CH-12 Designing Distributed and Internet Systems – Modern Systems Analysis and Design : Exam Guide

Chapter 12 Designing Distributed and Internet Systems 1) Upsizing is the process of linking previous stand-alone computers together to form networks that support workgroup computing. Answer: True 2) Downsizing is the process of migrating mainframe applications to personal computers, workstations, and networks. Answer: True 3) Corporate downsizing has lessened the individual manager's span of control. Answer: False 4) When designing distributed and Internet systems, the primary deliverables from this stage are decision tables, structure charts, and throwaway prototypes. Answer: False 5) When designing distributed and Internet systems, you should consider information about the site, processing needs, and data for each location. Answer: True 6) Private network refers to the cabling, hardware, and software used to connect workstations, computers, and file servers located in a confined geographical area. Answer: False 7) In a basic LAN environment, all data manipulation occurs on the file server. Answer: False 8) In a file server environment, each PC stores a copy of the database. Answer: False 9) In a file server environment, the DBMS runs only on the file server. Answer: False 10) The primary characteristic of a client-based LAN is that all data manipulation is performed at the client PC, not at the file server. Answer: True 11) In a client-based LAN, the file server acts as a shared data storage device, provides additional resources, supports collaborative applications, and provides access to shared data. Answer: True 12) In a client-based LAN, the file server handles all data manipulations. Answer: False 13) When using file servers on local area networks, excessive data movement is one limitation. Answer: True 14) An advantage to using file servers on local area networks is the ability to use thin clients. Answer: False 15) An advantage to using file servers on local area networks is the ability to centralize data control. Answer: False 16) File server-based architectures benefit from having a very fast hard disk and cache memory in both clients and the server, enhancing their ability to transfer files to and from the network, RAM, and hard disk. Answer: True 17) In the client/server architecture, the client workstation is most often responsible for managing the user interface. Answer: True 18) In a typical client/server architecture, all database recovery, security, and access management is localized at the client. Answer: False 19) The database engine is the front-end portion of the client/server database system that provides the user interface and data manipulation functions. Answer: False 20) In the client/server architecture, the server executes all requests for data so that only data that match the requested criteria are passed across the network to client stations. Answer: True 21) The primary difference between an application built using the client/server architecture and a centralized database system on a mainframe is that each client is an intelligent part of the application processing system. Answer: True 22) An advantage of client/server architectures is the ability to decouple the client environment from the server environment. Answer: True 23) XML refers to software building blocks that are used to ensure that common system capabilities, such as user interfaces and printing, as well as modules are standardized to facilitate data exchange between clients and servers. Answer: False 24) A benefit of the client/server architecture is that it allows most processing to be performed close to the source of the processed data, thereby improving response times and reducing network traffic. Answer: True 25) When migrating relational DBMSs and other LAN-based technologies into the client/server environment, issues such as compatibility of data types, query optimization, distributed databases, data administration of distributed data, CASE tool code generators, and cross operating system integration may arise. Answer: True 26) A file server architecture is most appropriate for applications that are relatively small in size with little or no concurrent data access by multiple users. Answer: True 27) When comparing file server and client/server architectures, the file server architecture requires greater coordination between the client and server. Answer: False 28) The data analysis function manages all interaction between software and files and databases, including data retrieval/querying, updating, security, concurrency control, and recovery. Answer: False 29) API refers to a combination of hardware, software, and communication technologies that bring together data management, presentation, and analysis into a three-tiered client/server environment. Answer: False 30) An application server is a computing server where data analysis functions primarily reside. Answer: True 31) The remote presentation approach to designing client/server architectures places all data presentation functions on the client machine so that the client has total responsibility for formatting data. Answer: True 32) BIND is a method for translating Internet domain names into Internet Protocol addresses. Answer: True 33) Designers can create vocabularies for any type of application in XML. Answer: True 34) Network PCs are examples of thin clients. Answer: True 35) XML is the most basic way to implement a standard style design within a Web site. Answer: False 36) XSL allows designers to dictate how Web pages are displayed and the type of client device. Answer: True 37) XSL-based formatting consists of methods for transforming XML documents into a generic comprehensive form and formatting the generic comprehensive form into a device specific form. Answer: True 38) Usually, link titles should be less than 80 characters. Answer: True 39) Having a Web site that is connected to the rest of the Web is one way designers can convey trustworthiness in a Web site. Answer: True 40) Providing Internet content to users based upon knowledge of that customer defines customization. Answer: False 41) Customer bookmarks, links from other sites, search engines referrals, and old content adds value are four reasons why Web pages must live forever. Answer: True 42) Integration depth is a method that helps you to better understand how a system fits within existing business activities and data. Answer: False 43) Online transaction processing is the