NetworkTechnology: February 2021

Data Entry Responsibilities

The job of data entry clerk is a general office job that includes some standard office skills and can vary from one workplace to another.

The basic description of a data entry clerk is a position that involved entering and updating information within a company database. That may mean making editing changes to the company handbook, scanning in documents to be kept on file, or updating customer accounts. But for many workplaces, data entry is only one part of the clerk's job.

If you want to get into a company as a data entry clerk, you'll need to know how to type, and should be familiar with Mac and PC keyboards. Depending on the company, you may be answering phones, scanning documents, and other office support tasks.

This is typically an entry-level position, which the pay scale tends to reflect. Data entry clerks need a limited knowledge of office systems and procedures, and while you'll need to have a good sense of proper office etiquette and attire, it's likely you won't be required to make large-scale decisions.

That doesn't mean you should expect this job to be boring, or that it's unimportant. In a lot of ways, clerks are the company's gatekeepers, deciding which calls go through and which get sent to voicemail. If they're doubling as the office receptionist, they'll be the company's first point of contact for many people.

How Data Entry Clerks Fit in the Office Hierarchy

Clerks should expect to be supervised by an office manager or senior administrator. Although they'll vary from company to company, the tasks a clerk does will tend to remain fairly consistent, depending on the company's needs.

In a small company, the data entry needs may be minimal, so the clerks may be part-time workers, or workers with other related duties, such as receptionist or secretary. When in a medium-sized office, more than one clerk is probably required, and the positions may be part or full-time.

A data entry clerk's position within a large organization is usually well defined in terms of responsibilities and tasks. Ideally, but not always, there will be a clear chain of command and expected outcomes are clearly communicated.

Necessary Skills for Data Entry Clerks

How fiber internet is installed

Here’s a quick, step-by-step overview of the process of getting fiber internet installed at your home.

Find a fiber-optic internet provider in your area

The first thing you’ll need to do is find a fiber internet service provider in your area. There are a few ways you can do this — the fastest way is just to search “fiber internet near me.” This search should return a list of providers near you who offer fiber internet service. Next, choose a provider you’d like to work with. CenturyLink offers Fiber Internet plans in many of our service areas nationwide, and we are continuously expanding.

Schedule a fiber internet installation appointment

Once you’ve chosen a fiber-optic internet provider and signed up for fiber internet service, you’ll need to schedule the installation. You must be home for this appointment, as the installer will need access to both the outside and inside of your home.

During the appointment, the technician will install a small utility box called an optical network terminal (or ONT) outside or inside your home. The tech will then run a cable from a nearby equipment box to the ONT, which will carry the fiber-optic connection from the larger network to your premises. Once the terminal box is hooked up to the network, it will be linked to your router through an Ethernet connection.

Purchase or lease a fiber internet router

You will need a fiber-ready router (often called a “residential gateway” by internet providers like CenturyLink) in order to accommodate fiber-optic speeds. We strongly recommend getting a new gateway directly from your internet service provider to make sure all components of your service are compatible and will work with your new service. Most providers offer the option of leasing or buying a router designed to optimize your fiber connection.

Connect your devices to your home fiber network

After the technician completes the fiber internet installation, he or she will help set up your WiFi-enabled router and connect your devices to the new network. You will find the assigned wireless network name (SSID) and password (security key) on the label attached to your router. Or, you can access the router’s user interface site and create your own customized network name and password to make login easier and more secure. Then locate the correct WiFi network on all your devices and enter the password. As an alternative, you can connect your devices using WPS. Once each device has been reconnected to your new network, you are all set!

The daily duties of a fiber optic technician

fiber optic specialist salary Advances in technology, as well as the internet, have not only changed the way we do things but have also opened up numerous opportunities. Today, these examples of innovation have revolutionized several industries around the world. One of the industries that have benefited greatly from the ever-changing technological trends and internet connection is the telecommunication industry. In terms of opportunities, we now have fiber optic technicians working in companies operating in the industry.

A fiber optic technician is a professional who works in the telecommunication industry. The main duty of the technician is to install and repair fiber optic cables, a technology the uses threads and glass as a means of transmitting data. The cables are useful in carrying television, telephone, and internet connections, and have become popular due to their efficiency. These cables have the capacity to carry more data when compared to metal cables. They are also less susceptible to interference, thinner, lighter, and allow for the digital transmission of data.

