest changes, as well as hobnob with their colleagues about the best ways to do things in the ever-changing world of computer tech. You could compare the situation to that of a doctor; an oncologist, perhaps. An oncologists’ world changes frequently, as new research discovering newer or better ways of helping patients is an ongoing event. I don’t know about you, but I would want my oncologist to be educated in all the latest, greatest ways to help me.
Think about some of the things that have changed over the years, that your IT person should at least know about, if not be an expert regarding. A few examples come to mind. Passwords: the old rule that passwords should be eight characters long to be safe has not been true for years, now. Screensavers: modern computers no longer need screensavers. Leaving your computer on 24/7: no, instead, you should turn off your computer at the end of the day. Apple Mac computers can’t get viruses: oh yes, they can, and do. You should only open email attachments from people you know: actually, the most dangerous emails you get are from your friends.
With all this in mind, the next time you call your computer guy/gal, and they are busy attending an IT conference like InnoTech, rejoice. They are most likely there learning how to make your life better.