SECP1513 - 07 Technology & Information System

Based on my overall experience with this Technology and Information Systems course, I learned a lot of IT knowledge and I believe this course provided insight into the IT world, which is important for Computer Science students. In this TIS course, we are assigned to groups to work on assignments and projects. It is good for students to develop leadership skills and communication skills for their future years in university. This course also included industry talk which is highly beneficial for students since we are able to learn directly from those who worked in the specific sector. I would like to thank Dr Hairudin as he helped us a lot by giving instruction and advice for our group project. Dr Hairudin also gives us additional information on specific topics in class, which I really appreciate.

In Chapter 1 Information Technology, the Internet. and You and Chapter 2 The Internet, the Web, and Electronic Commerce, I have learnt about different types of computer hardware such as system unit, input and output, storage and communication devices. Besides that, I learnt about the origins of the Internet and the web, ways to access the web using providers(Verizon, Comcast) and browsers(Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge). Through learning these 2 chapters, I have a basic understanding of cloud computing, including the three-way interaction of clients, the Internet, and service providers.

In Chapter 3 Basic Application Software, I learned about general-purpose applications and specialized applications. General-purpose applications include word processor programs, spreadsheet programs, presentation graphics programs, and database management systems. Specialized applications include graphics programs and
web authoring programs. I can also identify 4 types of software suites which are office suites, cloud suites, specialized suites, and utility suites.

In Chapter 4 System Software, I learned the differences between system software and application software. I can also describe the purpose of utilities. Utilities are specialized programs to make computing easier. The most essential utilities are antivirus programs, diagnostic programs, backup programs and file compression programs.

In Chapter 5 The System Unit, I have learnt to differentiate 5 basic types of systems units which are desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and wearables. I can describe different types of computer memory including RAM, ROM, and flash memory. RAM(Random Access Memory) chips can hold programs and data that the CPU is presently processing. ROM(Read Only Memory) is non-volatile and cannot be changed. Flash memory can be updated and non-volatile. It contains startup information.

In Chapter 6 Input and Output, I have learnt that input devices translate data into a form that the system unit can process. The common hardware input devices are keyboards, mice, and scanners. Output devices translate information that has been processed by the system unit. The common output devices are monitors and printers. I can also recognize the combination of input and output devices such as telephones, robots, and drones.

In Chapter 7 Secondary Storage, I learned about how to differentiate primary storage and secondary storage. Primary storage is temporary storage and volatile storage, secondary storage is permanent storage and non-volatile storage. I can also make a comparison between internal and external hard drives. Internal hard drives are located inside the system unit, external hard drives are removable. I can describe cloud storage and cloud storage services. Cloud storage is an application provided as a service rather than a product and supplied by servers that provide cloud storage or online storage.

In Chapter 8 Communications and Networks, I learned about 4 basic elements of communication which are communication channels, connection devices, sending and receiving devices, and data transmission specifications. I also get to know the physical connection between sending and receiving device including coaxial cable and fibre-optic cable. The factor that affects data transmission is the capacity of the communication channel and the categories of bandwidth. I can recognize different types of networks such as local, home, wireless, personal, metropolitan, and wide-area networks.

In Chapter 9 Privacy, Security, and Ethics, I learned about the primary privacy issues. There are 3 primary privacy issues which are accuracy, property, and access. I also learned different forms of computer crime including malicious programs, DoS, rogue Wi-Fi hotspots, data manipulation, identity theft, Internet scams, and Cyberbullying. Restricting access, encrypting data, anticipating disasters, and preventing data loss are the methods to protect computer security.

In Chapter 10 Information Systems, I learned about organizational information flow. Information flows vertically and horizontally throughout an organization. There are 3 management levels: Top, Middle, and Supervisors. Top managers are responsible for long-range planning. Middle managers are responsible for tactical planning. Supervisors are responsible for operational matters. I have learnt how information flows within an organization. Top managerial-level information flow is vertical, horizontal, and external. Middle managerial-level information flow is vertical and horizontal. Supervisory-level information flow is primarily vertical.

In Chapter 11 Databases, I learned the differences between physical and logical views of data. I can also describe 5 common database models in detail. The common database models include hierarchical, network, relational, multidimensional, and object-oriented. There are 4 types of databases which are individual, company, distributed, and commercial databases

In Chapter 12 Systems Analysis and Design, I learned about 6 phases of the systems life cycle including preliminary investigation, systems analysis, systems design, systems development, systems implementation, and systems maintenance. I can also describe prototyping and rapid applications development. Besides that, I can identify the information needs and formulate possible solutions.

In Chapter 13 Programming Languages, I learned about 6 steps of programming including program specification, program design, program code, program test, program documentation, and program maintenance. Structured programming techniques such as top-down design, pseudocode, flowcharts, and logic structures are used to plan a solution. There are 5 distinct generations of programming language. The lower level is closer to machine language, the higher level is closer to human-like language.

