| Q |
What is a network?
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| A |
network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CD-ROMs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.
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| Q |
What is Client-server Computing? |
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Client/server is a computational architecture that involves client processes requesting service from server processes.
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| Q |
What is a Client process?
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| A |
The client is a process (program) that sends a message to a server process (program), requesting that the server perform a task (service).
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| Q |
What is a Server process?
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A server process (program) fulfills the client request by performing the task requested. Server programs generally receive requests from client programs, execute database retrieval and updates, manage data integrity and dispatch responses to client requests.
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| Q |
What is a Two-Tier Architecture?
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| A |
A two-tier architecture is where a client talks directly to a server, with no intervening server. It is typically used in small environments (usually < 50 users).
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| Q |
What are the characteristics of client/server architecture?
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- Combination of a client or front-end portion that interacts with the user, and a server or back-end portion that interacts with the shared resource.
- Front-end task and back-end tasks have fundamentally different requirements for computing resources such as processors, memory, data storage capacities, and input/output devices.
- Typically a heterogeneous and multi-vendor environment such that clients and servers often do not mirror each other's hardware and software.
- Scalable horizontally (adding or removing client workstations) or vertically (migrating to a larger and faster server machine or multi-servers).
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| Q |
What is NOS? |
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Short for Network Operating System, it is the software installed on every server computer which includes special functions for connecting computers and devices into a local-area network (LAN).
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| Q |
Can any computer be a server? |
| A |
A server is a program, residing on a physical computer also referred to as server that provides services to other computer programs and their users, in the same or other computer. The physical computer that runs a server program is also often referred to as server.
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| Q |
Can a computer be both client and a server? |
| A |
Yes, provided all prerequisites of both server and client service programs are met. An example is a computer with a Windows XP Professional operating system, running IIS web server, hosting a website, while also running Internet Explorer receiving Microsoft updates. |