Some fiber optic cables are located outside buildings, this job involves climbing ladders, using other methods to reach high places and working under different weather conditions. Fiber optic technicians can work in a variety of buildings, from large, multi-story office buildings, to small houses. Some of the daily duties of these professionals include:

Installations, troubleshooting, and maintaining all fiber optic systems in businesses, homes, schools, and other organizations to ensure that they are working properly.
Measuring the signal strength of television, telephone and internet connections to ensure that there is adequate performance.
Creating sensors and performing inspections to make sure that the fiber optic systems do not have defects that could undermine performance.
Conducting regular inspections of the systems with the aim of locating and repairing any defects detected during the inspections.
Performing premises cabling and running fiber optic cables underground and underwater.
Determining solutions to any problems and issues that are preventing the fiber optic systems from performing optimally.
Constructing a proper slice case as well as preparing and maintaining records, diagrams and schematics relating to the splice case.

The importance of training and certification in fiber optic

Hiring or certifying a fiber optics technician can make all of the difference to your business. Not only will you have someone onsite to help fix fiber optics issues that arrive, the training will show the technicians the fastest and most effective way to do so. When hiring, a certified candidate who has validated their skills through training has a huge advantage of one who doesn't have that certification.

The body that issues certification in fiber optic ensures that all their members are up to date with the latest trends in the industry and adhere to the highest standards. The certification exams are also designed to meet the standards of the international community. Most employers will consider technicians with the necessary certification to have quality training and the requisite competence to deliver in the field.

Fair and objective assessment

The certification body strives to ensure that all programs are free from bias and discrimination. The programs also comply with the various civil rights standards. This will go a long way in ensuring that employers and other clients have confidence in the quality of service that the professional can offer. Indeed, an objective assessment is a boost to the academic credentials of the fiber optic professional.

Opportunity for mastery

All the certifications exams are regularly reviewed by experts, educators, and representatives of the relevant national associations. This means that the exams capture the latest trends in the industry and comply with the required standards. Any candidate who receives certification will have confidence that they have demonstrated proper knowledge and understanding of the field. It will also be testament to the qualified professionals, who are aware of what the industry has to offer.

Are you interested in certifying an employee or employees in fiber optics?

If you would like to have a worker or workers certified in fiber optics, Infotec offers this course, and many others, through our classroom training. For more information and to answer any questions that you might have, contact Infotec today!

Fiber Optic Technician Professional Summary

fiber cable technician Large companies that rely on internal networks covet the skills fiber optics technicians provide. The high demand for such professionals can drive up the level of competition in the job market. With so many qualified individuals seeking such jobs, you need to be able to set yourself apart.Having a well-composed curriculum vitae to share with hiring managers does that. Included here is a fiber optic technician CV example along with some basic writing guidelines to help you create your own employment reference document. Including this alongside applications can help give you a distinct advantage in your job search.

Fiber optic technician with over six years of experience seeking career advancement. Specialty is premises cabling, having served as an IT maintenance technician for the last four years. Educational background is in electrical engineering with an emphasis in hardware maintenance and installation. Known for meticulous attention to detail, which helps in both installing hardware correctly and quickly pinpointing issues during service calls. Have worked in both the apprentice and mentor roles, which has helped develop good communication skills when training new employees and explaining issues to non-technical staff.

Fiber optics play a big part in the infrastructure that runs a lot of the world’s connectivity. We all need the internet, and fiber optics is one of the fastest modes of transport for information and telecommunications. Therefore, fiber optic technicians and engineers are in high demand right now and careers in all kinds of industries are just waiting for you.

If you have been dreaming of a career in fiber optics, now is the time to get your foot in the door. Right now, fiber optics offers many rewarding opportunities with different types of companies from internet providers serving broadband communications, to medical device manufacturers and military operations. Fiber optic cable is used in hundreds of industries around the globe.

Depending on the industry and the company, fiber optic engineers earn a good, stable salary with the median being around $55,000 a year. If you get in with a good company and the work is more complex and detailed, that figure will increase. There are tons of great benefits working with fiber. A standout is that you don’t need a high-level college degree, just specialized skill experience. You can gain a lot of experience as an apprentice to a master engineer for 3–5 years before beginning your career. This experience looks great on your resume and shows your commitment to the industry and career path.

