System Analysis and Design: Computer Lab Upgrade Proposal

This assignment is a detailed proposal for upgrading the computer lab at [Student's School]. It addresses the current issues with outdated equipment, limited RAM, slow internet, and lack of malware protection. The proposal outlines the need for 20 new computer CPUs, upgraded RAM, new operating systems, antivirus software, laser jet printers, keyboards, mice, and improved internet hardware including routers and switches. The project goals are to improve academic performance and enhance the classroom experience. The proposal includes a cost-benefit analysis, distinguishing between one-time and recurring funding requirements. The benefits include improved student research capabilities, practical IT course application, and cost savings for the institution. The proposal concludes with a recommendation to approve the upgrade for improved student learning and institutional efficiency.

Running head: SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 1
A Proposal for Computer Lab Upgrade
Student
Tutor
Institutional Affiliation
Date

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 2
1. Introduction
We are in an era where everybody live in a community that is technology dependent
whether it is at home, work or school but [student’s school] students are not capable of
accessing technology in an effective way. Computers play a significant role in education because
they help us in completing our assignments, and doing research to mention a few. Additionally,
computer studies have become a critical part of the curriculum and it should be accorded
attention it deserves (Furberg, 2016). Having a well-equipped up-to-date computer lab have great
impacts not only on students but also on the institution at large. Be that as it may, the current
generation of computer lab equipment at [student’s school] are old and most of them are out
dated. We are currently in the middle of the semester where there is high demand for computers,
printers and computer peripherals as well as internet since students need to complete school
works but the available equipment does not effectively support the student’s needs.
1.1. Project summary
Presently, PC machines including CPUs, monitors, peripherals and printers in the
computer lab are not up to date. CPU’s have limited RAM; students experience issues
concerning paper jam, loss of data due to limited computer RAM. The lab has six printers, with
only one CPU functioning quite well while others does not function some times and others are
completely non-functional. The computers have an out of date operating system which does not
function well and more, the system protection is very poor since there is no malware/virus
protection. The internet connection in the laboratory is low and does not effectively support
online research. This is one of the powerful system part; it enable students to research and learn
new skills not leaving more advanced version of the current studies (Papacharissi, 2019). An

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 3
upgraded computer system would enable [student’s school] students to improve their studies
which will make [student’s school] a better institution to be.
1.2. Project Description
1.2.1. Lab Equipment Details
We write this proposal to request for replacement and upgrade of the institution’s lab
equipment. We propose to replace the old equipment with 20 computer CPs including Intel core
i7-9700 (12M Cache, up to 4.70 GHz). In order to improve the processing speed of the
computers, we also seek to upgrade the existing RAM to 8GB of RAM. Because our operating
system is also out of date we will install, we will install the current version of windows 10
version 1903. Due to the reason that our current system does not have malware protection, we
also need to install AVG Antivirus latest version 19.4.3089 (Adebayo & Aziz, 2019). The lab
also lack peripherals, as such we propose 8 HP laser jet printers. Finally, we are also opting for
replacement of our keyboards and mice with the standard keyboards which are more familiar
with students. Along with that, we also need internet connection to facilitate research, as such,
we propose to install internet hardware components including two wireless routers, we
recommend Net-gear Nighthawk X10 with 6GB Ethernet LAN ports, 1.7GHz Quad-core
processor, 60GHz 11ad, and quad-stream architecture as well as two NETGEAR Nighthawk
S8000 8-PORT GB Ethernet switches. These current machines will help the institution to
improve students’ research and practical experience.
1.3. Overall project goals
This project is aimed at improving the upgrading [student’s school] computer lab to accomplish
two main goals.

