COMP501: Information Technology Concepts Report - Semester 1, 2020

This report, submitted by a student, explores various aspects of Information Technology. It begins by discussing IT system concepts, including the use of word processing and spreadsheet software for documentation and data management, highlighting the benefits of Microsoft Office and the importance of hardware components such as processors, RAM, and network cables. The report then delves into computer networking, explaining different network topologies like ring and star, and the components needed to construct a simple network. The report further examines the impact of IT on supply and value chains, emphasizing the role of IT in improving business performance and efficiency, with a focus on Accounting Information Systems (AIS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Finally, the report evaluates the benefits of computer labs and laptops for students, comparing their uses for practical work, research, and communication. The report also explores the role of operating systems, emphasizing the importance of security and device management.

4/11/2020
Running Head: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS 0
Information Technology Concepts
Report
Student name

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS 1
TASK 1 – IT SYSTEM CONCEPTS (30 marks)
a)
In the present era, the education system is based on the various software, as many
software has used for basic works including documentation and others works. Word
processing software has used for different types of documentation. In addition, reports are
required for various subjects and projects during studies. Thus, it is a basic need to create a
better report using word processing software and spreadsheet software. Microsoft office is a
well-known software package to manage all the documentation. Moreover, basic processes
can be managed using word processing software. There are many applications of word
processing software in the studies such as report writing, research work, and reflective
writing as well. There are many benefits of word processing software, such as quality writing,
a large amount of data, time-saving, security, and easy transmission. Besides, there are many
good changes in the new version of the software. There are many good options for the design
of the documents. It has provided different types of themes to makes a document better. The
layout of the paper can be managed easily using this software. In addition, there are many
changes in the software to make the documentation better. References can be managed using
tools in the documents (Bartlett, 2015).

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS 2
Besides, there is much other software for word processing in the market, which is
open source as well, such as open office, libre office, and many more. Most of the users have
used Microsoft Office for word processing, as it has provided better interfaces and options.
The spreadsheet has used for managing accounting works. Moreover, it has used for
managing a large amount of data during studies. There are many templates in the spreadsheet
that are useful in the studies as well. Besides, spreadsheet has used for managing all the
things in a better manner. It has provided many good options for managing data in row and
columns.
Excel sheet can be used for financial work as well as other accounting works. It is
providing better platform for accounting and finance. Formula tab is helpful for managing
various logical and mathematical operations in easy way (Bartlett, 2015).

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS 3
b)
There are many benefits of a good hardware component in the system, as it has
depended on the hardware as well. Thus, a computer system must be enabled with the latest
hardware to manage and operate different types of programs. In addition, there are many
good things in the hardware to improve the efficiency of the work. Moreover, there are many
good chances in the industry to provide better hardware for computer systems. Moreover,
there are many benefits of good quality hardware in the processing of the system as well
(Dye, McDonald, & Rufi, 2007).
Besides, the processor should be better and high frequency as well as a higher
generation. It will able to manage all the processes with a high response rate. The processor
can manage many processes as well. Thus, it is necessary to use intel and AMD processors
for better performance. Besides, primary and secondary memory should be proper in terms of
RAM and hard disk. RAM should be DDR and high quality. Moreover, 8 GB ram is basic in
the present era. Thus, the system should be pressed with a minimum 8 GB RAM and 1
Terabyte hard disk to manage large amounts of data as well (Fisch & White, 2017).
Moreover, LAN cable is necessary for network connection. Thus, CAT 6e can be used
for better data transmission. However, wireless routers can be used for managing all the
networking processes in easy way. Graphics card has used for better graphics in the systems
and gaming as well. Network can be better using CAT 6e cable. It will provide high quality
of services. Router can be used for network service. Moreover, transmission media has used