Finding the Perfect Job in Fiber Optics

fiber optic jobs in california

Finding the Perfect Job in Fiber Optics

Fiber optic technicians are critical to the operations of broadband communications by installing the cables that transmit the information over long distances. Fiber optics work by information being turned into light which travels very fast until it reaches its destination when it is then transformed back into data when it reaches its destination.

A lot of the work performed by a fiber optics engineer is maintenance and troubleshooting. If you have an aptitude for finding and fixing problems, networking, IT, or working with tools, those skills will come in handy when you apply. Sometimes technicians have to work in foul weather, up high on poles or under houses and in crawl spaces. If none of this bothers you, you might find being a fiber optics technician to be the perfect job. Fiber optic technicians have to be comfortable working in tight spaces, using ladders, and handling heavy tools.

Often, technicians get to know the communities they work in very well and make some great connections and friendships. Seeing the same close-knit group of customers frequently makes for a pleasant working environment and a rewarding experience. If you like friendly encounters with customers, a fiber job might be right for you.

How Fiber Optics Affect Our Lives

Optical fibers are thin strands of glass that are bundled together to form a cable. Data is transmitted through these cables inside light, which travels very fast. Fiber optic cable is one of the fastest mediums for communicating data over the internet.

Fiber optics were initially invented for the medical industry and endoscopy. There are various types of fiber, and it is used in a variety of industries around the world. The military uses fiber optics, as does the medical industry. It is also used in broadcasting and computer networking.

Due to the versatility of fiber optics, the career opportunities are endless. If you are interested in medicine and the development of new devices, and you have a background in fiber optics, there will be a job for you. If instead you are into networking and IT services, broadband might be the best fit for your fiber optic skills to shine.

How to Structure Your Resume for a Career in Fiber Optics

If your goal is to work in fiber optics, a good resume is vital. First, you will want to make sure you tailor your resume specifically to the industry in which you are applying. You may be interested in a few different areas, so spend time customizing each copy of your resume to fit the job description.

Your resume introduction is the first impression you will make. Take the time to make it great. Right from the first sentence, highlight the ways you can serve your new employer with your skill sets. Be concise but also clear, and focus on your strongest experience and abilities.

Instead of starting with a broad and generic career objective, instead, list your unique skills and how they will serve you well in this new position. Don’t be shy, include any personal skills or hobbies that will aid you in doing your job and fit nicely with a fiber optics career path.

Electrical Engineering and Fiber Optics

Electrical engineering has been shaping our modern world for decades. From its humble beginnings in 1830 when Michael Faraday invented a crude, electric generator to light bulbs in 1878 and then TV and satellites, electrical engineers have blazed a trail for the future.

The 1980s and the explosion of the internet and mobile devices opened up a lot of exciting opportunities in engineering. 3D imaging, flexible smartphones with holographic displays and other significant advances being invented right now are paving the way for even more careers in technology.

Fiber optics play a big part in so many areas of our lives and the need for skilled, qualified technicians is expanding right along with it. Right now is the perfect time for a career in fiber optics. If you are unsure about how to start, find someone working in the fiber optic field and ask them to mentor you so you can learn the ins and outs before hitting any interviews. Ask questions and gain as much knowledge as you can before you start on this career path.

If you are in good physical shape, and enjoy hard work and learning new things, fiber optics is a fantastic career that will take you to new heights of expertise. Technology is evolving at a rapid pace, and along with it you will get to learn more about the ways fiber is changing the world in which we live.

How does a fiber optic cable work?

fiber optic careers Over the last 20 years or so, fiber optic lines have taken over and transformed the long distance telephone industry. Optical fibers are also a huge part of making the Internet available around the world. When fiber replaces copper for long distance calls and Internet traffic, it dramatically lowers costs.

To understand how a fiber optic cable works, imagine an immensely long drinking straw or flexible plastic pipe. For example, imagine a pipe that is several miles long. Now imagine that the inside surface of the pipe has been coated with a perfect mirror. Now imagine that you are looking into one end of the pipe. Several miles away at the other end, a friend turns on a flashlight and shines it into the pipe. Because the interior of the pipe is a perfect mirror, the flashlight's light will reflect off the sides of the pipe (even though the pipe may curve and twist) and you will see it at the other end. If your friend were to turn the flashlight on and off in a morse code fashion, your friend could communicate with you through the pipe. That is the essence of a fiber optic cable.