immediate automated responses to the requests of users. Answer: True 44) The primary purpose of an informational system is to run the business on a current basis. Answer: False 45) The primary users of an operational system are managers, business analysts, and customers. Answer: False 46) The design goal of an informational system is performance. Answer: False 47) A data warehouse is a subject-oriented, integrated, time-variant, nonvolatile collection of data used in support of management decision making. Answer: True 48) A major difference between two-level and three-level data warehouses is the creation of an enterprise data warehouse. Answer: True 49) Generally speaking, an enterprise data warehouse is directly accessible by end users. Answer: False 50) In a three-layer data warehouse architecture, users access the data that have been derived from the enterprise data warehouse that are stored in data marts. Answer: True 51) The process of linking together previous stand-alone personal computers to form networks that support workgroup computing is sometimes called: A) upsizing B) downsizing C) upgrading D) communicating Answer: A 52) The process of migrating mainframe applications to personal computers, workstations, and networks is sometimes called: A) upsizing B) downsizing C) downgrading D) resizing Answer: B 53) When designing distributed and Internet systems, the deliverable is: A) an updated Baseline Project Plan that details the work necessary to turn the selected design strategy into the desired replacement information system B) a set of structured descriptions and diagrams that outline the logic contained within each DFD process C) a set of physical design specifications for each separate part of the system D) a document that will consolidate the information that must be considered when implementing a system design Answer: D 54) The biggest driver for developing new types of systems is: A) electronic and mobile commerce B) corporate mergers C) downsizing D) CASE tools Answer: A 55) Information that must be considered when designing distributed and Internet systems includes: A) site information for each location in the distributed environment B) processing needs for each location in the distributed environment C) data information for each location in the distributed environment D) all of the above Answer: D 56) To support concurrent access from multiple users of a shared database, the LAN modules of a DBMS add: A) concurrent access controls B) extra security features C) query or transaction queuing management D) all of the above Answer: D 57) The cabling, hardware, and software used to connect workstations, computers, and file servers located in a confined geographical area describes a: A) metropolitan area network B) wide area network C) local area network D) company network Answer: C 58) In a basic LAN environment, all data manipulation occurs: A) on the mainframe where the data are stored B) on the file server where the data are stored C) at the workstations where the data are requested D) on the superserver where the data are stored Answer: C 59) A device that manages file operations and is shared by each client PC that is attached to a LAN best describes a: A) file server B) print server C) data server D) minicomputer Answer: A 60) The primary characteristic of a client-based LAN is that: A) all data manipulation is performed at the file server, not at the client PC B) all data manipulation is performed at the client PC, not at the file server C) each client has a copy of the database and performs all data manipulations D) the database is stored on the file server and all data manipulations are performed by the file server Answer: B 61) When using a DBMS in a file server environment: A) data security checks and file and record locking are done at the file server B) data security checks and file and record locking are done on the mainframe C) data security checks and file and record locking are done at the client PCs D) data security checks are performed at the file server, and file and record locking are done at the client PCs Answer: C 62) Which of the following is a file server limitation? A) decentralized data control B) need for powerful client workstations C) excessive data movement D) all of the above Answer: D 63) A LAN-based computing environment in which a central database server or engine performs all database commands sent to it from client workstations, and in which application programs on each client concentrate on user interface functions, describes a: A) file server environment B) client/server architecture C) bus architecture D) metropolitan area network Answer: B 64) In the typical client/server architecture: A) all database recovery, security, and concurrent access management are centralized at the server B) all database recovery, security, and concurrent access management are moved to the client C) only database recovery and concurrent access management are centralized at the server D) database security and recovery are provided by the client Answer: A 65) Client-based deliveries of applications to users of PCs and workstations are called: A) client-delivery applications B) local applications C) front-end applications D) back-end applications Answer: C 66) The back-end portion of the client/server database system running on the server and providing database processing and shared access functions describes a(n): A) intelligent agent B) server C) database engine D) client Answer: C 67) The front-end portion of the client/server database system that provides the user interface and data manipulation functions describes a(n): A) client B) server C) database engine D) application program interface Answer: A 68) The primary difference between an application built using the client/server architecture and a centralized database system on a mainframe is that: A) in a mainframe environment, all interactions with the user and local devices are handled by local intelligent terminals B) in a client/server environment, each client is an intelligent part of the application processing system C) in a client/server environment, all parts of the information system are managed and executed by the central computer D) none of the above Answer: B 69) Software building blocks that are used to assure that common system capabilities like user interfaces and printing are standardized as well as modules for facilitating the data exchange between clients and servers best describes: A) firmware B) a software patch C) a database management system D) an application program interface Answer: D 70) Which of the following is not a benefit of adopting a client/server architecture? A) Companies can leverage the benefits of microcomputer technology. B) Numerous tools for systems design and performance monitoring are available in a client/server environment. C) It facilitates the use of graphical user interfaces. D) It allows for and encourages the acceptance of open systems. Answer: B 71) Which of the following statements regarding the differences between file server and client/server architectures is true? A) While the file server architecture involves efficient data transfers, the client/server architecture has large file and data transfers. B) Servers and clients perform processing in a file server architecture. Only servers perform processing in a client/server architecture. C) While database security and integrity on a file server architecture is high, it is low on the client/server architecture. D) While software maintenance on the file server architecture is considered low, software maintenance on the client/server architecture is mixed since some new parts must be delivered to each client. Answer: D 72) Which of the following statements regarding the differences between file server and client/server architectures is true? A) While database security and integrity are low on a file server architecture, they are high on a client/server architecture. B) While network usage involves efficient data transfers on a file server architecture, it is not efficient on a client/server architecture. C) In terms of hardware and system software flexibility, there is less need for coordination between the client and server on a client/server architecture than on a file server architecture. D) In terms of concurrent data access, concurrent data access is managed by the client in a client/server architecture. Answer: A 73) Which of the following functions manages all interaction between software and files and databases, including data retrieval/querying, updating, security, concurrency control, and recovery? A) data analysis B) data presentation C) data management D) transport management Answer: C 74) Which of the following functions transforms inputs into outputs, including simple summarization to complex mathematical modeling like regression analysis? A) data analysis B) data presentation C) data management D) transport management Answer: A 75) Which of the following functions manages just the interface between system users and the software, including the display and printing of forms and reports and possibly validating system inputs? A) data analysis B) data presentation C) data management D) transport management Answer: B 76) A computing server where data analysis functions primarily reside best defines: A) file server B) analytical server C) dedicated server D) application server Answer: D 77) Which of the following combines three logical and distinct applications (data management, presentation, and analysis) into a single information system application? A) analytical server B) application server C) three-tiered client/server D) trinity server Answer: C 78) Which of the following is a combination of hardware, software, and communication technologies that bring together data management, presentation, and analysis into a three-tiered client/server environment? A) middleware B) transparency software C) presentation software D) partitioning software Answer: A 79) Which of the following is a primary reason for creating three-tiered client/server architectures? A) Applications can be partitioned in a way that best fits the organizational computing needs. B) Making global changes or customizing processes for individual users is relatively easy. C) Because data analysis is separate from the user interface, it is a lot easier to change one or both without affecting the other. D) All of the above. Answer: D 80) Which of the following client/server architectures freshens up the delivery of existing server-based applications to distributed clients? A) distributed function B) remote presentation C) remote data management D) distributed presentation Answer: D 81) Which of the following client/server architectures places all data presentation functions on the client machine so that the client has total responsibility for formatting data? A) distributed function B) remote presentation C) remote data management D) distributed presentation Answer: B 82) Which of the following client/server architectures places all software on the client except for the data management functions? A) distributed function B) remote presentation C) remote data management D) distributed processing Answer: C 83) Which of the following client/server architectures splits analysis functions between the client and server, leaving all presentation on the client and all data management on the server? A) distributed function B) distributed database C) remote data management D) distributed processing Answer: A 84) Which of the following client/server architectures places all functionality on the client, except data storage and management, which is divided between client and server? A) distributed function B) distributed database C) remote data management D) distributed processing Answer: B 85) Which of the following client/server architectures combines the best features of the distributed function and distributed database by splitting both of these across client and server, with presentation functions under the exclusive responsibility of the client machine? A) distributed presentation B) remote data management C) distributed management D) distributed processing Answer: D 86) Which of the following is not an Internet standard? A) BIND B) HTML C) HTTP D) OOAD Answer: D 87) A method for translating Internet domain names into Internet Protocol addresses best defines: A) HTTP B) BIND C) HTML D) XML Answer: B 88) A communication protocol for exchanging information on the Internet best describes: A) HTTP B) BIND C) HTML D) XML Answer: A 89) An Internet authoring language that allows designers to create customized tags, enabling the definition, transmission, validation, and interpretation of data between applications best describes: A) HTTP B) BIND C) HTML D) XML Answer: D 90) Which of the following is a method of implementing standard page styles through a Web site? A) XSL B) HTTP C) HTML D) VRML Answer: A 91) Which of the following is not