Computer courses have recently gained popularity due to the wide range of careers available within its discipline. Along with its popularity there has been a lot of confusion as to which course to opt for and what is the difference between the disciplines. If you have related to any of these statements, then let’s address the confusions faced by most computer aspirants.
First and foremost let’s identify the various disciplines that are linked to computers:
Here are the various disciplines in brief:
Computer Science (C.S.): the topic studied under computer science consists of the theory behind the programming, programming to the development of computing solutions. The work of computer scientists can be divided into 3 categories namely a) designing and building software, b) developing effective ways to solve computing problems that may crop up such as storing information in databases, sending data over networks or providing new approaches to security problems and c) devising new and better ways of using computers and addressing particular challenges in areas such as robotics, computer vision or digital forensics. Most computer science programs require some mathematical background of algorithms, data structures, complexity theory, all the way down to learning what makes an operating system work.
Computer Engineering (C.E.): this field deals with the development of systems for software, hardware as well as communications. Students typically study the design of digital hardware and software systems along with communications systems. Apart from this devices and computers that contain computers are also studied. Programming is also studied with focus on digital devices and their interfaces with users and other devices. An important area studied, is the development of embedded systems. Devices such as cell phones, digital audio players, digital video recorders, alarm systems, x-ray machines and laser-surgical tools all require the integration of hardware and embedded software that are the result of computer engineering. The activities that a Computer Hardware engineers engage in are research, design, develop, test and to oversee the installation of computer hardware and supervise its manufacture and installation. Hardware refers to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, microchips, routers, video cards and equipment such as keyboards, modems, and printers. The work of computer hardware engineers is very similar to that of electronics engineers, but, unlike electronics engineers, computer hardware engineers work exclusively with computers and computer-related equipment.
Information Technology: can be defined as the study, design, development, application, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems. In simple words information technology deals with the usage of computers by the employees in a company. The main focus of this is to attend to the issues faced by the users while working with computers or issues with the shared networking processes such as the LAN (Local Area Network) and the WAN (Wide Area Network) The responsibilities of those working in this field include network administration, software development and installation, the planning and management of an organization’s technology life cycle, by which hardware and software is maintained, upgraded and replaced as and when required.