jamespac’s posterous

Hi dai

Giggle ... the product of a free period

So he wants it for facebook ... viva la posterous

We can see from my slides the differences in the programs and their differences in utility:

Google Docs:

• Simple UI
• Easily stored
• Accessible for any internet enabled computer
• Formatting slides is easy
• Backgrounds can be hard to put in
• Free

Powerpoint:

• Bog standard
• Easy UI
• Formatting sidebar simplifies
• costs a fair bit

Open Office Impress:

• Free
• Awkward interface
• Lack of templates
• ugly presentation

Sliderocket:

• Free
• Beautiful interface
• Presentation was gorgeous
• Animations are fantastic
• media insertion was good

Computer games designers devise new computer games and define the way the game is played and the 'game experience'. They develop:

• the rules of the game
• the setting
• story and characters
• props such as weapons and vehicles
• different ways the game may be played.

It is part of their job to convince other members of the team to develop the game. They work with programmers, artists, animators, producers and audio engineers to turn their original vision into a working game.

Games designers work around 35 hours a week, but they may need to work longer hours as deadlines approach. They work in offices and spend long periods sitting at a desk using a computer or attending meetings.

A computer games designer should:

• be creative, imaginative and original
• be fluent in a number of software packages
• understand the market and target audience for computer games
• have problem-solving skills
• enjoy IT and playing computer games.

During the development of the game the game designer is responsible for:

• making sure that the rest of the team (including programmers, artists, animators, producers and audio engineers) understand the concept of the game
• making adjustments to the original specification to reflect technical constraints and new programming or artistic developments from the team
• training testers to play the game - they make sure that it works in the way it is meant to
• making sure the game experience meets the original vision.

Some game designers work on the whole game, while others might concentrate on one aspect of the design. On large projects, a lead designer oversees the work of a number of designers.

Games designers may work from their own original idea, or use various elements that have already been decided upon. They develop:

• the rules of the game
• the setting
• the story and how it develops
• the characters
• the weapons, vehicles and other devices that characters can use
• different ways the game may be played.

The designer presents these ideas in a 'concept document' or 'initial design treatment' which helps other members of the team to decide whether or not to go ahead with developing the game. Before companies invest time and money in new games, they must be convinced that people will want to buy the finished product. So they conduct market research and consider other factors such as timing before giving permission for further development.

The next stage is for the games designer to work with a team of artists and programmers to produce a prototype. This is a small-scale, playable version of the game, designed to prove that the idea will work. At the same time the designer puts together the full game design document which describes in detail every element of the game and how it works. This document is likely to change over time as the game evolves.

During the development of the game the game designer is responsible for:

• making sure that the rest of the team (including programmers, artists, animators, producers and audio engineers) understand the concept of the game
• making adjustments to the original specification to reflect technical constraints and new programming or artistic developments from the team
• training testers to play the game - they make sure that it works in the way it is meant to
• making sure the game experience meets the original vision.

Some game designers work on the whole game, while others might concentrate on one aspect of the design. On large projects, a lead designer oversees the work of a number of designers.

Starting salaries for new computer games designers with previous games industry experience may be around £19,000 a year.

Hours and environment

Games designers work on average 35 hours a week, but additional hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends, are likely to be required at busy times, particularly when deadlines are near.

Designers are office based and spend much of their time sitting at a desk using a computer, or attending meetings.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

• A new computer games designer with previous industry experience could earn around £19,000 a year.
• With experience, this could rise to between £25,000 and 35,000.
• A lead designer may earn between £35,000 and £55,000.

Skills and personal qualities

A computer games designer should:

• be creative, imaginative and original
• be fluent in a number of software packages
• have a thorough understanding of the market and target audience for computer games
• have problem-solving skills
• have storytelling ability
• have excellent communication and presentation skills
• understand the capabilities and benefits of different hardware including PCs, consoles and mobile devices, as well as the relevant software technologies and techniques
• have basic drawing and 3D design skills
• be able to adapt quickly to change
• work well in a team and alone
• work well under pressure and be able to meet deadlines
• take criticism well
• be willing to keep up to date with new developments and trends in the computer games market.

Interests

It is important to enjoy:

• playing computer games and working out what makes them good or bad
• working with IT.

