Deck 10: System Architecture

Question 1

A popular network protocol is ____, which today is the backbone of the Internet.

A) FTP
B) Telnet
C) TCP/IP
D) all of the above

Answer 1

C

Question 2

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

Answer 2

A

Question 3

In the OSI (Open System Interconnection) model, the session layer ____.

A) assures that data is uniformly structured and formatted for network transmission
B) defines network addresses and determines how data is routed over the network
C) defines specific methods of transmitting data over the physical layer
D) defines control structures that manage the communications link between computers

Answer 3

D

Question 4

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

Question 5

In an n-tier system, special utility software called ____ enables the tiers to communicate and pass data back and forth.

A) shareware
B) middleware
C) groupware
D) centralware

Question 6

A disadvantage of a bus network is that ____.

A) performance can decline as more users and devices are added
B) devices cannot be attached or detached without disturbing the rest of the network
C) failure in one workstation necessarily affects other workstations on the network
D) all of the above

Question 7

Every information system involves ____.

A) data storage and access methods
B) application programs to handle the programming logic
C) an interface that allows users to interact with the system
D) all of the above

Question 8

____ is the measure of a system's ability to expand, change, or downsize easily to meet the changing needs of a business enterprise.

A) Transparency
B) Scalability
C) Redundancy
D) Interoperability

Question 9

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

A) mainframe architecture
B) thin architecture
C) workstation architecture
D) thick architecture

Question 10

In a(n) ____ design, the remote user's keystrokes are transmitted to the mainframe, which responds by sending screen output back to the user's screen.

A) closed
B) distributed
C) open
D) centralized

Question 11

In a client/server architecture, just as processing can be done at various places, data can be stored in more than one location using a(n) ____.

A) SQL
B) RDBMS
C) DDBMS
D) both B and C

Question 12

In all cases, a network must use a ____, which is a set of standards that govern network data transmission.

A) protocol
B) hub
C) switch
D) router

Question 13

During business hours, a salesperson can enter a sale on a ____ terminal, which is part of an information system that handles daily sales transactions and maintains the online inventory file.

A) POS
B) batch
C) topological
D) portal

Question 14

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 a local workstation
C) defines control structures that manage the communications link between computers
D) contains physical components that carry data

Question 15

In a ____, a single communication path connects the network server, departmental servers, workstations, and peripheral devices.

A) hierarchical network
B) star network
C) bus network
D) ring network

Question 16

In a ____, one or more powerful servers controls the network, and departmental servers control lower levels of processing and network devices.

A) hierarchical network
B) star network
C) bus network
D) ring network

Question 17

____ describes how data actually moves from an application on one computer to an application on another networked computer.

A) OSI
B) PSI
C) RSI
D) TSI

Question 18

In the OSI (Open System Interconnection) model, the presentation layer ____.

A) defines network addresses and determines how data is routed over the network
B) provides reliable data flow and error recovery
C) assures that data is uniformly structured and formatted for network transmission
D) contains physical components that carry data

Question 19

A ____ is an entrance to a multifunction Web site.

A) DDBMS
B) batch link
C) portal
D) topology

Question 20

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 investment and provides less flexibility

Question 21

The ____ section in a typical system design specification contains the complete design for a new system, including the user interface, outputs, inputs, files, databases, and network specifications.

A) System Components
B) Executive Summary
C) Implementation Requirements
D) Time and Cost Estimates

Question 22

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
B) System Environment
C) Executive Summary
D) System Components

Question 23

The ____ was formed in 1999 to certify interoperability of wireless network products based on IEEE 802.11 specifications.

A) Wi-Fi Alliance
B) NSF
C) W3C
D) Wireless Network

Question 24

The ____ topology allows the expansion of wireless access over a wide area.

A) BSS
B) ESS
C) ISS
D) DSS

Question 25

A ____, such as that illustrated in the accompanying figure, has a central networking device that manages the network.

A) hierarchical network
B) star network
C) bus network
D) ring network

Question 26

The system design specification is a document that presents the complete design for a new information system, along with ____ for the next SDLC phase - systems implementation.

A) staffing
B) scheduling
C) detailed costs
D) all of the above

Question 27

A form of wireless transmission called ____ is very popular for short-distance wireless communication that does not require high power.

A) Bluetooth
B) USB
C) RFID
D) Mbps

Question 28

The maximum speed for wireless network standards is measured in ____.

A) Bps
B) Mbps
C) Gbps
D) Tbps

Question 29

A(n) ____ is relatively inexpensive to install and is well-suited to workgroups and users who are not anchored to a specific desk or location.

A) LAN
B) WLAN
C) MLAN
D) XLAN

Question 30

In the ____ configuration, a central wireless device is used to serve all wireless clients.

A) BSS
B) ESS
C) ISS
D) DSS

Question 31

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
B) Executive Summary
C) System Components
D) Implementation Requirements

Question 32

Several ____ of the 802.11 standard were intended to improve bandwidth, range, and security.

A) amendments
B) options
C) LANs
D) designs

Question 33

A ____ resembles a circle of computers that communicate with each other.

A) hierarchical network
B) star network
C) bus network
D) ring network

Question 34

All of the following use access points except ____.

