| How to Get a Job in Computers Posted: 22 Jul 2019 05:00 PM PDT The job market for computer based jobs is constantly expanding, so this is a great time to get your foot in the door. Whether you're interested in programming, software engineering, or information technology (IT), it's not too hard to increase your chance of getting a job working with computers. By building your knowledge base and skill set and gaining the right experience, you can have a much better shot at getting a job in computers. EditGetting a Job in Programming - Learn to code HTML and CSS to know the basics of webpage layout. HTML and CSS are fundamental languages used to design, create, and modify webpages, so being able to use them is crucial to programming. Use online tutorials or introductory coding courses at a local college to develop this fundamental knowledge.[1]
- There are countless HTML and CSS tutorials online that you can find by simply searching for them. If you would prefer to learn them in a more structured method, your best bet will be taking an introductory computer science course.
- Become fluent in a programming language. Programming languages are the bread and butter of computer programmers, so it's important to have an in-depth understanding of at least one, if not more. Enroll in a programming course or use an online tutorial to develop a mastery of a coding language you can use in a programming job.[2]
- All things being equal, Javascript is the most widely used programming language, so learn this one to have the most widely applicable coding knowledge.
- Python and C++ are also very popular. Consider learning these in addition to Javascript to give yourself an edge in applying for programming jobs.
- Earn a degree in computer programming to build your knowledge base. This isn't always a strict requirement for entry-level jobs in programming, but earning a programming degree is a great way to develop a strong grasp of the fundamentals. Attending a computer program will also give you a good opportunity to begin creating a professional network that you might be able to use down the line to help you land a job.[3]
- For example, take active steps to get to know your professors and build a rapport with them. They may be able to write recommendations for you later when you apply for jobs or even tip you off to job opportunities in your field.
- Do side projects and freelance work to gain experience programming. These should be extracurricular activities you do in your free time to build your portfolio and accumulate experience creating software. Build apps, create websites, or contribute to open source projects to develop this programming experience. Use freelance job listing websites to find odd jobs and side gigs you can do to beef up your work experience as a programmer.[4]
- For example, the website Fiverr has a variety of remote freelance jobs involving programming and software development.
- These don't necessarily have to be tremendous undertakings. Building a simple weather app or creating a website devoted to a blog will suffice at this stage.
- Make sure to add whatever you create to your online portfolio so that other programmers, as well as potential employers, can see your work.
- Find a programming internship to gain valuable work experience. Programming internships will give you experience coding and developing software in a professional capacity, which potential employers will greatly appreciate. They also allow you to expand your professional network and give you a convenient entry into the computer industry.[5]
- If you're in school, check with your school's career center to see if they can help you find an internship that aligns with your interests.
- If you're not in school, look on the websites of tech companies you're particularly interested in to see if they offer internship opportunities.
- Apply for a job at a company that specifically interests you. You're far more likely to actually land a job if you're tailoring your application to a specific company. Research what sorts of projects that company undertakes and tailor your application in a way that demonstrates how good of a fit you are.[6]
- For example, if a company focuses on developing gaming apps, emphasize your past experience creating gaming apps in your cover letter.
EditPursuing a Career in Software Engineering - Get a secondary degree in computer science or engineering. Many employers require their software engineers to earn at least an associate's degree or certificate in a relevant field. A lot of software engineers earn their degrees in computer science, but other popular areas of study include business management, computer engineering, and mathematics.[7]
- To be most competitive, aim to earn a bachelor's degree in a particular field instead of just an associate's.
- Make sure you're fluent in HTML, CSS, and a programming language. Software engineers need to have an in-depth understanding of how software is developed so that they can expand, re-create, or adapt that software to changing systems and needs. You can learn these languages through online tutorials, college courses, or a coding boot camp.[8]
- You can also build and develop these skills through an entry-level software development position, if you have the skills to work in such a position.
- Javascript, Python, and C++ are all popular programming languages that would be particularly useful for a software engineer to know.
- Decide on a specialization that you want to pursue. Software engineers often play a specialized role as part of a team of other engineers and developers. Examples of specialized roles include back-end engineer, front-end engineer, operations engineer, and test engineer.[9]
- Back-end engineers spend most of their time working on the services and algorithms that form the core of a particular system and play a vital role in how that system works.
