Programmers / Computer Geeks

Hey just wanted to get an idea of how many people actually program or design. If you have worked/studied programming or web design please post in here. Everyone should include their areas of experise(programming, web design/ database management) and what kind of tools/languages they are familiar with.

I think it 's a good idea to get an idea of what FIPG users are doing wih computers. I know Dmorris, admin, and archon are all invovled in some of level of IT activity.

As for me

I'm familiar with all college level languages ( java, C++, perl, VB, etc).
I've worked in Unix/windows/solaris environements.
familiar with Oracle 9 and 11i, DB2, Sql server
Now working with ERP technologies like SAP, Peoplesoft/Oracle/Siebel, and Salesforce.com
Not too familiar in web design or networking but have been asked to create java servlets.

Do to serious laziness, I'm just going to copy yours and edit...

I'm familiar with most college level languages ( java, C++, VB, etc).
I've worked in Unix/windows environements.
familiar with Sql server
Worked in an IT field for the Summer during an internship. I got hired on full time, but they pissed me off so I left. Mostly dealt with troubleshooting the network and wrote a couple database apps for inventory purposes. Our network administrator was a dumbass and a prick...
Now working at a telecommunications company as an IPTV provisioner. Pretty much just doing this because they pay me really well for a guy that didn't finish college yet. When I finish college we'll see where I head...

Design for Profession (Outside of school)
Familiar Languages (Java, C, C++, and a tad bit of PHP(more of scripting))
Plan on going to RISD
Linux/Windows/Mac Environment
oh ya MySQL and Postgre

Unix/Windows
Lots of Oracle stuff, mainly using TOAD, Oracle Discoverer, MS Office as an interface for simple database apps for end-users
Learning java and shell scripting

I want to major in something with computers but IDK what.

Thk you to all those who responded

[quotee0a7a79935="x323smostwantedx"]I want to major in something with computers but IDK what.[/quotee0a7a79935]

Just go into something you like. The most common computer majors are either Computer Science and some kind of MIS degree or business/computer related degree. You need to ask yourself what you want to do with computers. Your not going to have to learn insane algorithms or assemby language code in computer science to design a web page. If your looking at something a bit more corporate then you can go the MIS/business related degree. The first step is finding out exactly what you want to do with a computer.

[quote6650b39a3f="x323smostwantedx"]I want to major in something with computers but IDK what.[/quote6650b39a3f]

arent some areas very difficult to get jobs in because they are outsources overseas? I dont know what areas or if this is completely true, but it is worth looking into.

Oh boy, time to dust off the cobwebs. There's probably more details than I can remember, as I've only been at this for 20+ years now. )

Work with all of the following languages, in order of expertise

C/C++
Java
6502/6809/6510/x86 Assembler
HTML/CSS/JS
XML
PHP
xBASE
VB (yuck)
COBOL (double yuck)

Have developed for and worked on the following environments

all versions of Windows since 2.0
Linux (several distros)
AIX
MS-DOS
OS/2
CP/M
VAX VMS
OS/390 & Z/OS

Databases

DB2 UDB (both S/390 mainframe and distributed)
MS SQL Server
MySQL
Firebird
Sybase

Now a Sr. Project Manager in charge of low-level R&D for a manufacturing applications IS department with a fairly large (30K+ employees) corporation. They're trying to get me to code less but I like it too much to give it up completely.

Began my career doing low-level development, including drivers and embedded systems work. Specialized in communications (RS-232/485, TCP/IP) development for many years as well. Moved over into enterprise development when I joined this company 13 years ago.

Design skillset includes Design Patterns, UML/RUP, and let's not forget the tried and true seat-of-pants design methodology. ;)

I tried Ubuntu once.

Yeah I roll like that. 8)

[quote7b6b0be04c="dmorris68"]Oh boy, time to dust off the cobwebs. There's probably more details than I can remember, as I've only been at this for 20+ years now. )

Work with all of the following languages, in order of expertise

C/C++
Java
6502/6809/6510/x86 Assembler
HTML/CSS/JS
XML
PHP
xBASE
VB (yuck)
COBOL (double yuck)

Have developed for and worked on the following environments

all versions of Windows since 2.0
Linux (several distros)
AIX
MS-DOS
OS/2
CP/M
VAX VMS
OS/390 & Z/OS

Databases

DB2 UDB (both S/390 mainframe and distributed)
MS SQL Server
MySQL
Firebird
Sybase

Now a Sr. Project Manager in charge of low-level R&D for a manufacturing applications IS department with a fairly large (30K+ employees) corporation. They're trying to get me to code less but I like it too much to give it up completely.

