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Computing is usually defined as the activity of using and improving computer hardware and software. A collection of computers and devices interconnected with each other by communications channels makes up a computer network. Computer networks allow businesses, individuals and organizations to share data and information instantly around the world. Computer hardware and networking includes many disciplines and sub-disciplines including electrical engineering, telecommunications, computer science, information technology and/or computer engineering.

There are different types of networks like Local Area Networks (LAN) which are small networks usually in a single building or a home. Wide Area Networks (WAN) would be considered larger than LAN since this network spreads across a large geographic area. A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that usually spans a city or a large campus. A MAN usually interconnects a number of local area networks (LANs) using a high-capacity backbone technology, such as fiber-optical links, and provides up-link services to wide area networks (or WAN) and the Internet. A wireless local area network (WLAN) links two or more devices using some wireless distribution method and usually providing a connection through an access point to the wider internet. Mesh networking is a type of networking where each node must not only capture and disseminate its own data, but also serve as a relay for other nodes, that is, it must collaborate to propagate the data in the network.

Computer networks often differ in their design. The two types of network design are called peer-to-peer and client-server. On a peer-to-peer network, all computers support the same function. This network is more common in the home. Client server networks have centralized server computers that store information. This information can be email, web pages, files or application etc. Client server networks are essential part of businesses and peer-to-peer are more common in homes. Networks can be classified according to a wide variety of characteristics such as topology, connection methodology and scale of area.Ìý

Within a network there are different ways how the devices that make up the network could be separated. For few meters through Bluetooth or nearly unlimited distances via the Internet. Ethernet cables are used for networks like businesses, institutions, schools and homes for several decades. Recently, however, there are various alternations that have emerged to wireless networking for building computer networks. Many such have similar network protocol like TCP/IP work in a both wired and wireless network.

Electronics is a branch of science, engineering and technology that deals with electrical circuits involving active electrical components such as vacuum tubes, diodes, transistors and integrated circuits. Electronics is a form of electrical and electro-mechanical science and technology that deals with generation, distribution, switching, storage and conversion of electrical energy to and from other energy forms using wires, motors, generators, batteries, switches, relays, transformers, resistors and other passive components. Today, most electronic devices use semiconductor components to perform electron control.

Circuits can be classified as analog circuits such as radio receivers, are constructed from combinations of a few types of basic circuits. Analog circuits use a continuous range of voltage as opposed to discrete levels as in digital circuits. Digital circuits are electric circuits based on a number of discrete voltage levels.

Types of electrical engineering are audio engineering, broadcast engineering, computer engineering, electronic engineering, index of electronic articles, marine electronics, power electronics, robotics, printed circuit board and waste electrical.

Computing & Electronics Industry Current Trends

The global computer hardware market grew by 3.5% in 2008 to reach a value of $196.1 bn. According to research agencies in 2013, the global computer hardware market is forecast to have a value of $239.1 bn, an increase of 22% since 2008. Sales of computers generated 53.5% of the global computer hardware market's total revenues. The Americas account for 38.5% of the global computer hardware market's value even till date.

According to market researchers, the size of the worldwide software industry in 2008 was US$ 303.8 bn, an increase of 6.5% compared to 2007. Americas account for 42.6% of the global software market's value. The future forecasts for 2013, the global software market will have a value of $ 457 bn, an increase of 50.5% since 2008.

The software industry has been subject to a high degree of consolidation over the past couple of decades. From 1988 to 2010, 41'136 mergers and acquisitions have been announced with a total known value of $1'451 bn. In 2010, 1'628 deals were announced valued at $49 bn.

Major Computing and Electronics Industry Players

Infrastructure software, including operating systems, middleware and databases, is made by companies and organisations such as Linux, Google, Microsoft, IBM, Sybase, EMC, Oracle and VMWare. Enterprise software, the software that automates business processes in finance, production, logistics, sales and marketing, is made by Oracle, SAP AG , Sage and Infor. Security software is made by the likes of Symantec, Trend Micro and Kaspersky. Several industry-specific software makers are also among the largest software companies in the world: SunGard, making software for banks, BlackBoard making software for schools, and companies like Qualcomm or CyberVision making software for telecom companies.

In terms of technology leadership, the software industry has long been led by IBM. However, Microsoft became the dominant PC operating system supplier. The top 10 computer manufacturers in the world are IBM, Apple, Compaq (now it has merged up with Hewlett-Packard), Intel Corporation (makes microprocessors used in personal computers), Lenovo, HP, Samsung, Sony, Acer and Dell.