A) BSS
B) ESS
C) ISS
D) none of the above

Question 35

Most business WLANs use access points and do not utilize the ____.

A) BSS
B) ESS
C) ISS
D) DSS

Question 36

____ technology relies on multiple data paths, also called multipath design, to increase bandwidth and range.

A) BSS
B) ESS
C) ISS
D) MIMO

Question 37

At the center of the network shown in the accompanying figure is the ____, which manages the network and acts as a communications conduit for all network traffic.

A) log
B) scale
C) switch
D) portal

Question 38

In its wireless configuration, the ____ point is similar to a hub in the LAN star topology, except it provides network services to wireless clients instead of wired clients.

A) linkage
B) access
C) network
D) hub

Question 39

The ____ standard is compatible with the 802.11b standard.

A) 802.11a
B) 802.11g
C) 802.11n
D) both B and C

Question 40

The ____ standard uses MIMO technology to boost performance.

A) 802.11a
B) 802.11b
C) 802.11c
D) 802.11n

Question 41

A disadvantage of server-based processing is that character-based terminals typically are used, which provide a limited interface for users. _________________________

Question 42

In a client/server design, the data file is transferred from the server to the client - only the request and the result are not transmitted across the network.

Question 43

A fat client, also called a thick client, design locates all or most of the processing logic at the server. _________________________

Question 44

Today, client/server architecture is the dominant form of systems design, using Internet protocols and traditional network models.

Question 45

In the OSI (Open System Interconnection) model, data proceeds up through the layers on the receiving computer. _________________________

Question 46

Implementation of early client/server systems was expensive because clients needed more powerful hardware and software to handle shared processing tasks.

Question 47

Client/server designs take only one form, regardless of the type of server or the relationship between the server and the clients.

Question 48

File sharing designs are efficient only if ____.

A) the number of networked users is low
B) the transmitted file sizes are relatively small
C) the number of networked users is high
D) the transmitted file sizes are relatively large

Question 49

A Web-based application encounters all of the connectivity and compatibility problems that typically arise when different hardware environments are involved.

Question 50

ERP (enterprise resource planning) defines a general architecture, omitting standards for data, processing, network, and user interface design.

Question 51

A high-capacity transaction processing system, such as an order entry system, requires less network, processing, and data storage resources than a monthly billing system that handles data in batches.

Question 52

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.

Question 53

A fat client design is ____ to develop than a thin client design, because the architecture resembles traditional file-server designs where all processing is performed at the client.

A) more expensive
B) more complex
C) simpler
D) less expensive

Question 54

A client is a computer that supplies data, processing services, or other support to one or more computers. _________________________

Question 55

Compared to file server designs, client/server systems ____.

A) increase network loads
B) reduce network loads
C) improve response times
D) worsen response times

Question 56

In a typical client/server system, the client stores the data and provides data access and database management functions.

Question 57

A three-tier design includes a middle layer between the client and server that processes the client requests and translates them into data access commands that can be understood and carried out by the server.

Question 58

Using a DDBMS (distributed database management system) offers as an advantage that ____.

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

Question 59

Online processing systems have this characteristic: ____.

A) users interact directly with the information system
B) the system requires significantly fewer network resources than batch systems
C) users can access data randomly
D) the system processes transactions completely when and where they occur

Question 60

In online processing systems, data is collected and processed in groups. _________________________

Question 61

A main advantage of ERP is that it describes a specific hardware and software ____________________ that ensures connectivity and easy integration of future systems, including in-house software and commercial packages.

Question 62

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.

Question 63

As the size of a business changes, it is easier to alter the capability of a large-scale central server than it is to adjust the number of clients and the processing functions they perform.

Question 64

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

Question 65

In a Web-based system, portal design provides an important link between the user and the system, and poor design can weaken system effectiveness and value.

Question 66

A(n) ____________________ architecture follows Internet design protocols and enables a company to integrate new applications into its e-commerce strategy.

Question 67

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.

Question 68

In contrast to a centralized system, a client/server design separates applications and data.

Question 69

Visio is an example of a CASE tool that can help users plan, analyze, design, and implement an information system.

Question 70

An information system includes ____________________, which are programs that handle the input, manage the processing logic, and provide the required output.

Question 71

TCP/IP consists of many individual protocols that control the handling of files, mail, and Internet addresses, among others.

Question 72

Many companies engage in a process called ____________________, the objective of which is to establish a company-wide strategy for using IT resources.

Question 73

Various types of individual and site licenses are available from software vendors.

Question 74

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.

Question 75

A user's computer does not perform processing or computing tasks with cloud computing - the cloud does.

Question 76

Web 2.0 is a reference to a more technically advanced version of the current Web.

Question 77

Middleware provides a transparent interface that enables system designers to integrate dissimilar software and hardware.

Question 78

Many companies are extending ERP systems to suppliers and customers in a process called ____________________, in which a customer order can cause a production planning system to schedule a work order, which in turn triggers a call for certain parts from suppliers.

Question 79

The disadvantage of an application logic layer is that a three-tier design reduces overall performance by increasing the data server's workload.

Question 80

____________________ translates the logical design of an information system into a physical structure that includes hardware, software, network support, and processing methods.