Began my career doing low-level development, including drivers and embedded systems work. Specialized in communications (RS-232/485, TCP/IP) development for many years as well. Moved over into enterprise development when I joined this company 13 years ago.

Design skillset includes Design Patterns, UML/RUP, and let's not forget the tried and true seat-of-pants design methodology. ;)[/quote7b6b0be04c]

You forgot punch cards ;)

Umm Excel?





C/Unix/some HTML

That's about it.

I know how to surf the interweb.

BBCode shrug

Some HTML too.

[quote930de72c88="good2speed"]
Just go into something you like. The most common computer majors are either Computer Science and some kind of MIS degree or business/computer related degree. You need to ask yourself what you want to do with computers. Your not going to have to learn insane algorithms or assemby language code in computer science to design a web page. If your looking at something a bit more corporate then you can go the MIS/business related degree. The first step is finding out exactly what you want to do with a computer.[/quote930de72c88]
What kinda jobs does "Computer Science" include? I would like to repair computers and stuff, IDK oops , but I need to claim my major quick

[quote747df2e1ca="x323smostwantedx"][quote747df2e1ca="good2speed"]
Just go into something you like. The most common computer majors are either Computer Science and some kind of MIS degree or business/computer related degree. You need to ask yourself what you want to do with computers. Your not going to have to learn insane algorithms or assemby language code in computer science to design a web page. If your looking at something a bit more corporate then you can go the MIS/business related degree. The first step is finding out exactly what you want to do with a computer.[/quote747df2e1ca]
What kinda jobs does "Computer Science" include? I would like to repair computers and stuff, IDK oops , but I need to claim my major quick[/quote747df2e1ca]

Be a computer engineer (or electrical engineer)

[quote9e21d83a36="TimmyWangy"][quote9e21d83a36="x323smostwantedx"][quote9e21d83a36="good2speed"]
Just go into something you like. The most common computer majors are either Computer Science and some kind of MIS degree or business/computer related degree. You need to ask yourself what you want to do with computers. Your not going to have to learn insane algorithms or assemby language code in computer science to design a web page. If your looking at something a bit more corporate then you can go the MIS/business related degree. The first step is finding out exactly what you want to do with a computer.[/quote9e21d83a36]
What kinda jobs does "Computer Science" include? I would like to repair computers and stuff, IDK oops , but I need to claim my major quick[/quote9e21d83a36]

Be a computer engineer (or electrical engineer)[/quote9e21d83a36]

That's a common misconception. You could do computer repair, but an engineering degree would be overkill (at Purdue the computer engineers basically complete the EE requirements in the process of becoming a CompE. Computer Science is basically programming and knowing the computer on a software level. Engineering is knowing/designing electronics on a hardware level.

yeah EE, CE, and CS are all very closely tied.

I started out EE, with almost no programming at all, and now I switched to CE. There is a lot more programming but it still has a great deal of EE too. If you did CS, it would be the other extreme.

Editing dmoris' post

C (learning as I go)/C++/C#
Java
HTML/CSS/JS
XML
PHP
VBasic
In the process of learning assembly (x86).

Have developed for and worked on the following environments

Windows
Linux
MS-DOS

Databases

MS SQL Server
MySQL


Currently a freshman in college and deciding b/w EE and CS.

I'm in 4th year Comp Sci at UBC. I can program in C, C++, Java, and I'm learning PHP. I'm pretty much totally proficient in HTML although I don't really consider that to be programming.

I've done some work with databases, primarily designed and implemented a Java GUI which was used as the admin and user interface into a MySQL restaurant rating system.

Just came off an 8 month work term doing C programming designing scanning strategies and programming a simulator for SCUBA-2 (a new "camera" - actually a bolometer array - being installed on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope). Used the simulator to test our data reduction software which I also was working on the code for. I've done a bit of technical writing in LaTeX for this work term too.

Familar with Unix, Linux, Windows but not Macs.

