Computers have been in daily use at work for nearly half a century. Each new generation of the technology – mainframes, mini-computers, Cs and the Internet – has brought a demand for a fresh set of skills, but there are never enough people to fill the ever-growing number of posts in the IT sector. This guarantees that there is stiff competition among employers for the best technicians, which means that salaries can be very high.

The overall picture might be rosy, but if you want an honest evaluation of the different areas and jobs on offer, you need this book. Have you got the intellectual stamina to be a security analyst? What qualities and skills are employers looking for in their technical authors and operations managers? And how can you freelance successfully as a programmer or consultant? Based on interviews with people at all levels of the industry, this informed, no-nonsense guide points you to the right job – and shows you how to get it.

Whether you want to be the next Bill Gates or would be quite happy in a secure job with a blue-chip company, your IT career starts here.