- Front-end engineers focus on user interface and making the services that back-end engineers write accessible to the user.
- Operations engineers ensure that the infrastructure of a system is reliable and running at all times.
- Test engineers build systems that test the code that other engineers have written to make sure it's fully reliable and running correctly.
- Gain work experience with software development and programming. Work an internship or an entry-level position, if possible, developing software and writing code to continue building your technical skills in a professional environment. Most employers looking to hire a software engineer will require some professional experience other than side projects, so this is very important for starting a career as an engineer.[10]
- There are some entry-level software engineer positions that require little or no prior job experience, but these are relatively rare.
- Build your collaboration and leadership skills. Being a software engineer doesn't just require good technical skills; it also requires that you be able to work effectively as part of a team. Take a job that involves a lot of teamwork and project management in order to build these soft skills and make you a more competitive applicant.[11]
- For best results, take this type of job at a software development company or as part of a team that helps develop software.
- Apply for an engineering job in your specialization. Search job boards and listings for a job whose criteria specifically mentions the specialization you chose for yourself. Applying for this type of job will give you the best chance of being hired.[12]
EditFinding a Job in IT - Take courses or earn a degree in computer science. A lot of companies will not require their IT staff earn a secondary degree in computer science, but will require that applicants have some prior computer education or skills. To be a competitive applicant, take at least 1 or 2 courses in computer science at an accredited institution.[13]
- Earning a certificate or a degree in computer science or a related field is a good way to demonstrate your technical competence and knowledge base to potential employers, so it's worthwhile to pursue an actual degree if you can.
- Work a general IT or IT-adjacent job, if possible. This can be something as simple as working at a help desk or in a computer lab while you're in school. Any job that involves working closely with computers and providing technical support to other people will help give you a foot in the door when you go to apply for full-time IT jobs.[14]
- Many colleges offer work-study programs for their students to work part-time while they're in school. See if you can use this type of program to get a job in your school's computer lab or as part of their technical support staff.
- If you can't get an IT or IT-adjacent job, see if you can find an internship that would involve the same skills and responsibilities. This is the next best way to gain entry into the IT industry.
- Accumulate transferable skills in a non-IT job if you can't work an IT job. Any job that involves inspecting for errors, solving problems in complicated systems, or interacting with clients will give you skills you can also use in an IT job. Work this type of job to build your resume and develop your relevant skills while you pursue your computer education and apply for IT jobs.[15]
- For example, working as a car mechanic involves inspection and problem solving skills that you can use to demonstrate your fitness for an IT job involving similar responsibilities.
- Be sure to list the relevant skills that were involved in this job on your resume so that it stands out when you go to apply for an IT job.
- Begin applying for IT jobs in the fall semester before you graduate. This is normally when large companies begin to recruit college graduates for IT positions, so this is the most opportune time to start sending out applications. Applying early also gives you ample time before you actually graduate to find a job![16]
- Attend job fairs held at or near your college to find out which companies are actively hiring graduates for IT positions.
- You can also talk to someone at your school's career center to get some help finding IT job openings at different companies.
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| How to Measure a TV Posted: 22 Jul 2019 09:00 AM PDT As technology continues to improve, TVs continue to get bigger and better. If you've recently upgraded to a sleek new model, you may be wondering how best to measure it for display. Luckily, measuring a TV is incredibly simple, and only takes a few seconds in most cases. Stretch a tape measure from corner to corner to double-check the screen measurement given by the manufacturer. If you're trying to fit your TV for a cabinet, stand, or spot on the wall, it will also help to find its actual width, height, and depth to make sure it will fit comfortably. EditFinding Your TV's Dimensions - Measure the screen from corner to corner to confirm the advertised size. Start with the end of your tape measure at the top left corner of the screen and extend it to the bottom right corner. Measuring the screen diagonally will give you the standard screen dimension that manufacturers use to advertise the size of their TVs.[1]
- Some common sizes for TVs based on the diagonal dimensions of the screen include , , , . , and .[2]
- You can also find TVs with screens as big as or larger.