I've also taken a class in network programming where I programmed some FTP servers and a simple webserver in C. Currently taking another networks class where we'll be doing more with multimedia and wireless.

A couple of years ago I set up my first Linux system at home - installed Apache and ran my website from home for a while - eventually turned it into a LAMP server and installed a pbpBB forum. At the max I had 4 systems running at home (my main Window system, Linux fileserver, Linux webserver, and a Battlefield 1942 gameserver) - plus my boyfriend has a computer too. Now I just have 3 systems of my own, my primary dual-boot Ubuntu/XP system, my old webserver, and a backup Windows system that I use for some freebie stuff when I've got my primary system booted into Linux. I do all my own website design including the graphics in Photoshop.

So yeah, I'm a geek, it's great. I used to be an artsy-fart, if you'll believe it. My first degree is in Music Composition. Try making money with THAT though....

All this talk is discouraging me to choose something to do with computers for my major (, EE,CE, SE,C ???? WTF What makes more money a computer engineer or computer science? What requires lower math? Thanks for all the info everyone

I have some basic knowledge in C++, HTML, and CSS and can figure out javascript if I wanted to.
I've used LiteStep, which is about as close to Linux as I've used so far, but this guy downstairs is running Ubuntu so I might ask him to help me get started.
I've setup a home network and can secure it pretty heavily if I need to(WPA encryption and MAC address limitation).
I know how to forward ports? =P

and I've used or have knowledge in the following programs

Photoshop/ImageReady
Audacity
Adobe Premiere
mIRC
MS Office - any edition
um probably a few other "nerdy" programs, but I can't think of any offhand

[quoted2e4c1cceb="x323smostwantedx"]All this talk is discouraging me to choose something to do with computers for my major (, EE,CE, SE,C ???? WTF What makes more money a computer engineer or computer science? What requires lower math? Thanks for all the info everyone[/quoted2e4c1cceb]

in Arnold voice

Stop whining! Switch over to mechanical like all the cool kids (i.e. me) 8)

[quotee8abc882f2="x323smostwantedx"]All this talk is discouraging me to choose something to do with computers for my major (, EE,CE, SE,C ???? WTF What makes more money a computer engineer or computer science? What requires lower math? Thanks for all the info everyone[/quotee8abc882f2]

One piece of advice - don't choose your career based solely on money. Heck, don't even let it be a major concern. Any technical job you get will pay the bills. Doing a job you hate, because you make $10,000 more a year, is going to lead to you getting burned out fast.

I got a Business / Computer Information Systems degree, because I was sure I didn't want to be a programmer. It got my foot in the door in a customer service position, and I went out of my way to try to help out the programmers by learning and taking on small tasks (simple investigations using SQL, for example). I picked things up quickly, and the company is paying for me to take tons of training. Now, I'm going to be a programmer for my career.

I'm so glad I got a chance to get in the company, try some things out, and figure out what I wanted to do with my career. Maybe you can do something similar now - call some companies around you, ask to do some job shadowing. Some companies offer mentoring programs to students (great experience for the employees to mentor someone), so that may help.

[quotea6241cde79="CollidgeGraduit"][quotea6241cde79="x323smostwantedx"]All this talk is discouraging me to choose something to do with computers for my major (, EE,CE, SE,C ???? WTF What makes more money a computer engineer or computer science? What requires lower math? Thanks for all the info everyone[/quotea6241cde79]

One piece of advice - don't choose your career based solely on money. Heck, don't even let it be a major concern. Any technical job you get will pay the bills. Doing a job you hate, because you make $10,000 more a year, is going to lead to you getting burned out fast.

[/quotea6241cde79]

Yeah, good advice, I went into engineering based on that I liked electronics and knew it was a high paying job. There are some things I hate about engineering, but in the end I know I probably won't be doing a technical job in engineering the rest of my life and maybe the engineering degree wasn't worth it, just for the money. I like business a lot more, but I only discovered that this year and I'd probably be more happy doing economics or business.

/end personal conflicts rant

Do you what you enjoy, because it could be what you do the rest of your life, but don't think you're stuck with that choice you make, since not many people are sure of their major during their first years in college.

