Trying to get to know everyone...

[tessa]

Im Zad, (Hi zad)
And Im the forum clown? Thats debatable....

In all seriousness I am full of knowledge when it comes to boats especially Tiges. If you have a problem with Perfect Pass I could probably help.

I am a student as well, sophomore in high school. I am planning on going into engineering but not really sure what area.

Hey be smart go into Computer Engineering either H/W or as a software jock. I was both a H/W Jock and a Software Jock until I became a Pain in the *** manager then VP. In another life in the rocking 70's I was a justajarhead. Fun times south of the border in TJ. I'm new also. Never even used my 20V. I want to keep it clean so no lake water for it. Thats what we reserve the other boat for.

[chpthril]

It IS ok to joke around and have fun on this thread, it sets us apart from other Forums.

[ragboy]

Hey be smart go into Computer Engineering either H/W or as a software jock. I was both a H/W Jock and a Software Jock until I became a Pain in the *** manager then VP. In another life in the rocking 70's I was a justajarhead. Fun times south of the border in TJ. I'm new also. Never even used my 20V. I want to keep it clean so no lake water for it. Thats what we reserve the other boat for.

I will throw in my opinion, software most definitely. There is more money in it, once you build up a reputation and a codebase. When you sell hardware, or consult, you get paid by the hour, and even paid well, lets just throw a round number out, like $100/hr. So you work 10 hours, you make a grand, not bad. With hardware, if its not time, its margin, and there is tons of competition, there is money to be made, but there is a limit to your margins. I build large custom servers for clients, and there is a decent margin for that.

But then there is software. I write custom software from the ground up for specific applications. Now ABC company comes and says they need to be able to build an inventory management system for their very unique widgets, and their very unique type of business. Lets say, I calculate it would take about 100 programming hours to develop this, so I quote $10k. No problem, they pay it, its worth it, and cool. Now company XYZ comes along, and they need a custom inventory management system for their very unique thigamajiggs, and their unique business. Now XYZ is unique, but lets say only 30% of the code I wrote for the first company needs to be redone. So I use the same algorithms and codebase I used for ABC, and just customize what I need for XYZ. Do I charge XYZ $3000? No, the application is still worth $10k, and you charge $10k. Besides, ABC would be pissed at you if you only charged XYZ $3k. The more code you right, the more money you make over time. You also get to charge more as time goes on, because your software solutions are proven, and have gone through the test in time. In the beginning though, its like everything else, all a$$holes and elbows.

Alot of people don't realize that about software, and that is why it is so beautiful. Go into software. Just my 2 cents.

[sparky216]

I will throw in my opinion, software most definitely. There is more money in it, once you build up a reputation and a codebase. When you sell hardware, or consult, you get paid by the hour, and even paid well, lets just throw a round number out, like $100/hr. So you work 10 hours, you make a grand, not bad. With hardware, if its not time, its margin, and there is tons of competition, there is money to be made, but there is a limit to your margins. I build large custom servers for clients, and there is a decent margin for that.

But then there is software. I write custom software from the ground up for specific applications. Now ABC company comes and says they need to be able to build an inventory management system for their very unique widgets, and their very unique type of business. Lets say, I calculate it would take about 100 programming hours to develop this, so I quote $10k. No problem, they pay it, its worth it, and cool. Now company XYZ comes along, and they need a custom inventory management system for their very unique thigamajiggs, and their unique business. Now XYZ is unique, but lets say only 30% of the code I wrote for the first company needs to be redone. So I use the same algorithms and codebase I used for ABC, and just customize what I need for XYZ. Do I charge XYZ $3000? No, the application is still worth $10k, and you charge $10k. Besides, ABC would be pissed at you if you only charged XYZ $3k. The more code you right, the more money you make over time. You also get to charge more as time goes on, because your software solutions are proven, and have gone through the test in time. In the beginning though, its like everything else, all a$$holes and elbows.

Alot of people don't realize that about software, and that is why it is so beautiful. Go into software. Just my 2 cents.