Title: Technology Information System & 4.0^th Industrial Revolution

Date: 1^st November 2021(Monday)

Time: 3.00p.m. ~ 4.30p.m.

Platform: Webex

Speaker: Mr.Nazri Edham, Head of Product Design, TM Commercial

Moderator: Muhammad Iqbal Tariq bin Idris, TIS Lecturer

  4^th IR focuses more on manufacturing to improve the environment and productivity of manufacturing sector. 4^th Industrial revolution, which began in year 2015, is affecting many aspects of human existence, with data collection and analytics, IoT, cloud computing and other technologies helping to improve our life. Under the ‘Digital Malaysia’ programme, Telekom Malaysia collaborated with government to help establish Malaysia to digital way. Government, Economy, and Society are the three primary areas presented by Digital Malaysia. Our life has made progress into a more digital era with the introduction of some services in this modern era. For example, we used to line up to pay for water bills, but now we can use online platform or E-Wallet to pay it. This digitalization of services results in a novel business model that improves customers’ satisfaction since they don’t have to queue up every time to pay bills. Telekom Malaysia(TM) has introduced a variety of software that improves our lives, such as Smart Water Integrated Management System(SWIMS) which allows us to check total visibility of the water, reduce water wastage and increase water revenue. When compared to 4G generation, 5G is capable to connect everything while also providing faster Internet speeds and lower latency. 5G enables us to improve consumer experience, connect to more devices, and boosting the logistics. Using 5G network, Telekom Malaysia(TM) launched 11 applications  Langkawi Island covering Smart City, Smart Tourism and Smart Agriculture focusing on enriching digital lifestyle for Malaysians.

Title: Technology Information System & Fourth Industrial Revolution

Date: 2^nd November 2021(Tuesday)

Time: 3.00p.m. ~ 4.30p.m.

Speaker: Ms Sarah Khadijah Taylor, Strategic & Project Manager Digital Forensics Department Cybersecurity Malaysia (CSM)

Moderator: Dr.Zatul Alwani Shaffiei, TIS Lecturer

In recent decades, the manufacturing sector has undergone rapid evolution. From mass production through the employment of intense labour force in production lines, to the use of robots to boost efficiency, the manufacturing sector is continually developing with more and more infusion of automation. There are three major variables have influences Malaysia’s manufacturing future. To begin with, global value chains and geographies of production are shifting continually. Especially when China and other nations shift their manufacturing to ASEAN. This provides Malaysia with new opportunities. On the other hand, Malaysia will have to transform itself quickly. Because there is a new source of competitive advantages, the quality of labour and productivity should be improved. Despite our labour productivity has increased by 3% to 4% in recent years, high-skilled labour has remained static. Lastly, new technologies are disrupting and encouraging a manufacturing model centred on technology. To be competitive, Malaysian manufacturing companies must innovate and invest in new technology to increase productivity and product quality. In the progress of Malaysia entering 4^th IR, Malaysia under the MITI has created a policy to handle the concerns and challenges. The policy’s main principle is A-C-T------Attract, Create, and Transform.

1. Attract stakeholders to Industry 4.0 technologies & processes, and further increase Malaysia’s attractiveness as a preferred manufacturing location.
2. Create the right ecosystem for Industry 4.0 to be adopted and align existing and future development initiatives.
3. Transform Malaysia’s Industry capabilities in both a holistic and an accelerated manner.

For Malaysia to move forward to 4^th IR:

1. Upskill ourselves
2. Inclusive involvement of SMEs
3. Significant evolution in innovation
4. Focused funding support

Good digital infrastructure

Title: Amazon Web Services Could Computing

Date: 15^th  November 2021(Thursday)

Time: 3.00p.m.~4.30p.m.

Platform: Webex

Speaker: Dr Qusay Al-Maatouk (APU)

Moderator: Dr.Layla Rasheed Abdallah Hasan,TIS lecturer

Cloud Computing is the on-demand delivery of computing power, database, storage, applications, and IT resources through the Internet with pay-as-you-go pricing. In contrast to traditional IT cost models, which require up-front capital investments for both hardware and software, pay-as-you-go is a payment method for cloud services that includes both subscription-based and consumption-based models. This cost model is charged based on usage and reduce wasted resources. Cloud Computing enables you to consider your infrastructure as software rather than hardware. Traditional computing models (hardware solutions) require space, staff, planning, physical security, and expenditure. It requires you to provide capacity by guessing theoretical maximum peaks, which means you may waste the resources as you are overpaying them even though you are not using them. We might overestimate or underestimate server capacity. Cloud Computing models (software solutions) are flexible. You can change more quickly, easily, and cost-effectively than a hardware solution. It also eliminates undifferentiated heavy lifting tasks. We can choose the services based on our business goal and technology requirements. Amazon created a website called AWS Pricing Calculator to estimate monthly costs, model your solution before building them, identify opportunities to reduce expenses and so on.