[quoteefda76f4d7="x323smostwantedx"]All this talk is discouraging me to choose something to do with computers for my major (, EE,CE, SE,C ???? WTF What makes more money a computer engineer or computer science? What requires lower math? Thanks for all the info everyone[/quoteefda76f4d7]

Consider yourself a lucky guy since you can choose your major. I grew up with strict Indian parents who initially wanted me to become a doctor. After the computer boom in the late 90's my parents were convinced i needed to get a degree in computers. They even got an Indian astrologist who read my palm and said your future is in computers. The whole time I was upset since I didn't really like computers. All I did at that time with computers was maybe use word to type out a paper.

Well since they were paying for college and checking the classes I was enrolled in I had no choice but to take comp classes or I would be faced with dropping out of college which wasn't an option for me. Even my first few years of programming I didn't understand it and was a little left behind. After a while, especially with mp3 and broadband availability, the computer became a cool thing and now I cant seem to get away from one.

/apologizes as this may be a long life story here

I was still upset at my parents though because I assumed that there wouldn't be any jobs left for me after I graduated college as I was aware of the US trend to outsource their IT divisions. Even after leaving college I was discouraged that a lot of employers wanted someone with experience and me only having one internship on my resume wasnt getting me a job. After a couple of months after graduating I accepted another internship position. Needless to say the position sucked ass and I knew from day one I was way over qualified for the position. I quit after 1 week.

From there I was fortunate to meet a friend who introduced me to ERP's. These are basically enterprise packs that combine any kind of financial, CRM, HR, and Supply chain functionality. When I discovered how much these people made I was like hooo ha I've found it. I spent a few months reading day in and day out. After a while I got my first job working with ERP and haven't looked back since. I like the work I do and the people I work with. I especially like the perks that are given to me as a consultant. Ex... For a JOB with expenses covered. I was in Vancouver and the company would pay for me to fly out(roundtrip) to Van [befda76f4d7]every week[/befda76f4d7] from NY. Also they would pay for my 5 star hotel expense for every week I worked. If that wasn't enought they would also cover any expense I had on meals, taxis, and rental cars. Shame they don't let you expense visits to gentelman's entertainment. Needless to say I'm no longer angry at my parents since I've found a path that I'm happy with.

/end my story

Sorry to bore you with all that but getting back to your post. If your worried about math then anything with Enginerring or Computer Science may discourage you. From my experience with Comp Sci the math classes I took were Calc 1 and 2, somekind of logic math, and an indiscrete math class. As far as hardcore math with graphs and ti's the only classes that I needed were Calc 1 and 2. I'm pretty sure my electrical buddies were also being forced to do some kind of calc so doesnt look like you can get away from that. IF you still want to go for computers but can't stand the math then you should go for a Business computer information degree as this is more focused on busiess apps and not so focusded on the hardcore math. This will provde you with a broad scope of what you may wnat to do with computers. I suggest taking an intro course for Busines information systems just to see if it interests you at all and after the class you have a better feel for what you would like to do.

Also if your positive about going into computer repair then college is helpful but not a necissity. There are plenty of places outside of college that will train you to become a repair specialist. I didn't say drop out of college though. If thats sometyhign you want to do then take some courses over the summer to learn a little about the interiors of the computer.

Whatever you do just research it a little and make a sound decision that is the best for you. IF you have any questions just ask and I'll be more then willing to help you out. )

I'm majoring in CIS with a track in web development and administration. I know HTML, CSS, and I can understand javascript if I'm looking at it.

I really wanna learn PHP and SQL, but I haven't gotten around to it.

I like web design because of the mix of programming, markup, and design.

I also know some Java.

Wow long post good2speed, +kma for the help.
I am actually good at math, i was "gifted" in high school and I was suppose to take Cal my Junior year but im not a big fan of math. But I guess imma have to just stop being a lazy ass. At my college they only offer "Computer Science" so I guess Ill go for that to get my AA. Or I am also interested in Accounting since im pretty good at it. Thanks for the info everybody

[quote4caa2888bb="x323smostwantedx"]Wow long post good2speed, +kma for the help.
I am actually good at math, i was "gifted" in high school and I was suppose to take Cal my Junior year but im not a big fan of math. But I guess imma have to just stop being a lazy ass. At my college they only offer "Computer Science" so I guess Ill go for that to get my AA. Or I am also interested in Accounting since im pretty good at it. Thanks for the info everybody[/quote4caa2888bb]

not a problem anytime. Good luck in whatever path you decide is best for you...