Computer engineering involves computer hardware and machines, but precisely what does a computer engineer do? What is the job like and what must one do to become a computer engineer? How does the University of Maine prepare students for this career or others, and what is the school like in terms of its environment, campus, student body, activities, and other? What does it take to attend school there and how much does it cost?
             Computer hardware engineers design, develop, research, and test hardware and supervise its manufacture and installation. Hardware refers to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, and related equipment such as keyboards, modems, printers, and speakers. The job description of a computer engineer is very similar to that of an electronics engineer; computer hardware engineers work exclusively with computers and their related equipment. (www.bls.gov...) Aside from design and development tasks, computer hardware engineers may supervise the manufacture and installation of computers and equipment. "The rapid advances in computer technology are largely a result of the research, development, and design efforts of computer hardware engineers. To keep up with technological advances, these engineers must continually update their knowledge." (www.bls.gov.)
             "The number of computer hardware engineers is relatively small compared with the number of computer-related workers who work with software or computer applications." There were approximately 74,000 computer hardware engineering jobs in 2002. Nearly 40 percent worked in computer and electronic manufacturing. About one-quarter worked in professional, scientific, and technical services firms, many of which provided services to the computer industry. Most of the rest were employed in telecommunications. (www.bls.gov...)
             There may be moderately difficult competition for computer engineers to find jobs because the number of degrees granted in this f...