Making a cable out of a mirrored tube would work, but it would be bulky and it would also be hard to coat the interior of the tube with a perfect mirror. A real fiber optic cable is therefore made out of glass. The glass is incredibly pure so that, even though it is several miles long, light can still make it through (imagine glass so transparent that a window several miles thick still looks clear). The glass is drawn into a very thin strand, with a thickness comparable to that of a human hair. The glass strand is then coated in two layers of plastic.

By coating the glass in plastic, you get the equivalent of a mirror around the glass strand. This mirror creates total internal reflection, just like a perfect mirror coating on the inside of a tube does. You can experience this sort of reflection with a flashlight and a window in a dark room. If you direct the flashlight through the window at a 90 degree angle, it passes straight through the glass. However, if you shine the flashlight at a very shallow angle (nearly parallel to the glass), the glass will act as a mirror and you will see the beam reflect off the window and hit the wall inside the room. Light traveling through the fiber bounces at shallow angles like this and stays completely within the fiber.

To send telephone conversations through a fiber optic cable, analog voice signals are translated into digital signals (see How analog and digital recording works for details). A laser at one end of the pipe switches on and off to send each bit. Modern fiber systems with a single laser can transmit billions of bits per second -- the laser can turn on and off several billions of times per second. The newest systems use multiple lasers with different colors to fit multiple signals into the same fiber.

Pursuing FOA Certification

fiber optic certification training near meAs copper cables are increasingly replaced with fiber optic technology, the demand for trained fiber optic technicians increases. Some fiber optic technicians learn the trade while on the job, but if you want to give yourself a competitive edge, then pursuing certification is the way to go. A certification course provides you with all the basic skills you need to become an expert fiber optic technician. Read on to learn what’s involved.

Pursuing FOA Certification

The FOA is the international Fiber Optic Association. The FOA is the standard bearer when it comes to assessing and teaching best practices with fiber optics. There are two ways to become certified with the FOA. One way is to pursue training at an FOA approved school. These are schools that offer fiber optics courses that meet FOA standards and are taught by experienced fiber optic technicians who are members of the FOA. After completing this training and proving that you have a firm grasp of the skills, knowledge, and abilities required by the FOA, you are granted a fiber optic technician certification.

Another way to pursue certification is to complete a “Work to Cert” program. This program is aimed towards fiber optic technicians already working in the field who do not have certification. If they can prove that they have a firm grasp of the skills, knowledge, and abilities required by the FOA, they are granted certification.

Types of FOA Certifications

The FOA offers Industry-Based Certifications (IBC), which means that they are exam-based, administered and accredited by third parties, and developed by the private sector. IBCs have more validity than popular do-it-yourself education or online education because the standards are set by an authority and they are based in proven skill. The FOA offers two basic fiber optic technician certifications, along with specialist certifications:

CFOT: The Certified Fiber Optic Technician certification proves that you have a general knowledge of fiber optics that can be applied to almost any situation.
CPCT: The Certified Premises Cabling Technician certification shows an expertise in installing fiber, copper, and wireless in building and campus networks. This certification is recommended for those working in enterprise networks (LANs) and building security and management systems.
CFOS: The Certified Fiber Optic Specialist certifications are divided into two categories: skills-based and applications-based. Skills-based certifications focus on installation and testing of fiber optic cabling, while applications-based certifications focus on specific applications of fiber optic cabling.

Get in Touch with FiberPlus!

FiberPlus has been providing data communication services for a number of different markets through fiber optics since 1992. What began as a cable installation company for Local Area Networks has grown into a top telecommunications business that can provide the Richmond, VA, Columbus, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, Baltimore, MD, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia areas with a number of different services. These services now include:

Structured Cabling
Electronic Security Systems
Distributed Antenna Systems
Audio/Visual Services
Support Services
Specialty Systems
Design/Build Services

FiberPlus promises the communities in which we serve that we will continue to expand and evolve as new technology is introduced within the telecommunications industry.

Have any questions? Interested in one of our services? Call FiberPlus today 800-394-3301, email us at info@fiberplusinc.com, or visit our contact page.

