Myth:

The only thing computer nerds do is sit in the basement in the middle of the night and “hack” the net.

Reality:

Almost all computer scientists and information systems specialists create new and innovative software that benefits society by enabling people to leverage their knowledge through the power of the computer. As in all of society, a few “bad apples spoil the barrel”; very few “hackers” are real computer scientists.

Myth:

Computing is a “lonely profession”.

Reality:

Creation of software systems to solve industrial and societal problems consists of both creative individual design and development, and “teamwork” on specifying, designing, developing, integrating, testing, delivering, and maintaining (and extending) large software systems. Software specifications and systems can become so large and complex that individuals cannot achieve success on their own. It takes a group of talented and dedicated software engineers and domain specialists to create successful software.

For example, if you build a video game, you need a team of computer scientists to develop the core game engine. But you also need artists to give meaning (texture) to characters and spaces, architecture experts to display meaningful simulated environments, theater and writing experts to develop the story-line, and marketers to make the game financially viable. They are all part of the “game team.”

Myth:

There are no jobs in computing.

Reality:

According to the Department of Commerce, 70% of all new jobs in science and engineering in the next eight years will be in information technology.

Myth:

Computing is only for men.

Reality:

There is a tremendous need for the contributions women can make to society through software systems. Computer science is all about solving problems and if only half of the population takes part in solving problems through automation, many problems will be solved incorrectly.

For example, one of the first software teleconferencing systems was built by a team of men and their testing proved this product to be excellent. But when they first displayed this product at a trade show, a woman tried it out and it failed miserably. Why? It was never tested on a population of women.