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What is Computer Hardware and Infrastructure?

Computer hardware is the physical part of a computer, including its digital circuitry, as distinguished from the computer software that executes within the hardware. The hardware of a computer is infrequently changed, in comparison with software and hardware data, which are "soft" in the sense that they are readily created, modified or erased on the computer. Firmware is a special type of software that rarely, if ever, needs to be changed and so is stored on hardware devices such as read-only memory (ROM) where it is not readily changed (and is, therefore, "firm" rather than just "soft").

Most computer hardware is not seen by normal users. It is in embedded systems in automobiles, microwave ovens, electrocardiograph machines, compact disc players, and other devices. Personal computers, the computer hardware familiar to most people, form only a small minority of computers (about 0.2% of all new computers produced in 2003).

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What are the Career Paths in Computer Hardware and Infrastructure?

Typical roles: Sales Managers, Computer Programmers, Computer and Information Systems Managers, General and Operations Managers, Engineering Managers, Management Analysts, Network and Computer Systems Administrators, Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers, Engineers, All Other, Sales Engineers

Typical tasks:

  • Confer with potential customers regarding equipment needs and advise customers on types of equipment to purchase.
  • Visit franchised dealers to stimulate interest in establishment or expansion of leasing programs.
  • Direct, coordinate, and review activities in sales and service accounting and recordkeeping, and in receiving and shipping operations.
  • Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.
  • Establish and implement departmental policies, goals, objectives, and procedures, conferring with board members, organization officials, and staff members as necessary.
  • Perform administrative functions such as reviewing and writing reports, approving expenditures, enforcing rules, and making decisions about the purchase of materials or services.
  • Analyze technology, resource needs, and market demand, to plan and assess the feasibility of projects.
  • Plan, direct, and coordinate survey work with other staff activities, certifying survey work, and writing land legal descriptions.
  • Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.
  • Provide information needed for the development of custom-made machinery.

Getting In

  • web site production
  • product marketing
  • network security
  • microsoft windows nt
  • netscape enterprise server
  • oracle developer 2000

Credentials

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Computer Hardware and Infrastructure