Practice Questions Ch 08

Multiple Choice

Identify the letter of the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.

1. A system design where the server performs all the processing is described as __________.

a.	mainframe architecture	c.	workstation architecture
b.	thin architecture	d.	thick architecture

2. A server that supports a large number of clients at various locations is called a(n) __________.

a.	closed system	c.	open system
b.	distributed system	d.	centralized system

3. File sharing designs are efficient only if the number of networked users is __________

a.	low and the transmitted file sizes are relatively small
b.	high but the transmitted file sizes are relatively small
c.	low but the transmitted file sizes are relatively large
d.	high and the transmitted file sizes are relatively large

4. In a client/server design, a database server __________.

a.	processes individual SQL commands
b.	exchanges object methods with clients
c.	handles a set of SQL commands
d.	sends and receives Internet-based communications

5. Compared to file server designs, client/server systems __________ response times.

a.	increase network loads but improve response times
b.	reduce network loads and improve response times
c.	increase network loads and worsen response times
d.	reduce network loads but worsen response times

6. Using a DDBMS (distributed database management system) offers all of the following advantages except __________.

a.	the system is scalable, so new data sites can be added without reworking the system design
b.	data stored closer to users can reduce network traffic
c.	with data stored in various locations, the system is less likely to experience a catastrophic failure
d.	the architecture of the system is simple and easy to manage

7. When developing e-business systems, an in-house solution usually requires a __________ for a company that must adapt quickly in a dynamic e-commerce environment.

a.	smaller initial investment and provides more flexibility
b.	smaller initial investment but provides less flexibility
c.	greater initial investment but provides more flexibility
d.	greater initial investments and provides less flexibility

8. A batch processing system has all of the following characteristics except __________.

a.	transactions are collected, processed, and grouped periodically
b.	the IT operations group can run batch programs on a predetermined schedule
c.	the information system is available whenever necessary to support business operations
d.	batch programs require significantly fewer network resources than online systems

9. In the OSI (open system interconnection) model, the application layer __________.

a.	defines specific methods of transmitting data over the physical layer
b.	provides network services requested by local workstation
c.	defines control structures that manage the communications link between computers
d.	contains physical components that carry data

10. In a __________, one computer (typically a mainframe), controls the network, and satellite computers or servers control lower levels of processing and network devices.

a.	hierarchical network	c.	bus network
b.	star network	d.	ring network

11. A __________, has a central computer with network devices connected to it.

a.	hierarchical network	c.	bus network
b.	star network	d.	ring network

12. At the center of a star network, you find the __________, a central computer manages the network.

a.	log	c.	hub
b.	scale	d.	portal

13. In a __________, a single communications path connects the mainframe computer, server, workstations, and peripheral devices.

a.	hierarchical network	c.	bus network
b.	star network	d.	ring network

14. The __________ section in a typical system design specification describes the constraints, or conditions, affecting a system, including any requirements that involve operations, hardware, systems software, or security.

a.	Time and Cost Estimates	c.	Executive Summary
b.	System Environment	d.	System Components

15. In the __________ section in a typical system design specification, startup processing, initial data entry or acquisition, user training requirements, and software test plans are specified.

a.	System Environment	c.	System Components
b.	Executive Summary	d.	Implementation Requirements

True or False Section

16. A main disadvantage of server-based processing is that only one type of terminal can communicate with the mainframe, and the design is tied to a specific hardware platform.

17. In most companies, character-based terminals have replaced workstations that use powerful GUIs.

18. An ASP provides applications, or access to applications, by charging a usage or subscription fee.

19. In the OSI (open system interconnection) model, data proceeds up through the layers on the receiving computer, then down through the layers on the transmitting computer.

20. One disadvantage of a hierarchical network is that if a business adds additional processing levels, the network becomes more complex and expensive to operate and maintain.

21. While a star network forfeits efficiency and close control, a major advantage of this design is that the entire network is independent of the central computer.

22. Backup involves restoring data and restarting a system after an interruption.

23. Unlike the system requirements document, which is oriented toward the programmers who will use it to create the necessary programs, the system design specification is written for users to understand.

24. Securing approvals from users throughout the design phase ensures that a systems analyst does not have the major task of obtaining approvals at the end, keeps users involved with the system’s development, and gives feedback about whether or not the analyst is on target.

25. At the end of the systems design phase, the first presentation given by the systems analyst is to department managers and users from departments affected by the system and, because of its audience, the presentation is technically oriented.

26. When considering physical design, a systems analyst must determine how a new application will communicate with existing legacy systems.