I don't know, software is so boring. Go into Vet Medicine or become Donald Trump, but when you do dont forget about us little guys on this board..........

[ragboy]

Vet medicine, sounds interesting. I don't think I want to do any thing where I may have to wear a latex glove all the way up to my shoulder. ;-)

[sparky216]

Vet medicine, sounds interesting. I don't think I want to do any thing where I may have to wear a latex glove all the way up to my shoulder. ;-)

awwww come on *wink**wink*......don't knock it till you try it

[ragboy]

Well, you got me there, I guess I will have to give it a whirl. I think I have a neighbor down the street with llamas.

[hoopykat]

Can't go wrong with medicine. People always get sick, drive drunk or play sports...endless job opportunities. As a paramedic, as long as there is stupidity and alcohol, I'll have a job.

-Mike

[foxfam312]

Hi Oktige, My name is Robert Live here in socal, I am a operating Engineer, Dozers, blades, loaders, etc,etc. We mostly hang out at parker AZ.

[FacePlant]

Problem with software/coding is that it is so easily outsourced/offshored. There will always be a need for hands on technical peeps. Try and be well versed in BOTH areas FTW!!!

[dogbert]

Problem with software/coding is that it is so easily outsourced/offshored. There will always be a need for hands on technical peeps. Try and be well versed in BOTH areas FTW!!!

Just when you thought that was true, things change. Try an Agile process. The returns are much greater than off-shoring. We basically farm out the stuff that no one wants to do anyways.

[eks]

Just when you thought that was true, things change. Try an Agile process. The returns are much greater than off-shoring. We basically farm out the stuff that no one wants to do anyways.

I use Agile as well, the best methodology yet.

[ragboy]

Problem with software/coding is that it is so easily outsourced/offshored. There will always be a need for hands on technical peeps. Try and be well versed in BOTH areas FTW!!!

I compete with a lot of shops that have U.S. management, but all work is done in places like India. There is still alot to be desired there. I get calls all the time from India and the Ukraine wanting me to outsource work, it just isn't worth it.

[tessa]

I will throw in my opinion, software most definitely. There is more money in it, once you build up a reputation and a codebase. When you sell hardware, or consult, you get paid by the hour, and even paid well, lets just throw a round number out, like $100/hr. So you work 10 hours, you make a grand, not bad. With hardware, if its not time, its margin, and there is tons of competition, there is money to be made, but there is a limit to your margins. I build large custom servers for clients, and there is a decent margin for that.

But then there is software. I write custom software from the ground up for specific applications. Now ABC company comes and says they need to be able to build an inventory management system for their very unique widgets, and their very unique type of business. Lets say, I calculate it would take about 100 programming hours to develop this, so I quote $10k. No problem, they pay it, its worth it, and cool. Now company XYZ comes along, and they need a custom inventory management system for their very unique thigamajiggs, and their unique business. Now XYZ is unique, but lets say only 30% of the code I wrote for the first company needs to be redone. So I use the same algorithms and codebase I used for ABC, and just customize what I need for XYZ. Do I charge XYZ $3000? No, the application is still worth $10k, and you charge $10k. Besides, ABC would be pissed at you if you only charged XYZ $3k. The more code you right, the more money you make over time. You also get to charge more as time goes on, because your software solutions are proven, and have gone through the test in time. In the beginning though, its like everything else, all a$$holes and elbows.

Alot of people don't realize that about software, and that is why it is so beautiful. Go into software. Just my 2 cents.

Been both independent hardware, independent software as well as working for companies like I do now. I have done a lot of independent H/W and Software Design and I made more in H/W because of silly patents. I lived by the philosophy that every good H/W jock better be able to learn to code because a follow up contract iis writing drivers and hooking into an operating system if firmware based technology. I found them both fun and challenging and then tried my hand at management where I still coded for about 12 years but have been out of it for about 4 now. I am going back to software with .Net in the next 6-8 months. Just in case.

[illiniboarder88]

I agree with you ragboy. There will always be a place for people with good software skills who are located domestically.