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS 4
for high quality of network services, which is a basic need of a student in their studies for
research and reading as well ( Auster, 2013).
c)
In this era, most of the students have used open-source operating systems. However,
Windows 10 and other operating systems have used in various sectors including education,
banking, business, individual, and many more. Thus, it is necessary to use a better operating
system according to the requirements (Belfo & Trigo, 2013).
Students have used Windows operating systems mostly because of its interface and
other features. There are various functionalities of an operating system in education. Online
resources are available on the internet, which has the required operating system to access the
data and information. Microsoft has provided the best operating system with a high level of
security as well. Therefore, students can use the Windows operating system for their studies
(Ciss100, 2010).
In addition, memory management is an import work of the operating system, as it has
provided memory for program execution and other processes. Besides, hard disk can be
managed by the operating system as well. All the devices are managed by the operating
system, such as keyboard, mouse, printer, and many others. Operating system has provided
full security to the data and information as well (Cowley, 2012).
Operating system has provided security to the data and other things, such as hardware and
software. Moreover, error detection is easy with the operating system. Besides, operating
system has provided interface between software and hardware including application programs
and processors. It is the best way to manage internal processes. Moreover, there are many

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS 5
other benefits of all those functions of the operating system. Besides, operating system is
helpful in the hardware management as well. It can secure data and information using
firewall (Dosal, 2018).
TASK 2 – USAGE OF IT SYSTEM AND TECHNOLOGY
a) One of the main skills of an IT technician is to understand computer networking
devices. Conduct a short research on the main components to construct a simple
computer network such as P2P or LAN. Your research report should be within 500 to
600 words that should discuss the two types of networks mentioned, components
required to set up any network and how to set up the computer network and make it
works. (18 marks)
In a network, there are different types of hardware used for communication. There are
many types of topologies have used for configuration of a network, such as bus, mesh, star,
and many more (Dye, McDonald, & Rufi, 2007).
LAN connection has managed in different types of structures. All the devices are
connected in a group to share their data between a network including computer, mobile,
tablet, and many more.
Ring topology has used for connecting all the devices in a ring shape using wired
systems. CAT 6 cable can be used for connecting all the devices in a network.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS 6
Above diagram shows ring topology, which has connected computer system and
server as well. Server has provided data to all the system in a ring connection.
Above diagram has shown the star topology in this connection all the computers and
devices are connected with a centralized device, such as hub, switch, and router. In addition,
there are many good options for the managing network in the university as well (Tanenbaum,
2014).
LAN technologies have used for managing number of devices in a structure for better
data transfer and security. Most of the systems have connected with the various types of
cables and devices. Thus, it is necessary to manage all the processes based on the different
types of hardware and software.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS 7
b) Conduct a short research on the concept of supply and value chains in relation to
information technology that is said to strongly support competitive advantage. Your
research report should be within 450 to 500 words that should discuss supply &
value chain, competitive advantages, and clear examples in AIS (or elsewhere) to
illustrate your points. (12 marks)
Information Technology (IT) makes huge impact on the supply and value chains in
most of the business. It is a basic need of a business to use technology to improve the
performance and margin as well (Hall, 2012).
Technology makes huge impact on the various activities of supply chain and logistics
of a business, such as order management, vendor management, supplier management, and
buyers management. Thus, it is necessary to improve the various things in the system as well
(Dowdell, 2017).
Most of the system can be used for improving the speed of the system as well.
Inbound logistics and outbound logistics can be managed in better way. It will improve the
speed of the system as well. Moreover, there are many good features in the technological
innovations to manage accuracy and efficiency of the systems as well (Gillett, 2016).
Accounting Information System (AIS) is a good example of IT to manage accounting
and finance processes in a business in a better way. It will improve the quality of services and
data management. AIS has provided many services in business to manage operations in a
proper manner with less errors (Forouzan, 2007).
Most of the firms have used online software for managing their businesses in a better
way. Moreover, there are many things to manage in a business based on the AIS. It is an
important part of a business as well. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system has used for