a method for conveying trustworthiness in a Web site? A) up-front disclosure B) connection to the rest of the Web C) use of state of the art technology D) design quality Answer: C 92) Providing Internet content to users based upon knowledge of that customer best describes: A) micromarketing B) personalization C) customization D) profiling Answer: B 93) A method that helps you to better understand how a system fits within existing business activities and data best defines: A) system granularity B) context development C) integration depth D) organizational breadth Answer: B 94) A measurement that tracks the core business functions affected by a system best defines: A) system granularity B) context development C) integration depth D) organizational breadth Answer: D 95) The use of graphical software tools that provide complex analysis of data stored in a database best defines: A) on-line knowledge analysis B) on-line transaction processing C) on-line analytical processing D) on-line critical processing Answer: C 96) Systems that are used to interact with customers and run a business in real time best defines: A) operational systems B) intelligent systems C) informational systems D) dynamic systems Answer: A 97) A subject-oriented, integrated, time-variant, nonvolatile collection of data used in support of management decision making best describes a(n): A) information desk B) data warehouse C) data mart D) data center Answer: B 98) A three-level data warehouse has each of the following components except: A) operational systems and data B) enterprise data warehouse C) knowledge engine D) data marts Answer: C 99) A centralized, integrated data warehouse that is the control point and single source of all data made available to end users for decision-support applications throughout the entire organization best describes a(n): A) information desk B) enterprise data warehouse C) centralized data mart D) data center Answer: B 100) A data warehouse that is limited in scope and whose data are obtained by selecting and summarizing data from the enterprise data warehouse best describes a(n): A) information desk B) rule base C) data mart D) data center Answer: C 101) The cabling, hardware, and software used to connect workstations, computers, and file servers located in a confined geographical area best describes a ________. Answer: local area network 102) A ________ is a device that manages file operations and is shared by each client PC attached to a LAN. Answer: file server 103) The ________ is a LAN-based computing environment in which a central database server or engine performs all database commands sent to it from client workstations, and application programs on each client concentrate on user interface functions. Answer: client/server architecture 104) A ________ is the back-end portion of the client/server database system running on the server and provides database processing and shared access functions. Answer: database engine 105) A ________ is the front-end portion of the client/server database system that provides the user interface and data manipulation functions. Answer: client 106) ________ refers to software building blocks that are used to ensure that common system capabilities like user interfaces and printing are standardized as well as modules for facilitating the data exchange between clients and servers. Answer: Application program interface 107) An ________ is a computing server where data analysis functions primarily reside. Answer: application server 108) ________ refers to advanced client/server architectures in which there are three logical and distinct applications-data management, presentation, and analysis-which are combined to create a single information system. Answer: Three-tiered client/server 109) ________ is a combination of hardware, software, and communication technologies that bring together data management, presentation, and analysis into a three-tiered client/server environment. Answer: Middleware 110) The ________ is a method for translating Internet domain names into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Answer: domain naming system 111) ________ is a communications protocol for exchanging information on the Internet. Answer: HTTP 112) ________ is an Internet-authoring language that allows designers to create customized tags, enabling the definition, transmission, validation, and interpretation of data between applications. Answer: XML 113) A ________ is a client device designed so that most processing and data storage occurs on the server. Answer: thin client 114) ________ are a set of style rules that tells a Web browser how to present a document. Answer: Cascading style sheets 115) ________ is a specification for separating style from content when generating HTML documents. Answer: XSL 116) Providing Internet content to users based upon knowledge of that customer best describes ________. Answer: personalization 117) Internet sites that allow a user to customize information to their personal preferences best describes ________. Answer: customization 118) ________ is a method that helps you to better understand how a system fits within existing business activities and data. Answer: Context development 119) ________ is a measurement of how far into the existing technology infrastructure a system penetrates. Answer: Integration depth 120) ________ is a measurement that tracks the core business functions affected by a system. Answer: Organizational breadth 121) ________ is the immediate automated responses to the request of users. Answer: Online transaction processing 122) ________ is the use of graphical software tools that provide complex analysis of data stored in a database. Answer: Online analytical processing 123) A ________ is a subject-oriented, integrated, time-variant, nonvolatile collection of data used in support of management decision making. Answer: data warehouse 124) An ________ is a centralized, integrated data warehouse that is the control point and single source of all data made available to end users for decision-support applications throughout the entire organization. Answer: enterprise data warehouse 125) A ________ is a data warehouse that is limited in scope; whose data are obtained by selecting and summarizing data from the enterprise data warehouse. Answer: data mart 126) Describe six approaches to designing server architectures. Answer: The six approaches are: distributed presentation, remote presentation, remote data