Getting in

Around 6,600 people in the UK work in computer games development. They are employed by games development studios, which are either independent companies or owned by games publishers. Around half of the people working in the games sector are based in London and south-east England, but there are also important centres in Manchester, Liverpool, Warwickshire, Dundee, Sheffield and other parts of Yorkshire, and Newcastle.

Over half of all males and one in four females play games regularly, and the market is likely to expand as new technologies are introduced which make games more exciting and realistic. Development studios are keen to employ games designers who understand markets and target audiences and have the imagination and creativity to excite existing players and reach new audiences.

Vacancies are advertised through specialist recruitment agencies, on company websites, and in specialist games publications and websites.

Entry for young people

There are no set requirements for this job, but the majority of computer games designers are graduates. Most degree subjects are acceptable.

Skillset accredits four courses offering education and training development for people wanting a career in computer games:

• BA (Honours) Computer Arts, University of Abertay Dundee
• BSc (Honours) Computer Games Technology, University of Abertay Dundee
• BSc (Honours) Computer Games Technology, University of Paisley
• BA in Computer Animation, Glamorgan Centre for Art & Design Technology.

Students on these courses benefit from visiting lectures, studio tours, workshops, masterclasses, mentoring and work placements.

The usual requirements for a degree are at least two A levels/three H grades and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent qualifications, but candidates are advised to check with individual institutions.

It is not normally possible to become a computer games designer without relevant experience in the industry. Many designers have previously worked as testers in the quality assurance departments of games development studios. Employers usually expect to see a portfolio of work, including completed game projects or written game design documents and proposals.

Apprenticeships which may be available in England are Young Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships, Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships.

It is important to bear in mind that pay rates for Apprenticeships do vary from area to area and between industry sectors.

Training

Most computer games designers train on the job, combining self-learning with mentoring by more experienced colleagues. There may be the opportunity to attend short courses to learn about technological developments and new software packages.

It is very important for anyone working in the computer games industry to keep up to date with technological developments and market information, and to update their skills throughout their careers.

Getting on

There is no formal promotion route for computer games designers. With experience, it is possible to be promoted from junior designer to designer. Successful, experienced designers with project and people-management skills may progress to become lead designers.

There may be opportunities to move into management and marketing roles.

Talented designers may be offered the chance to work overseas. It may be possible to become self-employed, doing freelance work on a contract basis.

Here are 5 jobs i have found within ICT along with a summary and entry details:

1) Computer Operator

A computer operator is responsible for ensuring an organisation's computer system and networks run smoothly and efficiently, and are properly backed up.

Salaries may range from around £13,500 a year to £50,000 or more

 There are no formal entry qualifications. Employers look for basic numeracy skills and good communications skills. Some may expect a minimum of four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), including English and maths. Experience in a customer service role may be an advantage.

There are a range of qualifications, which provide a good grounding in IT. These include:

• BTEC National Diploma in Computer Studies or IT. Applicants typically need four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) or equivalent qualifications and courses normally last two years, full time.
• SQA National Certificate in IT. Applicants normally require four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) and courses normally last two years, full time.
• BTEC/SQA higher national diploma. Colleges normally ask for one A level/two H grades and four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or a BTEC/SQA national certificate/diploma in a relevant subject. Courses can be full time or part time and some colleges offer sandwich courses, with one year's work experience.

2) Database Administrator

A database administrator plans, manages and maintains computer files of information for organisations in both the private and public sectors. This information helps people to collate data for reference, strategic and communication purposes. Levels of responsibilities vary widely, ranging from typing and inputting information to complete management of data.

Salaries for database assistants and administrators may range from £16,380 to £45,000 a year.

School leavers with good GCSEs/S grades in English, maths and IT can often start in a database assistant post. Relevant computing qualifications include:

• GCSEs/S grades in information and communication technology (ICT)
• Advanced GCE in applied ICT
• A level/H grades in ICT
• Level 4 BTEC Professional Certificate in Networking
• Entry Level Certificate in ICT (Edexcel).