What Does A Computer Scientist Do?

what do computer scientists do

If you are trying to decide on a career path, you should know that computer science jobs are on the rise. Technology and computer science jobs are projected to grow around 12% by 2028, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.¹

Becoming a computer scientist is a great career option if you have an interest in technology and problem solving and want a job where you will be challenged and learn new skills. Let’s take a closer look at this profession.

What Is a Computer Scientist?

If you are deciding whether or not a computer science degree is right for you, it's important to know the ins and outs of the profession. A computer scientist understands the theoretical aspects of working with computers. They do not necessarily work with hardware and applications in the same way that computer engineers do. Instead, a computer scientist considers how technology handles information then applies it to programs.

Becoming a Computer Scientist

If this role sounds interesting to you then you might want to begin your career journey toward becoming a computer scientist. Most computer scientists hold bachelor's or advanced degrees in computer science. They may also study in fields like physics or mathematics.

Computer science degree programs prepare students to work in software development and big data analytics. Corporate businesses and organizations also look for computer science degree holders to help them develop systems and applications and understand interactions and technical theory.

Beyond formal academic training, a computer scientist must have excellent communication skills. This career often requires sharing results and findings of investigations in publications or through in-person presentations. This job also requires a good amount of teamwork and problem-solving as a team.

Job Responsibilities

Computer scientists are usually hired by software development firms. Their role includes creating new theories around technology development. While other people at a software firm may be building current technologies, a computer scientist is thinking through ideas on how to take that technology to the next level in sustainable and efficient ways. Computer scientists also use their knowledge to work in software engineering or as IT consultants. They may also find work at universities and research companies.

On the job, computer scientists use technology to solve problems and prepare for the future. They also write and program software to create applications. Their primary focus, however, is to validate and develop models for interaction between people and computers or software and devices. The computer science field is very diverse and there are jobs within many different sectors of the industry.

Computer scientists conduct theoretical investigations in a lot of different areas. They are also interested in database theory and software engineering. Numerical analysis, computational complexity theory, computer graphics and programming languages are also areas where the computer scientist has applicable knowledge.

Finding Jobs as a Computer Scientist

Computer scientists are highly sought-after in the technology field. This environment is usually collaborative and fast-paced. So, to become a computer scientist, you need to be comfortable being creative and working quickly.

Companies looking to hire computer scientists are looking for people who have exceptional planning and coding skills. They want somebody who can contribute in the very beginning of an idea and see a project through to the end. Software development, deployment and testing and fixing bugs is also a part of a computer scientist job description.

Which pays more computer science or software engineering?

computer science vs software engineering

Young technologists have a variety of undergraduate degrees that they can pursue at the collegiate level. But which degree is going to produce the most job offers and the highest starting salaries? Should college students major in computer science, software engineering, IT or some other niche in order to snare the top prize four years from now: a six-figure starting salary, perhaps with stock options?

We talked to colleges and professors across various tech disciplines about industry demand for their graduates. We pored over starting salary data from the PayScale College Salary Report 2012-13. We also looked at unemployment rates by college major compiled by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce.

One trend is clear: The more challenging the tech-oriented major, the more job opportunities available to newly minted graduates ... as well as higher starting salaries. Students who take more math, science and engineering courses in college, tend to earn higher salaries upon graduation. Of course, whether a senior in college has multiple job offers with signing bonuses and other perks depends on their grades and internships. Also, graduating from a highly selective technical college helps tremendously with on-campus recruitment."Our computer science majors last year had upwards of eight to 10 offers, and they could have had more if they would have pursued them," says Kevin Hewerdine, director of career services at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, one of the nation's top-ranked undergraduate engineering schools. In 2012, the average starting salary offered to Rose-Hulman computer science grads was $76,368 and software engineering grads was $71,930.

"This year, 90% of our seniors in those majors have multiple job offers already," Hewerdine says. "They're being hired by Microsoft, Texas Instruments, National Instruments, Amazon, Google and defense contractors. ... There is more demand and salaries are higher for computer science and software engineering than any other major."

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Do computer engineers make a lot of money?

how much do computer engineers make

What is Computer Engineering?

The term covers a range of intertwined professions. Two general branches would be hardware and software engineering. Network engineering might be considered third. Computer engineers may choose among various degrees, thus forming the exact set of skills they wish to perfect.

