Psych 210 Week 4 Day 7 Essay

Psych 210 Week 4 Day 7 Essay

H&R Block is the organization that I have selected in which I will examine the company information systems, hardware, and software applications.

H&R Block utilizes one main program that host’s all of it’s accounting, tax preparation, and client retention applications. The program installed on every workstation is TPS, which is an acronym for Tax Preparation Software. This program is updated and re-written each year to reflect the tax law changes and technical advancements as far as user interface and functionality. There is a computer workstation in each office which is programmed as a “server.” The server is a mainframe computer which has all of the office software installed on it. Everyday each workstation’s files, tax returns, appointments etc are synced to the server and backed up. At the end of each tax season the servers are all consolidated to the central office in Kansas. After April 15, each office nationwide can access any client file because of this very important consolidation. This nationwide consolidation began two years ago. I believe that this could have happened years prior, however, it is an effective process that rarely has technical issues. These office servers receive and deploys software updates to all of the workstations in the office. Tax Professionals do not prepare tax returns or work from the server because the server is a key component to saving data, updating, and keeping the office workstations current so it is not put at risk in any such way. The offices are each wired to the internet using either cable or DSL internet technology. There is a firewall in place because it is imperative to encrypt and protect all of our client’s personal and financial information. The firewall restricts employees from accessing social network websites, however, it allows employees to access the IRS website, various banking and financial institution sites, and has adobe reader access so that IRS publications can be accessed and read through....

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