is electronic/electrical engineering relevant to laptop proficiency/expertness

???????????????????????????/// will it at least help.

do u have any qualifications from UNI

 

I would say no. Does not give any specific advantage other than in discipline specific applications (CAD?). No it does not hurt, any amount of intelligence or intuitiveness couldn't hurt.

No I don't have a sheep skin (degree).

 

Not at all relevant.... I am an electrical engineer, though..

 

Not the way I see it.

 

Not really. I`m studying EE and it's not related to 'puters, but mostly engines, electrical machines ,electricity,magnetism and energy.

 

That's like asking if a knowledge of mechanics is relevant to race car driver proficiency.

It could help, but it's application of that knowledge ontop of other skils that matters most, and those other skills are usually what are important.

And I have 2 degrees in Economics and Psychology, but work in IT for a Telecomm company, so education isn't always related to skill.

 

Yes and No. Basic understanding on electrical and electronics may help in trouble shooting some problems (power related, loose connection, over-heating). But it won't help on operation problems which are mostly software/driver relate.

 

It could help: Aside from the basics such as Volts x Amps = Watts, electronics is what makes the computers work.

Way back when integrated circuits were a novelty (and came with no more than 8 legs), I studied Engineering Science and even designed and built my own controller for a bit of machinery. I would like to think that what I learned then, even if rusty, has helped me understand why my computers work (or don't work, as sometimes happens).

John

 

great point John R,,,

i've learned more about PC's thru building my own SMART CARD READER,, and playing around with commercial encryption involved in the use of certain cards for commercial applications...

and then building my own atmel programmer and learning to program the chip w/ pre-made code.... then learning to customize that code,,,

i wish i had the background and knowledge of John R or the degree the OP speaks of....

but nothing can replace putting knowledge to practical use.... no matter where the knowledge comes from

later,
bigO

 

I know squat about EE I am a graphic designer. But I love toying with computer hardware, even ripped open my laptop and replaced the screen. It's not hard, just some common sense, patience and a little reading is required IMHO.

 

incidentally, what age are you guys? I am 23, and unfortunately studied Psychology all my life at Uni before electronics/pc hardware.

 

As mentioned in my profile, I started my programming using punched cards with the computer in the maths department.

John

 

It could have been worse John, at least this is an upgrade

http://www.boingboing.net/2006/02/07/difference-engine-me.html

My old Heathkit had a keypad and some of the 4 and 8 legger IC's you have seen about.

 

anybody old enough to have been using BBS/telnet and commodores

 

Ah, the C-64 was my first "portable". You may have been referring to pre PET? We repackaged them at work in aluminum toolboxes, with 5.25" drive, for our guys in the field. Shame the monitors weighed 35lbs

 

Apple II C
Vic 20
Kaypro II
C64
Tandy something or other?
Amiga (don't remember what)

 

If you want a computer related field, consider choosing computer engineering. EE only allows you to understand the most basic concept of how computers work.

 

my first ever laptop was a compaq presario 1240.

2 mb video memory LOL, and it cost like £1400

 

Yes on the C-64, also had a Commodore PET & Apple ][ no modem, and original IBM PC on an accoustic coupler at 300 baud.

 

I recommend building your own computer, and also experimenting with different OSes. Linux is great for learning about computers.

 

i used linux mandrake and debian 7 years ago i didnt like. i don't code alot, prefer WIMP and graphics

 

You dont need to be an engineer of course, but some EE programs have a computer engineer focus, or Electrical and Computer engineering, where you learn a lot about how to build a processor and make code to run the hardware.

Having worked with integrated circuits and then going on to manage ASIC developments, design aspects and production it just helps to understand when someone is trying to sell you a load of bull electronics wise.

It helps you if you want to get a job in silicon valley or somewhere actually making components.