Myths and Reality of Computer Science

Well, 2025 is ending and 2026 is just around the corner as I write this article. This is the age of a digital revolution. Everything—from official work to money—is now in digital form. There is a growing craze for a digital society: social media, workplaces, government, business, and almost anything you can imagine. The world is going digital. This opens huge potential and possibilities in the field of computing and information technology. I can already see the impact. More and more students at Rosy Buds School are taking Computer Science as their optional subject. Seeing the growing demand of the digital world, our current Education Minister Mr. Mahabir Pun has even proposed to make Computer Science as compulsory subject.  Many students are still confused about what Computer Science is, and some take this subject because it’s trending, they hear their friends and family say that it is the age of computers, so they must know computer. I have written this article to enlighten some myths and reality of Computer Science and Information Technology. Are they the same? What makes them different? And, if they are different, which one should I choose?

To understand this, we must first know the difference between Computer Science (CS) and IT (Information Technology). Computer Science is mainly about problem-solving, algorithms, logic, and programming. Information Technology is mainly about applying technology to real-world needs, networks, security, and system management. Both Computer Science and IT are related, but each has its own specialty.

Both CS and IT both are more or less similar and overlap in many disciplines but which one suits whom depends upon student’s personality, interest and strength. If you have the mindset of solving complex problems, algorithm analysis, core programming , how AI works then go for pure Computer Science but if your thinking is  – how to use Technology efficiently in business and decision making systems then IT related course is  for you. Also read : What is CS (it may give some insight on myths and reality of Computer Science)

Choosing Computer Science what’s myth and reality

One major reason students find Computer Science confusing is that people have always seen the computers just as a device which is used to type documents, watch movies, browse the internet, or play games. They think that Computer Science will teach them to operate the computer or fix the problems in computers. In our society, the general thinking is that if someone studies Computer Science, they must be able to repair a printer, install software, remove viruses, or even recover a hacked Facebook account. I mean we do fix printers and recover hacked accounts, but not by studying Computer Science but as a part of our keen interest. We hear comments like

“यत्ति कम्प्युटर पढेर पनि एउटा फेसबुक ह्याक गर्न सक्दैन?“

“कम्प्युटर इन्जिनियर भएर प्रिन्टर जोड्न पनि आउँदैन?“

These comments can hurt the mentality of CS students; they may start doubting their ability. They may start thinking – perhaps the society is right and I must know everything about computers. But Computer Science itself is a universe and there are many disciplines inside it to master and no one can master everything. I often repeat this phrase to my CS students “Telescope is to Astronomy as Computer is to Computer Science.” The telescope is just a tool; astronomy is the science behind space, stars, and the universe. Likewise, a computer is just a tool. Computer Science is the vast scientific and engineering discipline behind how computing works, why it works, and how technological solutions are created.

Let’s suppose a computer scientist is typing in his computer and keyboard stops working, to fix the faulty keyboard, maybe he will first check if it is properly connected, like anyone else. He may later search Google, ask ChatGpt or even call a technician, just like anyone else. Similarly if anyone asks me or a Computer Science student to recover a hacked social media account, we may only be able to guide you to security settings or official help pages. To think that a computer scientist must know how to fix computers is like thinking a doctor should know how to repair the X-ray machine. Of course, I do fix printers, install Windows and help recover people’s hacked Facebook accounts but not because Computer Science taught me but it’s because I was curious, and I explored and it is a part of my self-learning.

The ever changing landscape of technology

Another major challenge that students and professionals constantly face is the rapid pace of change. The speed at which new tools, languages, and platforms emerge is overwhelming. A language or framework that feels “bleeding edge” today can become outdated surprisingly fast. When I began my journey as a programmer during early 1990, I put a lot of effort on FoxPro, Visual Basic, FrontPage. They were the most popular and in demand those days but now they have completely vanished. During my college, Web Technology was an elective. It was considered futuristic technology, but now web technology is a basic requirement. After college, to work professionally, I really had to updated fast – PHP, JavaScript, MySQL, Python and many latest frameworks. Learning never stops and we need to continuously upgrade our skills and it becomes a lifelong habit. The suggestion, I give my students – get beyond the languages, focus on the architecture, learn the basics well.

Students entering the field often ask: “Will I be able to cope?” This constant evolution is exciting, but it also brings pressure. Students fear falling behind; professionals worry about staying relevant. Every year we see newer trends – artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity threats, blockchain, and quantum research. To survive in this field, one must develop adaptability, curiosity, and resilience. Instead of just memorizing the theory, we must learn how to learn and adapt. The world of computing rewards those who can adapt well to the changes, not those who hang on to old comfort zones.

In Nepal, and particularly in schools like Rosy Buds School, the rising interest in Computer Science is a positive signal. It shows that students are thinking ahead and planning for a digital future. However, interest must be supported by awareness. Students should explore beyond the surface:

• What careers exist in CS and IT?
• What subjects will they study?
• What skills do they need?
• What passions drive them?

But what students should not do is join the field blindly, just because it sounds cool, or because everyone else is doing it. Passion matters. Curiosity matters. Logical thinking matters. If you choose a subject without genuine interest, the rapidly evolving nature of technology may overpower you. You must also do your own research on myths and reality of Computer Science

Many people worry that AI will replace computer jobs, but the truth is quite the opposite. AI needs human direction, design, programming, testing, maintenance, ethics supervision, and innovation. As AI gets smarter, the need for AI engineers increases. Similarly, cybersecurity threats are growing, and every organization-from hospitals to banks to schools-needs experts to protect data and privacy. (Also read my article AI in education)

To excel in CS or IT, students must build certain habits:

• Keep learning new technologies
• Stay updated with global trends
• Practice coding regularly
• Work on personal projects
• Collaborate with others
• Think creatively
• Question how things work
• Read beyond textbooks

Conclusion

I hope, this article shed some light on myths and reality of Computer Science. In conclusion, the world of computers is vast, fascinating, and full of opportunities. But to enter it successfully, students must understand what it actually means. CS is not about repairing keyboards. IT is not limited to installing Windows. Together, they represent innovation, intelligence, and the future of human progress.

Whether you dream of building robots, creating video games, designing apps, exploring artificial intelligence, or protecting digital networks, this field welcomes you. Just remember: a computer is only a tool, just like a telescope. The real journey lies in the science behind it. And if you are ready to learn, adapt, and grow, Computer Science and Information Technology can open doors to a world beyond imagination. If you feel the spark inside you, don’t wait for the perfect moment, begin now. One small step today can shape your entire future. Your journey in Computer Science starts with curiosity, not certainty. The future belongs to those who begin.