Ways to interact with AWS:

1. AWS Management Console
2. Command Line Interface (AWS CLI)
3. Software Development Kits (SDKs)

AWS Support offers 4 support plans:

1. Basic Support – Resources Centre access, Service Health dashboard, product FAQs, discussion forums, and support for the health check
2. Developer Support – Support for early development on AWS
3. Business Support – Customers that run production workloads
4. Enterprise Support – Customers that run business and mission-critical workloads

Title: Current Trends of Augmented Reality in Industry

Date: 18^th November 2021(Thursday)

Time: 9.00a.m.~10.30a.m.

Platform: Webex

Speaker: Dr Ruzimi Mohamed (OZEL Sdn. Bhd.)

Moderator: Ts.Dr Sarina Binti Sulaiman, TIS lecturer

Type of AR:

1. Marker-based AR – Marker-based AR is also known as image recognition or recognition-based AR. It works by identifying a marker or using user-defined images. The markers such as different patterns are identified and analysed using cameras. It usually requires the use of software or an application for the scanning process which results in an augmented experience being displayed on the devices.
2. Projection-based AR – Projection-based AR is known as spatial AR, is a technique of delivery digital information in a static environment. It focuses on displaying virtual items within or on the actual space of the user. Light is projected onto a surface is one of the simplest forms of AR. The interaction take place by physically touching the projected surface.
3. Superimposition-based AR – This kind of AR technology is used to create filters on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. It involves partially or completely replacing the object view with an augmented view. Object recognition is essential in this kind of AR since an app can’t replace an original object with an augmented on if it can’t recognise the original object.

Augmented Reality technology is one of the technologies that might have a significant influence in our daily life if properly applied. Its improvement of experience is undeniably an innovation that can make our life easier. The future of AR has potential to promote and accelerate global economic growth. As a result of using AR, the estimated revenue by industries for year 2025 are optimistic. Because of the large number of video games players, the expected revenue in video games sector has reached $11.6 billion dollars in the future. Healthcare, engineering, live events, video entertainment, real estate, retail, military, and education are the sectors with high revenue forecasts. According to studies and data, mobile Augmented Reality is expected to have 3.5 billion users by year of 2020, generating $15 billion dollars in revenue. This indicates that the world is being supporting of the use of existing Augmented Reality technology. AR brings a positive influence that it has a good impact in variety of industries, including e-commerce, education, and entertainment.

Title: Smart Campus: The Journey Starts Here (CommScope Malaysia)

Date: 29^th  November 2021(Monday)

Time: 3.00p.m.~4.30p.m.

Platform: Webex

Speaker: Mr. Goh Bih Der, Systems Engineer (COMMSCOPE)

Moderator: Dr. Nor Shahida Binti Hassan, TIS lecturer

Technology highlights

1. Network infrastructure – Network infrastructure is the hardware and software of a complete network that allows network connection, communication, operations, and administration of a corporate network. It provides a communications channel between users, services, applications, and processes.
2. Wi-Fi 6 – Wi-Fi 6 is based on the IEEE 802.11ax standard and is the most recent version of Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi 6 has provided faster data transfer speed than the previous Wi-Fi generation because Wi-Fi 6 theoretical speed is around 10Gbps.
3. Multigigabit Technology - Multigigabit technology is a technology established by Cisco firm for the new Cisco Catalyst® Ethernet Access Switches. CommScope multigigabit technology allows customers to eliminate the ‘Bottleneck’ difficulties so that users can gain larger bandwidth via an outdated version of ethernet cable like Cat 5e or above.
4. Internet of Things (IoT) - IoT is a network that connects computer devices, mechanical and digital machines and devices, software, and other technologies enabling data exchange.
5. Cloud analytic - Cloud analytics uses analytic algorithms in the cloud to analyse data in a private or public cloud and then deliver the desired result. Cloud analytics involves using scalable cloud computing in conjunction with strong analytic tools to find patterns in data and derive new insights.

Smart Campus is a new trend that allows institutions to merge smart devices and technologies with physical infrastructure to improve services, campus environment, and decision-making. The smart campus is a hybrid of smart homes and smart cities. It provides users with supportive and excellent experiences by utilising innovation network infrastructure and internet-connected gadgets. With the support of IoT devices, smart campus enhances students’ experiences in terms of smart learning and smart living. Multiple solutions such as smart classrooms, taking students’ attendance through face-recognition/smart cards/scanning the QR code and so on, have been applied on-campus levels. Although these small-scale solutions help to realise part of the smart campus, a general smart campus model has yet to be built. 