- Run your tape measure horizontally from side to side to find the width. This time, measure from the far left edge of the TV to the far right edge, including the bezel on both ends. The number you get will be the overall width, which should be a few inches less than the screen size.
- A TV listed as , for example, will in reality only be wide.
- Your TV's width is its most crucial measurement—it will come into play whether you opt to mount it on the wall or set it up on a cabinet or stand.
- Measure from top to bottom to get the height. Now, stretch your tape measure from the upper edge of the TV to the lower edge on the same side. Doing so will give you the overall height. Most newer TVs have a height that's around 56% of the total width.
- A TV with a screen that's wide will have a height of around .
- Generally speaking, height doesn't matter as much as width. However, the vertical dimension could end up making a difference when you're deciding where to place your TV.
- Find the depth of the TV by measuring from front to back. This may be a little tricky if the backside of the TV is tapered. In this case, it can help to hold another long, flat object (such as a ruler) against the rear edge and measure the distance between the screen and the reference object. If that's not an option, you may also be able to get away with simply eyeballing it.
- You may need to consider the depth of your TV in order to guarantee that it will fit an existing cabinet or stand.
- TVs are continually being redesigned to take up less space. These days, many flat screen models are less than deep with a stand attached, and as thin as without.[3]
EditMaking Sure Your TV Fits Your Display Space - Measure your intended display space. If you haven't already, find the exact height and width of the area where you want your TV to go. You'll also need to note the depth of cabinets, stands, or entertainment centers to determine whether they're big enough to hold your TV.[4]
- For maximum accuracy, round off your measurements to the nearest .
- Jot the dimensions of your display space on a piece of paper and keep them with you when you're shopping around for your new TV.
- Allow for an extra of room in your display space. Make sure the stand or section of wall you'll be using is at least half a hand's width larger than your TV on all sides. That way, you can ensure that it fits comfortably and avoid any unpleasant surprises when it comes time to set it up.[5]
- You may be able to squeeze a TV into an entertainment center with a opening, but it will probably be too cramped to look good. A better choice would be a or model, which will provide a little breathing room on either side.
- You'll need to know your TV's width and height if you intend to mount it on the wall. If you want to place it on a stand or in an enclosed cabinet, and you'll also need to factor in its depth.
- Pick out a TV big enough to see clearly from where you'll be sitting. A screen may sound impressive, but it could be a little underwhelming if you're watching from the opposite side of the room. When it comes to arriving at a reliable size estimate, a good rule of thumb is to multiply the distance between your seating area and TV in inches by 0.84.[6]
- If you're going to be sitting about away from your TV, for instance, a will provide optimum visibility.
- Another option is to use an online viewing calculator to get a better idea of what size screen would look best in your display space, or how far away you should sit from a screen of a certain size to get the best view.[7]
- Understand your TV's aspect ratio to enjoy the best picture. The term "aspect ratio" refers to the relation between the width and height of a TV's display image. Newer widescreen TVs normally have an aspect ratio of 16:9. This means that the picture has a height of for every of width.[8]
- Standard TVs squeeze the picture into a square image with an overall smaller area, while widescreen TVs take advantage of their added width to display the full image in its proper dimensions.[9]
- A standard (4:3) TV and a widescreen TV could have the same diagonal screen measurement, but the picture would look quite different for each.
- Multiply standard screen sizes by 1.22 to get the same aspect ratio on a widescreen TV. If you're thinking about upgrading to a widescreen TV but you'd prefer to continue watching in a 4:3 format, multiply the diagonal screen measurement of the old TV by 1.22. The resulting number will tell you how big your new TV would have to be to produce the same size 4:3 image.[10]
- If you currently have a standard TV, you'll need a widescreen TV with a screen that's at least least to make sure your picture doesn't get smaller.
- If you're not sure you can afford a TV of a particular size, take a look at other styles in the same size. A plasma TV will usually be more affordable than a LED flat screen, while a standard LED TV may cost considerably less than a 4K smart TV.