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS 8
managing all the processes in a better way. All the stakeholders can use this system to
improve supply chain system (Hucaby, 2007).
Business can be managed using basic process and Information System (IS). It is a
common approach of most of the firms to use IS for managing their data and information for
their business functions and data analytics. In addition, most of the systems have used for
managing all the things in better and efficient way. In addition, travel booking system has
used data analysis for improving their business and decision making. There are many benefits
of an information system in the company as well. There are some specific functions have
developed in the system for managing all the processes of business. There are three types of
users in the system, which are administrator, operators, and users. All the users have sperate
account to access the information about traveling plans and other offers.
Moreover, admin can manage internal and external data from the system as well.
Operators can manage all the things using various processes. Moreover, operators can work
as an agent that is a good process in the system. The computer system can be used for
managing all the processes in a better way. Moreover, all the processes can be used for
managing different types of things.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS 9
TASK 3 – IT SYSTEM & TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION
a)
There are different types of benefits from the AIS provide computer lab and AIS
provided Laptops in the students. it is an important part of studies to use laptop and computer
systems for studies. The students can use computer labs for practical works, such as network
configuration, operating system instalment process, troubleshooting, and many other
software. However, laptop is a mobile device, which can be used for various purposes, such
as presentation, wireless network, and many others. In addition, computer lab has used for
advance level of research as well (Sunshine, 2013).
Besides, laptop can be used for email, program development, report writing, and
many other works. Moreover, there are many other benefits of the computer labs. Computer
systems can be used for high level of programming and development, as they are able to
complete various complex processes as well. It will be helpful in the group assignment as
well. In computer lab, all the system is connected using LAN and WAN. Thus, it is easy to
transfer data as well. Security is always high, as firewalls have used for security in the labs as
well (Lim, 2013).
Laptops can be better for various processes such as projects and group communication
using online chats and other things. In addition, there are many features of the basic processes
can be managed using all the processes (Lammle, 2011). Moreover, laptops are easy to
handle from one place to another for different types of words. Thus, most of the business
persons have their own laptops to access the data and information for their business. Student
can use laptops for research and studies at various places.
Computer labs can be used for multiple works including net surfing and project
management. There are many changes are possible in the hardware of the computer system in
easy way. Moreover, they are better in some processing qualities as well. It makes huge
impact on the working as well. There is many software in the education system, which has
required high speed and memory for program execution including MAT lab software, and
many graphics related software as well.
Moreover, computer lab can be connected with wireless network as well with
additional hardware as well. Thus, both computer lab and laptop are necessary for different

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS 10
types of works as well. It will improve the learning and experience about the both types of
hardware and software as well. Thus, it is necessary to manage all the things in a better way
using computer hardware and software.
Furthermore, laptop is a basic need of a student for their studies as many processes
can be easy with mobile devices. Student can work at any place using their laptop and other
devices. It will more beneficial for the students. However, AIS has provided better experience
to their students using both concepts. There are many benefits of a system in studies. Thus, it
is helpful in the student’s studies as well. Moreover, there are many good reasons for
improving the data as well. Most of things can be managed using computer system and
laptops in education system. Thus, it is a good way to use laptop for studies. In case of many
university, laptop and computer systems provided to the student.
b)
Network has used for managing data transfer and control in a system. Auckland
Institute of Studies (AIS) has used wired and wireless network for different purposes, as
wired network has used for computer labs and different departments, which has a fixed
location. Moreover, wireless network systems have used for mobile devices including
laptops, smartphones, tablets and other wireless devices (Hucaby, 2007).
Besides, wired network system is more secure and fast than wireless network system.
It has provided better network services and fast data transfer. It has provided a secure
connection for data transfer between different devices in the local area network and internet
as well. This system has used by most of the universities, as it provides better services in low
cost as well. However, common hardware has required for both wired and wireless
connection, such as servers, routers, switches, and many more. Wired connection is secure
and safe for students and university as well (Kenneth C. Mansfield & Antonakos, 2009).
Moreover, connection can be better in the wired network, as optical fibre cable has
used for better speed. It is the best way to transfer data between two networks and systems.
Wired network is less costly and effective in the AIS. Moreover, a person can easily
troubleshoot wired connection. However, wireless connection face issues, as compared to
wired network (Mitchell, 2018).
Reliability and scalability are easy in the wired network, as it is easy to extend the
connection using simple hardware. Speed is high in the wired network as well. However,