Title: 5G and WIFI 6

Date: 2^nd December 2021(Thursday)

Time: 9.00a.m.~10.30a.m.

Platform: Webex

Speaker: Mr. Nicholas Yong, Ecexutive Industry Solution Manager for Asia Pacific Region(HUAWEI)

Moderator: Dr. Azizah Saadon, TIS Lecturer

Huawei is a telecom equipment company that provide information and communications technology infrastructure and specialises in devices, computing, cloud computing, and connectivity. Their goal is to make digital accessible to everyone including individuals, homes, and businesses in order to create a fully connected and intelligent world. They also offer digital power such as iTelecomPower, solar energy, centre energy, and other services. AirEngine Wi-Fi 6 is a Wi-Fi 6 technology that developed by Huawei. This Wi-Fi 6 technology is powered by Huawei 5G technology and features intelligent continuous network that can automatically adjust spectrum resources based on the number of users.

Key benefits of AirEngine Wi-Fi 6

1. High performance up to 16x16 MU-MIMO (multiple users, multiple input, multiple output)
2. Stable user experience
3. Comprehensive IoT Apps
4. Security
5. Larger bandwidth

WiFi 6 – commonly known as 802.11ax, is a new Wi-Fi technology standard that was created to increase the wireless network’s stability and speed.

1. Provide greater data transfer speed
2. Connect more devices at once
3. Improved security
4. Increase coverage area

5G – 5G refer to the fifth generation of wireless technology systems, which are faster than previous generation of wireless technology systems. 5G is more dependable and flexible compared to Wi-Fi because it is more stable and capable of supporting a wider variety of devices. It provides a better experience and improve productivity.

1. Low latency
2. Large network capacity and availability

Large coverage area

Title: Introduction to Data Visualization

Date: 23rd December 2021(Thursday)

Time: 9.00a.m.~10.30a.m.

Platform: Webex

Speaker: Mr. Isma Redha

Moderator: Dr. Izyan Izzati Binti Kamsani, TIS Lecturer

• Introduction to Data Visualization – Data visualization is the process of translating data information, metrics, and large data sets to make data simpler to interpret and extract insights by presenting it in visual context such as maps, charts, and graphs. The purpose of data visualization is to make it simpler to identify trends, patterns, and outliers in massive data sets. This term is closely interrelated with other terms such as information graphics, information graphics, information visualization and statistical graphics. Data visualization is one of a stage in the data science process. After data has been collected, analysed, and simulated, it is necessary to visualize the data before any conclusions can be made. Almost every profession necessitates the use of data visualization tools. For example, it may used by instructors to present students’ test results. The use of data visualization tools was an obvious option for organisations to accumulate large collections of data to get an overview of their data simply and quickly.

• Types of data

1. Quantitative -Data that can be counted or measured by numerical variables.
2. Discrete - Data that has a limited number of possible values.
3. Continuous – Data that can be measured on scale.
4. Categorical – Data that can be stored according to category.

• Data relationships

1. Nominal comparison
2. Time series
3. Correlation
4. Ranking
5. Deviation
6. Distribution
7. Part-To-Whole Relationships

• Chart types

1. Bar chart –It is used to make comparison, to show changes over time
2. Pie chart – It is used to make portion for whole comparison with discrete or continuous data and it can be used to show Part-To-Whole relationships.
3. Line chart – It is used to show time-series relationships with continuous data.
4. Scatterplot Chart – It is used to show the relationships between 2 sets of variables.
5. Bubble chart – It is used to visualize values for specific regions.
6. Heat Map Variations – It is used to display categorical data.

• Microsoft Power BI – Power BI is a business intelligence application that created by Microsoft to analyse and visualise raw data and share insights in order to give users with actionable data. Microsoft Power BI assists an organisation in making data-driven decisions as it combined business analytics, data visualization, and best practices. Multiple resources of data can be accessed with Power BI. It enables you to access to massive amounts of data that Microsoft Excel cannot handle. Power BI imports and caches data from .PBIX file using advanced compression algorithms. Excel can be easily integrated into Power BI dashboards by anyone who acquainted with Office 365. Massive data sets may be analysed and shared easily when using Power BI with Azure. Data analysts, data engineers, and business analysts can work together more effectively and reduce the time to get insights with the help of an Azure data lake.

• Data visualization is a powerful tool that provides a quick and effective way for conveying complex ideas and information in a universal manner using graphics and image. As a result of using data visualization, companies may discover which elements influence consumer behaviour, indicates the area that need to address or give more attention, and estimate sales volume . Data visualization is more crucial than ever before because the increased in popularity of big data and data analysis projects. A growing number of companies are relying on machine learning to process and analyse large volumes of data that are difficult or time-consuming to understand and explain. The use of data visualization helps accelerate this process and make information more easily understandable to business leaders and other stakeholders.