"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." As Arthur C. Clark, a British inventor, says, technology has constantly improved and the latest advances have become surprisingly powerful. Computer hardware engineering involves designing, building, and testing computer hardware and computer systems. Hardware engineers develop a persistent and detail-oriented nature. Through their work, hardware engineers enjoy a wide range of opportunities, but they also face a seemingly endless workload. Ultimately, computer hardware engineering provides a cause for innovative thinkers and creative designers, qualifying it as a job worth pursuing. The history of computing dates back to the 1800s when Charles Babbage created the first computer, called the Babbage Model. It was an analytical model made up of gears and levers and about the size of a desktop calculator ("Computers" Ferguson's Career Guidance Center). Computers using vacuum tubes to store spatial concepts were considered first generation computers. Over time, computers have become smaller, faster, more reliable, and much easier to use than previous models. In 1971, the first microprocessor was invented, giving rise to the fourth generation computers, which are still used today. In the 1980s, competition between companies such as IBM, Apple and Packard Bell led to falling prices for computers (“Computers”). Now computers are affordable for businesses, schools and homes. A computer hardware engineer works on research, development, and manufacturing that could lead to more advanced computer systems. Computer hardware engineering professionals must be familiar with different network systems and ...... middle of paper ...... successful improvements in computer design. Works Cited “Computers”. Ferguson Career Center. Facts about File, Inc. Web. March 14, 2014. “Computer Hardware.” Ferguson Career Center. Facts about File, Inc. Web. March 14, 2014. “Computer Hardware Engineering.” » Ferguson Career Center. Facts about File, Inc. Web. March 14, 2014. “Hardware Engineers.” Explore online career clusters. Publication of the information base. Internet. March 11, 2014. Heslop, Kate. “Top Ten Inspirational Tech Quotes”. CBR. Progressive Digital Media Group, September 25, 2013. Web. March 14, 2014. McDavid, Richard A. and Susan Ecahore-McDavid. “Computer hardware engineer.” Ferguson Career Center. Facts about File, Inc. Web. March 11, 2014.Sanghrajka, Ketan. Personal interview. March 12, 2014Quotes from ThinkExist.com. "Jeff Pesis Quotes". Quotes ThinkExist.com online March 1, 2014. April 7. 2014