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS 11
mobility is not available in the network because of wired connection is limited with distance
as well. Installation of wired connection is not simple as many components are required to
setup a network.
Most of the connection are not secure in the wireless network, as anyone can access
the open networks. Thus, it is not good for security as well. However, mobility is a good
option in the wireless system as well. Most of the computer systems have connected using
wired network as they are fixed for a particular work, such as computer lab, accounts
department, library, and other places. Wired network system is not visible by additional wired
networks.
Besides, many processes can be managed easily in the wireless network. In addition,
there are many good things in the wireless network, as it is easy to install in a premise using
access point. However, it has used WEP, and WPA2 encryption for security of the data and
connection as well. Many mobile devices have used mac address authentication for security
as well. Thus, it will be better for the students and university as well. Additionally, wired
network has used for particular locations that are used for fixed words and for particular
person. Moreover, wireless connection reduces complexity of wires and other hardware from
the infrastructure. It will more beneficial for the students and university. Wireless network
will be better for open communication and less complexity.
Furthermore, there are many benefits of smart network in a firm from security point
of view. It will improve the quality of services as well. It can be used for many types of
functions in a system.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS 12
References
Auster, M. (2013). OpenFlow-enabled. Retrieved 09 03, 2018, from
https://www.opennetworking.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/sb-of-enabled-
transport-sdn.pdf
Bartlett, B. (2015). What Are the Benefits of Word Processing in Business? Retrieved 2020,
from https://smallbusiness.chron.com/benefits-word-processing-business-69022.html
Belfo, F., & Trigo, A. (2013). Accounting information systems: Tradition and future
directions. Procedia Technology, 9(1), 536-546.
Ciss100. (2010, March 9). TCP/IP and UDP. Retrieved from http://www.ciss100.com:
http://www.ciss100.com/lecture-topics-modules/networking-internet/tcp-and-udp/
Cowley, J. (2012). Communications and Networking (2 ed.). kingswinford, UK: Springer
Science & Business Media.
Dosal, E. (2018). 5 Common Network Security Problems and Solutions. Retrieved January
29, 2020, from https://www.compuquip.com/blog/5-common-network-security-
problems-and-solutions
Dowdell, S. (2017). What Are the Benefits of Word Processing in Business? Retrieved 2020,
from https://bizfluent.com/list-6462793-advantages-computers-office.html
Dye, M., McDonald, R., & Rufi, A. (2007). Network Fundamentals, CCNA Exploration
Companion Guide. Indianapolis, USA: Cisco press.
Fisch, E., & White, G. (2017). Computer system and network security (1st ed.). London: CRC
press.
Forouzan, A. (2007). Data communications & networking (8th ed.). New Delhi: Tata
McGraw-Hill Education.
Gillett, P. R. (2016). Accounting Information Systems (1st ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
Hall, J. A. (2012). Accounting information systems (1st ed.). Lonodn: Cengage Learning.
Hucaby, D. (2007). Chapter 12: Multilayer Switching. Retrieved February 18, 2020, from
https://www.networkworld.com/article/2291707/chapter-12--multilayer-
switching.html
Kenneth C. Mansfield, J., & Antonakos, J. L. (2009). Computer Networking for LANS to
WANS: Hardware, Software and Security (1 ed.). Bostan, MA, USA: Cengage
Learning.
Lammle, T. (2011). CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate Deluxe Study Guide. (6, Ed.)
indiana: John Wiley & Sons.
Lim, F. P. (2013). Impact of information technology on accounting systems. Asia-Pasific
Jornal of Multimedia Services Convergent with Art, Humanities and Socialgy, 3(2),

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS 13
93-106.
Mitchell, B. (2018, December 12). What Is Computer Networking? (lifewire) Retrieved
January 16, 2019, from https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-computer-networking-
816249
Tanenbaum, A. S. (2014). Computer networks. Harlow, Essex: Pearson.