Wednesday, January 25, 2017

How to locate your lost phone ?

No matter if you lost your Android device while traveling, or if someone stole it, it is a major inconvenience. How to locate your phone? And if it’s not possible to retrieve the device, how to wipe your device’s data remotely?
By using the Android Device Manager (ADM – Not to be mistaken for Advanced Download Manager) to do exactly these two things. You can use Android Device Manager to locate and/or wipe your phone and fortunately it is not something you will have to install (not necessarily) since it is built into your Android smartphone.

Requirements for Android Device Manager to work

Android Device Manager should be activated as one of the device administrators. In order to check, navigate through Settings->Security->Device administrators and verify whether ADM has been listed as a device administrator or not.
security device administrator settings
Make sure location access is ON
The device must be signed into your Google Account
Android device should have an active Internet connection (Mobile data or WiFi)
Your device should not be switched off
Even if you have a device without a SIM, ensure that the Google account is still active.
If you miss one of the requirements mentioned, you will not be able to wipe the device’s data but with the help of legal authorities, you still have the chances to locate it. Fortunately, a wireless carrier would be able to track the location of your device by measuring its radio signal. Also, the device location can be tracked and pinpointed using a Wi-Fi signal.
As we know – “Prevention is better than cure”, so you need to fulfill the above-mentioned requirements to be able to locate the device using the ADM and preserve water (human tears!).
Overall, there are two easy ways of utilizing Android Device Manager to locate or wipe your phone, which can be listed as follows:
Through Android Device Manager website
Using the Android Device Manager app
Steps to use Android Device Manager Web to locate or wipe your phone

Step #1: You can directly head to the Android Device Manager’s website or you can tell Google to launch the Android Device Manager typing in the search terms  – “find my phone” or similar to get the ADM as a search widget (as shown in the image below).
find my phone - google search
However, when using search terms, you would not be able to lock and erase your device, but instead, you will be able to sign out from your phone and locate the device.
Method 1: Perform a Google Search

Step #1: If you used the search terms to locate your phone, you will get quick action buttons to “Ring” or “Recover” the device. If you are sure that your device is nearby and it just needs to ring in order to be found, click on “Ring”. It can alarm the thief as well, and help you spot him/her if nearby. The phone will ring even if the sound is turned OFF, and it will do so at maximum volume for 5 minutes.
Step #2: Similarly, when you click on “Recover” using the Google search method, you will get four options to help locate your device but you cannot wipe your data. You will have to click on the arrow head to see four of the options.
recover android device - android device manager
Step #3: As you can see in the image below, you can try four of the consecutive steps in order to locate the device. You just need to keep clicking “Next” and complete those to try finding your device.
android device manager - recover
Method 2: Using the Android Device Manager website

Step #1: After you have logged into the web page, you will observe two options under the device description box, namely, “Ring” and “Enable Lock & Erase”.
android device manager website
Step #2: When you click on “Ring”, it would simply sound the alarm notifying you of the location. It is usually helpful when the device is somewhere near.
Step #3: If you want to prevent your data to be accessed by someone else, you can click on “Enable Lock & Erase”. Further selecting the option, you will have to decide whether you want to enforce a password lock, or completely wipe the device data (a factory reset would take place).
Steps to the Android Device Manager app to locate your device

android device manager app
Step #1: Download and install Android Device Manager app on the smartphone which you would be using to locate your device.
Step #2: Sign into your Google account.
Step #3: Upon starting, you will find the current device stated as “In your Hand”. Now, you need to swipe along the bottom to see the list of devices connected to your account and select the device you need to find. Similar to the web version, you can now tap on “Ring” or “Setup Lock & Erase” as required.
Conclusion

To locate or wipe your phone, you need to use Android Device Manager. Of course, there are other 3rd Party security applications which may turn out to be predominant than ADM. But, ADM provides the easiest way to locate an Android device.
Do you rely on Android device manager to locate your device? If not, what “Anti-Theft” applications do you use?
Tell us about your thoughts in the comments below to let us know about better solutions to help locate an Android device.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

What Does a Computer Engineer Do?

What Does a Computer Engineer Do?


Computer Engineering Basics
Computer engineering blends together computer science and electrical engineering to further advancements in digital technology, computer networking and computer systems. In turn, computer engineers use their extensive knowledge of hardware and software design and computer programming to make computing platforms and applications more efficient and effective. Seamlessly integrating the latest innovations, computer engineers develop new computer hardware, design and implement software applications, and enhance the capabilities of networks and communications systems.

Computer Engineering In-Depth
Computer engineers work with hardware and software, ensuring that the two are seamlessly integrated and functioning properly. Computer engineers focus on innovation—making computing systems safer, faster and more powerful. At the career level, there are two main avenues: hardware and software engineering. Hardware engineers focus their skills on computer systems and components, designing microprocessors, circuit boards, routers and other embedded devices. On the software side, these engineers create, test and debug programs and applications that run on computers, mobile devices and more.

Just as there are countless apps, software programs and computers that function for specific tasks, there are just as many career options for those who wish to enter the computer engineering profession. From robotics to wireless networks, and operating systems to aircraft design, there is a specialization for any interest. Example employers for computer engineers include research laboratories, technology manufacturers, semiconductor companies, and digital consulting firms.

Salaries and Job Outlook for Computer Engineers

Salary Details

Learning how to become a computer engineer is the first step toward earning a more-than-comfortable salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for this profession was $108,430 in 2014, but the top-earners make more than $160,000. Salaries vary between regions and industries. Scientific research pays a more modest wage, while computer equipment manufacturing is more lucrative.

Career Field Median Salary

Computer Hardware Engineer : $108,430
Software Engineer, Applications : $95,510
Software Engineer, Systems Software  : $102,880

Top Paying States for Computer Engineers
However, like any career, salary ranges by location, experience, industry, and employer. Use our salary comparison tool to learn more about salaries of computer engineering professions in your city, and compare it to others.

Computer Engineering in Nepal...

Information Technology is considered as one of the most high-paying and full of opportunities.  Computer Engineers are the professionals who study elements from both electrical engineering and computer science and combine the principles and techniques of those areas for the development of computer-based systems.
Professionals with computer engineering degree can get jobs in different IT and non-IT areas like universities, research programmes,  government departments, business organizations, commercial organizations, private and public industries.

What computer engineers in Nepal actually do?

1. Software Developers/Programmers: Responsible for software development, designs and project       management. Software related to desktop, web and mobile applications. Most computer engineers       in Nepal work as programmers.

2. Hardware Engineers: Responsible for research, design, developof computer hardwares, computer    chips, circuit boards, keyboards and printers. There are very few computer engineers in Nepal who      have followed this path.

3. System Designer : Responsible for system design, logical and physical design, database and               procedures.

4. System analyst : Responsible for analysis and applying design techniques to solve problems using     IT and improving business efficiency and productivity.

5. Networking Engineers : Responsible for design and development, implementation, maintenance       and support of communication networks.

6. Database Administrators : Responsible for design and development, performance, security and         maintenance of database.