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 4
1. To improve the academic performance in the institution by facilitating students research.
2. To improve the classroom experience for students in the institution.
Accomplishment of the above goals will lead to improvement of the current initiative of the
organization to be recognized a world class institution.
1.4. Advantages and disadvantages for the selected approaches and justifications
The usual lecture approach used for teaching IT courses can be best termed as a chalk and talk
method. This is because the presently available IT infrastructure cannot support the current IT
practical courses because first of all, many keyboards are not functional and also the operating
system is out of date hence may not support certain programs, thus IT students may find it
difficult to code. However, the proposed 20 sets of computer PCs and keyboards as well as the
new operating system will allow our lecturers to put a large number of students into the practical
concept being studied so that the student can see how to apply the theoretical concepts learned. It
is said by Pearson (2016) that when the theory being taught is confirmed, they become more
credible. This is also based on the fact that many assumptions are not maintained in practice. In
the situations where students get the unexpected results, they will also be involved to find out
why the results turned out as they are. The changes are expected to quite naturally offer an added
value to our educational experience as students as encouraged by the vice chancellors stated
educational goals.
Additionally, many students usually use the computer lab for research purpose. The upgraded
computer internet peripherals including the wireless routers and switches would greatly serve
this purpose. Courses on research projects would also immensely benefit from the upgraded
computer system due to the improved speed of the internet, this will be catered for by the newly

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 5
installed 8GB RAMs along with the Netgear router; it provides a combined wireless speed of up
to 7.2 Gbps ultru-smooth 4K streaming as well as instant downloads. As we all know internet is
a potential security threat to information system as malwares can find their way into our
computers which may lead to a considerable impact, the proposed AVAST will assure the
maximum security to the system thus making it safe to do research online. Besides the profound
potential advantages of the proposed IT hardware and software, the only disadvantage is that
being that we have increased the number of equipment and also recommend other peripherals
which are presently not there. The institution may spend quite a lot of money. Besides, the Help
Desk spends its time plus bills $30/hour on a weekly basis to resolve the recurrent issues from
the prsesent lab. However, the proposed system promise effective and efficient operations. This
will save the weekly spending by the Help Desk on the current computers.
2. Cost Benefit Analysis
2.1. Funding requirements
2.1.1. One time funding
The Intel core i7-9700 costs $400 per item, for 20 computers, it will cost $8000. Besides its high
cost, these computers have high processing power and big RAM thus it will eliminate the
incidents regarding file loss and slowness of computers. One printer costs $400 thus eight of
them will cost $24000, the disadvantage, however, is that it has high cost but the printers are
highly efficient thus it will reduce the jam that is currently experienced. The key boards for
proposed 20 computers costs $740 (each keyboard is $34), this will facilitate students in typing
their academics work. Each router cost $378 and a switch cost $80, this sum up to a total of $916
for two items of each router and a switch. These items will considerably increase the speed of
internet thus facilitating students’ research. Its down side is however vulnerability to security

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 6
risk, but this can be managed as we also look to install malware protection. On tangible benefits,
the proposed hardware and software will save the Help Desk the task of repair.
2.1.2. Recurring funding
The institution already has have enterprise-wide licenses available for the latest version of
Microsoft Office for Students. The AVG premium version will cost $70 per year. Besides the
maximum protection it assures, this is considerably cost effective and manageable.
3. Conclusion
Upgrading the computer lab will lead to considerable benefits to the students as it will enable us
to stay current with the technology, improve classroom performance and save the institution
from the recurring cost that is spent on the current existing system. I therefore highly recommend
that you consider this proposal.

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 7
References
“AVAST store: premium version.” Retrieved on 21st may from: < https://www.avast.com/store>
“Hp printers Amazon.” Retrieved on 21sr from: < https://www.amazon.com/HP-LaserJet-
Wireless-Printer-W2G51A/dp/B079QRKWLX >
“NETGEAR PRODUCTS.” Retrieved on 21st May 2019 from: <
https://www.netgear.com/home/products/networking/switches/Nighthawk-switches/
GS808E.aspx >
Adebayo, O. S., & Aziz, N. A. (2019). The trend of mobile malwares and effective detection
techniques. In Multigenerational Online Behavior and Media Use: Concepts,
Methodologies, Tools, and Applications (pp. 668-682). IGI Global.
Amazon.com: Intel core i7-9700. Retrieved on 21st May from: < https://www.amazon.com/Intel-
i7-9700K-Desktop-Processor-Unlocked/dp/B07HHN6KBZ>
Furberg, A. (2016). Teacher support in computer-supported lab work: Bridging the gap between
lab experiments and students’ conceptual understanding. International Journal of
Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning, 11(1), 89-113.
Papacharissi, Z. (2019). The Virtual Sphere. The Internet as a Public Sphere. In Praktiken der
Überwachten (pp. 43-60). Springer VS, Wiesbaden.
Pearson, A. T. (2016). The teacher: Theory and practice in teacher education. Routledge.