There are a great many ways to describe the computer engineering definition, but one of the ways is a professional who has network, systems, and software engineering experience. Computer engineering is also a term that can be used to describe a person who has a background in electrical engineering. People who pride themselves on being computer engineers are proficient in computer science, and they can also be involved in hardware or software development. There are a variety of available degrees for computer engineers, with access to many different IT areas.

Engage engineers right now to seize growth opportunities!

What does a Computer Engineer do?

So, what does a computer engineer do? That depends on their career of choice. At a glance:

Software engineers deals with computer programming, smartphone applications, and software development in general.
Hardware engineers design and maintain physical products.
Network engineers design and maintain systems and networks.

Regardless of your career of choice, you may expect a good salary. The IT sector is ever-expanding, with new fields of study appearing daily rather than annually (or even less frequently). Both software and hardware professionals are employed by businesses coming from all fields. Every computer engineer may choose the exact type of company to work with – large, small, local, or international, or turn online. Remote software engineering jobs are highly popular not only because they appear convenient. In most cases they don’t differ drastically from those in your local are in terms of working hours and duties. Their main benefit is that they allow for advanced career prospects, international work experience, and the ability to work from home.

Given the full range of degrees that can be accessed for those wishing to become computer engineers, what they do is extremely broad. There is no one answer here, due to the fact that a computer engineer performs tasks pertaining to their specific skillset. Software engineers, for example, dabble in programming and app development compared to the maintenance of computers that hardware engineers perform. On another scale, the network engineers out there design the systems that the hardware engineers maintain. It's a full circle industry with many different avenues.

Computer Engineering vs. Software Engineering

computer engineering vs software engineering

Software engineering focuses on discovering, creating, and designing a practical solution to a problem with a system. Computer engineering, on the other hand, develops computer systems using computer science and electrical engineering. That is one of the key differences between the two, though they do work together in many, many situations, which is why it is confusing.

Software engineering and computer engineering are both related to computers, which is where the confusion comes into it. The major difference is that software engineering involves more of the design elements, implementation, testing, and maintenance of your software. Computer engineering deals more with the physical or hardware systems.

Software Engineering and Computer Engineering Are Team Efforts.

Many of the concepts for computer engineering are similar concepts you will find in software engineering. They both, to differing degrees, require knowledge of software architecture, software testing, and even software deployment. This is sometimes a team activity but can fall on just a few IT leaders or CIOs in a company.

Whenever you have a problem with your system, it is likely something that is a software problem. In software engineering, IT leaders study, devise, and build practical solutions to that problem. This might involve using the existing software and manipulating the code in some way to fix the issue. For larger or more significant problems, it can involve creating a new system from the bottom up. You need software to make your computer function and, in many cases, to make systems operate. As it is so essential, software engineering is typically a team effort – everyone has a specific role that he or she needs to play. In some cases, that team includes computer engineers as well as engineers and programmers. Teamwork is required to know how each system works.

The teams for both computer engineering and software engineering can include leadership, CIOs, communications team, HR, and more – it really depends on what your systems are doing and what you hope they will do. It is up to the computer engineer and software engineer to work together to tackle larger situations. Often, the computer engineer will do much of the initial work and then software engineers will come as things need to change. Codes and requirements of the software change more often than hardware does, but sometimes the hardware will change and the software needs to be updated accordingly.

Computer Aided Software Engineering

Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) is a part of software development that uses computer-assisted methods and tools. Typically, it does not create a software product from scratch to completion, but helps to create software that is almost complete – and even more importantly, high quality and defect free.

Computer Aided Software Engineering ensures that everyone hits their development milestones AND that risks and errors are avoided as much as possible. This is a help to everyone from designers and developers to managers and even customers.

CASE also helps to deliver products that will meet requirements for safety and security – and it is likely to impress customers and keep them part of the development process.

There are many tools used in Computer Aided Software Engineering – and each one has to be properly vetted and tested regularly to ensure that it is living up to the standards set forth by software engineers and computer engineers.Some of the tools used in CAST include:

Analysis Tools: Finds inconsistent or incorrect specifications within the software.
Central Repository: Provides a focal point for the storage of all documents and figures related to project management.
Code Generators: These help with the creation of code and definition on a regular basis.
Computer Display: Helps to understand data requirements.
Diagramming Tools: Helps with graphics and diagrams of data and systemic processes.
Documentation Generators: Helps generating documentation on technical data and user data.