3) Forensic Computer Analyst

Forensic computer analysts (FCAs) specialise in computer crime, or cybercrime. Crimes using computers or technological equipment are rapidly increasing and include:

• virus attacks
• spoof websites
• online fraud
• computer hacking
• drug dealing
• child abuse

Salaries may range from around £20,000 to £41,952 a year or more for those with specialist training and experience.

Entry is usually with at least a degree in an IT or computing subject and a strong computing background. Graduates from other disciplines can complete IT conversion courses.

Some institutions offer specialist degrees and postgraduate qualifications in forensic computing and information security.

Entry to a degree course is usually with at least two A levels/three H grades and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or the equivalent. Many courses look for much more than the minimum. Useful A level/H grade subjects include maths, computing and science subjects. Entry to a postgraduate course is usually with a relevant first degree.

Foundation degrees in computing and IT subjects are also available. Entry to a Foundation degree is usually with one A level/two H grades or equivalent qualifications.

Applicants may have to undergo a security vetting check. A criminal record could be a disadvantage.

4) IT Technical Sales Specialist

An IT technical sales specialist is involved in selling hardware and software products produced by IT companies and software houses. They act as the technical experts when their company is trying to sell a product or service. In some smaller IT companies or software houses they may also identify and secure new business opportunities.

Salaries may range from £20,000 to over £50,000 a year.

Applicants for IT technical sales specialist roles are usually educated to degree level, possibly with relevant work experience and vocational skills.

Employers consider applicants from degree courses such as computer science, maths and physics, as well graduates with business, arts and humanities degrees with a flair for problem solving in a logical manner. More specific degree subjects include IT, computing, programming and software engineering.

Entry to a computing degree is usually with a minimum of two A levels/three H grades, often including maths or physics, and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or the equivalent. Courses last three or four years full time, or four or five years for sandwich courses. Candidates should check with individual institutions for specific grade and/or subject requirements.

There are a range of other qualifications which provide a good grounding in IT. These include:

• BTEC/SQA National Diploma/Certificate in Computer Studies, IT or Networking. Applicants typically need four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) or equivalent qualifications.
• BTEC/SQA higher national diplomas. Colleges normally ask for one A level/two H grades and four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or a BTEC/SQA national certificate/diploma in a relevant subject.
• City & Guilds Higher Professional Diploma in Information Management using ICT, Level 4.
• Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) BSc. This new degree course combines a BSc honours degree with learning, teaching and assessment methodologies designed in partnership with major IT companies.

5) Internet/Web Professional

An internet/web professional may perform one or all of the following roles:

• a web designer, responsible for the design, layout and coding of web pages
• an information architect, who plans how the content will be managed and displayed
• a webmaster or web developer, dealing with the more sophisticated websites that handle online enquiries, search engine optimisation and web hosting
• an account/project manager, co-ordinating all these aspects over different projects.

Earnings range from around £17,500 to £40,000 or significantly more. Income for self-employed professionals or contractors may be higher, according to their ability and reputation.

Most internet/web professionals have a degree, HND or HNC. Computer science, 3D design and graphic design are among the most useful subjects.

It is possible to begin training for this work straight from school ideally with good GCSEs/S grades in English, maths, IT and science. Some employers recruit people with A levels or equivalent qualifications as trainee programmers, who then go on to become internet/web professionals.

It is important to build up a strong portfolio of experience in designing web pages and this may compensate for lack of formal qualifications. A personal website with an online CV or career profile and hyperlinks to other websites produced is useful and can be accessed directly by potential employers.

• A degree requires at least two A levels/three H grades and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), usually including English and maths. Alternative qualifications include BTEC/SQA national awards or AVCE/GSVQ Level III.
• For BTEC/SQA higher national awards, applicants need at least one A level/two H grades and three GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) in other subjects, sometimes including English and maths, or alternative qualifications.
• Web development, web design, multimedia design, and web content management are examples of possible subject choices at degree or HND level.

Other full-time college courses include:

• BTEC national diplomas in subjects such as computer studies or information technology. Applicants usually need four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) including art and design, a BTEC first award or an Intermediate GNVQ.
• SQA National Certificate modules in Information Technology. Individual colleges may set their own requirements.
• AVCE/GSVQ Level III in Information Technology or Art and Design. Check the entry requirements with colleges and schools.

Graduate apprenticeships in IT may be available for young people in England.

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