management, distributed function, distributed database, and distributed processing. Distributed presentation is used to freshen up the delivery of existing server-based applications to distributed clients. Remote presentation places all data presentation functions on the client machine so that the client has total responsibility for formatting data. Remote data management places all software on the client except for the data management functions. Distributed function splits analysis functions between the client and server, leaving all presentation on the client and all data management on the server. Distributed database places all functionality on the client, except data storage and management that is divided between the client and server. Distributed processing combines the best features of distributed function and distributed database by splitting both of these across client and server, with presentation functions under the exclusive responsibility of the client machine. 127) Identify three reasons for creating a three-tiered client/server architecture. Answer: Three reasons are: application partitioning, easier customization, and easier maintenance. 128) What is middleware? Provide an example to illustrate the usefulness of middleware. Answer: Middleware is a combination of hardware, software, and communication technologies that bring together data management, presentation, and analysis into a three-tiered client/server environment. The example from the textbook shows how ODBC drivers enable an Access query to retrieve data from Oracle and Informix databases. 129) Differentiate between file server and client/server architectures. Answer: These architectures differ in terms of processing, concurrent data access, network usage, database security and integrity, software maintenance, and hardware and system software flexibility. The file server architecture supports only the distribution of data, while the client/server architecture supports both the distribution of data and processing. In a file server architecture, concurrent data access is managed by the client; in a client/server architecture, concurrent data access is managed by the server. While the client/server architecture supports efficient data transfers, the file server architecture requires large file and data transfers. Database security and integrity are low for the file server architecture; the client/server has high database security and integrity. Software maintenance for a file server architecture is low, although it is mixed for the client/server architecture. In terms of hardware and system software flexibility, the client and server can be decoupled and mixed in a file server architecture. In a client/server architecture, there is a need for greater coordination between client and server. 130) When adopting a client/server architecture, identify four benefits that may occur. Answer: A client server architecture: (1) allows companies to leverage the benefits of microcomputer technology; (2) allows most processing to be performed close to the source of processed data, thereby improving response times and reducing network traffic; (3) facilitates the use of graphical user interfaces and visual presentation techniques commonly available for workstations; and (4) allows for and encourages the acceptance of open systems. 131) What is a database engine? What is a client? Answer: A database engine is the back-end portion of the client/server database system running on the server and providing database processing and shared access functions. A client is the front-end portion of the client/server database system that provides the user interface and data manipulation functions. 132) What is a data warehouse? What are the four steps to building a two-level data warehouse architecture? Answer: A data warehouse is a subject-oriented, integrated, time-variant, nonvolatile collection of data used in support of management decision making. The four steps are: (1) extract data from the various source systems files and databases; (2) transform and integrate the extracted data before loading into the warehouse; (3) organize the read-only database for decision support; and (4) provide a variety of query languages and analytical tools for users to access the data warehouse. 133) How do operational and informational systems differ? Answer: These systems differ in their primary purposes, data types, primary users, usage scope, and design goals. The operational system runs the business on a current basis; provides a current representation of the state of the business; is used primarily by online customers, clerks, salespersons, and administrators; has a narrow scope of usage; and has a performance design goal. In contrast, an informational system supports managerial decision making; provides historical or point-in-time data; has managers, business analysts, and customers as its primary users; supports a broad usage scope; and has an easy access and use design goal. 134) What is an enterprise data warehouse? What is its purpose? Answer: An enterprise data warehouse is a centralized, integrated data warehouse that is the control point and single source of all data made available to end users for decision-support applications throughout the entire organization. Its purpose is to serve as a centralized control point ensuring the quality and integrity of data and providing an accurate, consolidated historical record of business, for time-sensitive data. 135) Distinguish between personalization and customization. Provide an example of each. Answer: Personalization provides Internet content to users based upon knowledge of that customer. When visiting an on-line department store, information about your visit and purchases are stored. Each time you visit that site, the stored information is used to provide personalized information to you. If you have purchased clothing and toys for your two-year old child, the site may alert you to new sale items for toddlers. Customization refers to Internet sites that allow a user to customize information to their personal preferences. Customization requires more active involvement on the part of the customer. For instance, you can ask a portal to deliver specific stock, sports, and weather information to you each time you visit that site. Test Bank for Modern Systems Analysis and Design Jeffrey A. Hoffer, Joey George, Joseph S. Valacich, Joe Valacich, Jeffrey Slater 9780132991308, 9780134204925, 9780135172759, 9780136088219