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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| How to Repair a Deep Scratch on Car Posted: 22 Jul 2019 01:00 AM PDT Finding a bad scratch on your car can be frustrating, but fear not—repairing even the worst scratches can be a fairly simple fix, provided you have the right tools. Depending on just how deep the scratch is, you may be able to buff it out by hand using a scratch repair kit. If that doesn't do the trick, fill in the damaged area with glazing putty and apply a little touch up paint to hide it from sight. EditBuffing out Moderate Scratches - Wash and dry the damaged area. Before you attempt to repair a scratch in your car's exterior, it's important to make sure the surrounding area is completely clean. Spray the scratch with a gentle stream of water from a garden hose. Once the surface is spotless, pat it dry using a microfiber cloth or chamois.[1]
- If you begin polishing without cleaning, it's possible to pull small particles of dirt into the scratch, potentially making it worse.
- Avoid using dish soaps to wash your car. These contain powerful de-greasers which can strip the protective sealant from the clear coat.[2]
- Pick up a scratch repair kit from your local automotive supplier. There are many different products on the market designed to help automobile owners easily fix cosmetic imperfections at home. One of these kits will come with everything you need to buff out a bad scratch in a matter of minutes, including a liquid scratch remover polish and soft buffing pad.[3]
- On average, a complete scratch repair kit will cost you around $10-30.
- Many car care experts recommended products like 3M Scratch & Scuff Removal Kit or Meguiar's G17216 Ultimate Compound, which can be used to erase mild to severe scratches in the clear coat.[4] For details on using rubbing compound to fix car scratches, see How to Use Rubbing Compound.
- Apply a small amount of scratch remover to the damaged area. Squeeze the polish onto your buffing pad or a clean microfiber cloth rather than applying it directly to the car itself. This will help minimize messes and make it easier to use just the right amount.[5]
- Check the directions on your scratch remover to see how much polish the manufacturer recommends using.
- Buffing pads come in various shapes, sizes, and textures. If you don't like the one that came with your scratch repair kit, you can always shop around for another that suits your needs at any auto parts store.
- Work the scratch remover using your buffing pad. Buff the damaged area thoroughly, moving the pad in smooth, tight circles from one end to the other. The idea is to massage the polish into the the scratch, where the tiny abrasive particles it contains will gradually wear down the rough edges to produce a uniform surface.[6]
- Keep buffing until most of the polish has disappeared from the surface of the car.
- Use a clean microfiber cloth to remove excess polish. After buffing for a couple of minutes, carefully wipe away the remaining scratch remover. This will give you a better look at the scratch so you can determine whether it needs more attention.[7]
- Once you've wiped off the scratch remover, fold your cloth in half to get a clean surface ready in case you need to apply more polish.
- Survey the scratch and repeat if necessary. If the scratch is no longer visible, congrats, your problems are over! If you can still see it, however, spread on a little more polish and try buffing the spot a second time. This should be enough to erase most moderate scratches that don't reach down to the actual paint.
- Scratch remover liquids work by taking off thin layers of the car's outer finish, so be careful not to buff too hard, or for too long. If you start seeing traces of paint on your buffing pad, stop immediately.[8]
- Basic scratch repair kits won't be able to get rid of every scratch. If you can still see the scratch after a couple rounds of buffing, you'll need to move on to applying touch up paint.
EditFilling Deep Gouges - Clean the scratch with rubbing alcohol to remove dirt or wax. Wet a soft cloth or sponge with alcohol and go over the scratch and surrounding area until they're free of foreign substances. Starting with a spotless surface will help ensure that debris doesn't find its way into your repair materials.[9]
- Giving your vehicle a preliminary wipe down is especially important if you've recently had it waxed or resealed.
- Fill the scratch with glazing putty if you can see bare metal underneath. Squeeze a dime-sized blob of putty onto the finish beside the damaged area, then use a small hand squeegee or spreader tool to spread it into the gouge. The putty will build up the deep depression from within, restoring its original structure.[10]
- You can pick up a tube of glazing putty for spot repairs from your local automotive retailer or hardware store for around $5. A single tube should give you enough putty for 10-20 repair jobs!
- If the scratch isn't deep enough to expose the metal of the car's body, you can skip straight to applying touch up paint.
