Friday, June 29, 2012

Computer Engineering or Software Engineering





Introduction:


Computers!! - are slowly becoming a quintessential aspect which can be found everywhere; i,e in car engines, watches, microwave ovens, telephones, video games, x-ray machines, ATM's, touching every facet of our lives. Due to the rapid growth of Information Technology, computer industry has become one of the fastest growing segments of our economy. As a result, there exists a huge demand for Computer engineering professionals for the development of faster hardware components, new communication systems and software. Here comes the importance of Computer Engineering. Computer Engineering involves designing and testing of computer components. It is a branch of Engineering, which studies elements from both electrical engineering and computer science angles, combining the principle and techniques of these two for the making and development of computer and computer-based systems. Professionals who work with computer hardware and software are termed as Computer Engineers.

Computer engineers are a part of a team who apply their knowledge of mathematics and science for the design and development of a computer. Those who deal with the computer equipment as such, are termed as computer hardware engineers and those who deal with the computer programs are called computer software engineers. Computer software or software is a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that performs the major tasks on a computer system. Software engineers should have strong programming skills as they are concerned with the design and development of many types of software, including computer games, word processing and business applications, operating systems and network distribution and compilers, which convert programs to machine language for execution on a computer.

Hardware engineers are involved in the research, designing, testing, manufacturing and installation of computer hardware such as computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems and related equipments. Their work is similar to that of electronic engineers but their work is exclusively limited to computers and computer-related equipments. Computer engineers have the option of moving into hardware or software positions or blending the two. On projects, both these engineers usually work together as a team. It is these computer engineers who design software and hard ware computer-based systems for embedded micro controllers, designing - VLSI chips, analog sensors, mixed signal circuit boards and operating systems.

Job Prospects:

The job prospects for computer engineers are increasing rapidly both in India and abroad because of the booming in this industry. System study, analysis, design and programming are the main areas which provide various probabilities to the computer science and engineering graduates to shape themselves in their career. Computer engineers develop computer programs for industries. Their work involves the design, development and maintenance of software. They are engaged in analyzing problems for solutions, formulating and testing, using advanced communications or multi-media equipment or working in teams for product development.

A computer engineering graduate with a high percentage of mark and good communication skill are easily absorbed in reputed companies. Along with the degree in computer science, the candidate should be well trained in the latest software's. Software and IT companies are the main employers of these graduates. They can also find job opportunities in a variety of environments in university, research, private and public industries, government departments, business organizations, commercial organizations and the manufacturing sector etc.

Computer Engineers can work as a Software/ Hardware Engineer, which are the two main sectors in the computer industry. Software is the set of programmed instructions that enable a computer to perform specified functions and Hardware covers the physical elements of a computer system, and is concerned with the design, development, assembly, manufacture and maintenance. They can work as programmers, web developers and E- commerce specialists with industries that build or use computer-based systems, such as telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, etc. National and multi-national computer manufacturing companies; computer hardware system design and development companies, computer networking companies, software development companies as well as hardware assembling and maintenance companies, data processing departments of modern industries and in areas where computers and computer-aided systems are used, such as aeronautics and space science, the petroleum industry, chemical plants and power plants and management consultancy organizations are some among the probable work places.

Diploma holder in computer engineering can start their own business enterprise with very little investment. A person with good academic record i.e a masters degree in computer engineering with 5 years experience in teaching at graduate level or industrial experience in a reputed firm can be employed as a lecturer. Qualified candidates can find employment as a Software engineer in software companies in India and abroad.

European manufacturing industries provide excellent career opportunities for computer graduates in areas like cabling, satellite television, cellular telephones, microprocessor system design and software engineering. In Australia and overseas they might be employed in design, manufacturing, robotics and software development sectors.

Remuneration:

Compared to the other engineering fields, computer engineering graduates receive excellent pay package at the initial level itself. They can find job openings both in India and abroad. The remuneration depends on the status of the industry and experience, qualifications and ability of the employee.

As compared to the government sector, private firms offers excellent pay packages. In India a fresh graduate in computer engineering can get a starting salary of Rs.10, 000 – Rs.25, 000 and within 1 or 2 year of experience it may gradually increase to Rs. 50, 000 or more per month. A lecturer in this filed can earn an amount Rs 8000-13500/- plus dearness allowances. Freshers from the best technological universities/colleges (IITs and NITs) are offered annual pay package of up to 10 lakhs.

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