CASE tools focus on redesign of software as well as testing, improving the overall quality of your product. Typically used in development, this will increase the chance that your products can be used sooner and will go longer without maintenance – in some cases.

computer engineer salary

Software Engineer & Computer Science: Responsibilities & Salary

Often times individuals can find themselves comparing software engineer and computer science. While these fields look similar initially, their differences become obvious quickly when some investigating is done. The most important question is: which profession is better in the long run?

Both software engineer and computer science, are involved with computer software, along with software development and other related fields. Those interested in a career centered on software development and computer technology often focus on one of two majors: computer science or software engineering (sometimes referred to as software development, but the two are not synonymous).

The primary difference is that computer science was originally a sub-branch of mathematics. Computer science deals with the basic structure of a computer and is more theoretical. Hence, it is more malleable in terms of specialization, with the emphasis on math and science. Software engineering is a field concerned with the application of engineering processes to the creation, maintenance, and design of software for a variety of different purposes. A software engineer designs customized applications per the requirements of an organization.

One of the main benefits of these vocations is that it offers the freedom of freelance engineering. With the increasing popularity of the gig economy, computer scientist and software engineers are able to reap the benefits as a freelance or contract worker.

As for which job is the right fit for you, it comes down to your preference. While both professions are computer-related, the emphasis is completely different. Therefore, your interests should be considered then think about where you see yourself ten years from now. We’ll go into more depth about each industry, along with the average computer science salary and software engineer salary.

CompTIA Certifications Start at Entry Level

comptia a+ salary

We’ve talked about CompTIA certifications like the Security+ and CySA+ in many articles before, but in the article, I want to address the larger question of whether CompTIA certifications, in general, are worth the time, effort, and money that it takes to earn them.

So, are CompTIA certifications worth it? CompTIA certifications are beneficial for entry to mid-level IT and cyber professionals because they are highly recognizable and attainable. Seasoned cybersecurity professionals will probably benefit more from other non-CompTIA certifications, however, such as the CISSP and OSCP, among others.

The biggest benefit of CompTIA exams for those of us that are at the beginning or intermediate stages of our cybersecurity careers is that these certifications are positioned at that exact level. The majority of CompTIA certifications recommend three years or less of experience in the field, and they cover core IT and cybersecurity concepts, such as introductory networking, security, hardware, and software. This means that they are right in line with the experience and background that someone would have at the beginning stages of their career.

Additionally, CompTIA certifications are vendor-neutral, which forces them to focus more on the core concepts of technology than on how technology is implemented on a specific vendor’s platform. This vendor-neutral approach has the effect of keeping many of the CompTIA certifications more theoretical, which many exam takers will find easier, as it can be learned via memorization instead of requiring substantial experience.

A Unique Entry-Level Opportunity

a+ jobs with no experience

CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is an entry-level certification for PC computer service technicians. This certification provides a fast track to technical support and IT operational roles. It gives the candidate a better understanding of customizing, operating, installing and configuring personal computers. They will have a broad knowledge of current technologies, ranging from networking and operating systems to mobile devices and security. The certification also provides an in-depth understanding of security, safety and communication, and environmental issues, while building the essential skills to configure, upgrade, support PCs.

A Strong IT Career Building Block

A+ certification helps candidates to establish a successful career in the computing technology industry. This certification goes beyond basic PC repair and provides a stepping stone to careers in infrastructure, cyber security and more. It offers new skills to explore other areas of a career within the IT industry. Employers are increasingly looking for A+ certification when making hiring and promotion decisions. This competitive edge is not limited to one aspect of IT but provides general proficiency for an introductory role in IT. While companies look for candidates with other certifications also, but it is always better to, begin with, A+ which is the most widely recognized and arguably best.

What Do you Learn in this Certification Program?

Through CompTIA A+ network certification provides the knowledge to resolve or rectify networking and operating systems issues. Certified professionals will be able to configure, install and upgrade the most widespread operating systems, such as Windows, Apple OS X, Linux, iOS, Android and Windows Mobile. It will offer them the technical competency to set up and troubleshoot any peripheral devices. They can assemble and dissemble computing hardware and provide all the necessary support for basic home and small office networks. The certification teaches them how to implement cyber security controls appropriate to help desk and technical support roles. They can troubleshoot and support end-user access to applications and data.