- Let the putty cure for 2-3 minutes. As it cures, it will harden into a solid inside the scratch. In the meantime, avoid touching it or any part of the scratch. Doing so could cause you to accidentally rub off the putty, creating gaps or inconsistencies.[11]
- Exact curing times may vary depending on the product you use. Be sure to consult the packaging for more accurate instructions.
- Wipe the scratch with liquid paint leveler to remove excess putty. Pour of paint leveler onto the center of a detailing towel or clean microfiber cloth. Work the towel back and forth over the resurfaced scratch using light pressure. Continue wiping until the scratch appears as a colored line and the area around it is clean.[12]
- The leveling liquid will clear the dried putty off of the finish but leave the putty inside the scratch untouched, resulting in a level surface.
EditPainting over Repaired Scratches - Apply a thin line of touch up paint to the scratch using a fine brush. Use the tip of the brush to dab the paint into the gouge rather than brushing or wiping it on. Aim for a light, thin coat, and work carefully to make sure the scratch is completely concealed.[13]
- If your touch up paint doesn't come with its own applicator, an inexpensive micro detailing brush will offer you the precision and control you need to get the job done right.
- Touch up paints are also sometimes sold in pen form. When using a touch up paint pen, all you have to do is drag the nib along the scratch slowly to disperse the paint inside.[14]
- Allow the paint to dry for 8-12 hours. Most types of touch up paint dry to the touch within a few hours. If possible, however, it's a good idea to let your freshly-applied paint sit overnight to give it ample time to set.[15]
- Resist the urge to touch or make modifications to your touch up paint as it dries.
- Use additional coats as needed. If there's still damage visible beneath your initial coat of touch up paint, you can add 1-2 more thin coats to finish the job. Dab on your follow-up coats the same way you did the first coat, then allow the paint to dry overnight when you're done.[16]
- For best results, plan on using at least 2 coats to cover especially deep scratches.
- Seal the painted scratch using a clear coat applicator. Glide the tip of the pen down the length of the paint line to slowly cover it with a thin, even layer of sealant. Be careful not to bear down too hard, or you could accidentally take off some of the unprotected paint.[17]
- When it comes to deciding how much sealant to use, err on the side of excess—you'll be sanding the clear coat later to level and blend the repaired surface, anyway.[18]
- After applying enough clear coat to cover the new paint, allow it to dry overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- Wet-sand the repaired scratch smooth with 1,500-2,000-grit sandpaper. Wet a sheet of wet/dry sandpaper with clean water and run it over the raised ridge created by the dry sealant. To avoid removing too much of the clear coat, apply gentle pressure and use light, swirling motions. Continue sanding until the damaged area blends in with the surrounding finish.[19]
- Wet-sanding is better for detailing jobs, as the wet surface lifts away loose particles as you work, and can even wear down tiny scratches caused by dry sanding or polishing.
- Not all types of sandpaper are intended to be used wet. Make sure the sandpaper you buy is made specifically for wet-sanding.[20]
- Wrap your sandpaper around a backing block to make it easier to grip.
- Lighter scratches caused by tree branches, bicycle handles, or car doors can usually be removed with a little polish and elbow grease.
- Buffing a deep gouge with scratch remover can be a good way to fill it in temporarily until you can make more permanent repairs.
- It's a good idea to always deal with scratches as soon as you discover them. If left untreated, they could worsen or leave the body of your vehicle vulnerable to rust and deterioration.
EditThings You'll Need EditBuffing out Moderate Scratches - Scratch repair kit or scratch remover polish
- Buffing pad
- Water
- Microfiber cloth or chamois
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
EditFilling Deep Gouges - Spot glazing putty
- Liquid paint leveler
- Hand squeegee or spreader tool
- Detailing towel, microfiber cloth, or sponge
- Rubbing alcohol
- Backing block (optional)
EditPainting over Repaired Scratches - Color-matched touch up paint or paint pen
- Clear coat applicator pen
- 1,500-2,000-grit wet/dry sandpaper
- Water
- Micro detailing brush (optional)
- Backing block (optional)
EditReferences
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