4.9.4.11 Thin- versus thick-client computing Quiz: AQA Computer Science, Unit 9

The 20 questions

1. What is a thin client?

   • A device that is a physically smaller version of a desktop computer with its own hard drive.
   • A device that has no processor and cannot connect to any network at all.
   • A device that does little local processing and relies on a server for most of its processing and data storage.
   • A device that stores all its software and data locally and works without any network.

2. What is a thick client?

   • A device that performs much of its processing and stores much of its data and software locally.
   • A device whose screen is larger than average and therefore called thick.
   • A device that has no local processing and displays only what a server sends.
   • A device that can only be used when connected to a thin client on the network.

3. Which of these is an advantage of thin-client computing?

   • Central management means software updates and backups only need to be done on the server.
   • The client can keep working when the network connection to the server fails.
   • Each device keeps its own full copy of the database, so the server is never needed for any task and the network can fail without effect.
   • Each device needs powerful local hardware, which makes it more flexible.

4. Which of these is an advantage of thick-client computing?

   • Thick clients never need to be updated, because all software runs on the server.
   • Thick clients need very little hardware, so they are cheaper to buy.
   • Thick clients put all data on a central server, making data loss impossible.
   • A thick client can keep working when the network connection to the server is unavailable.

5. Which is a disadvantage of thin-client computing?

   • It cannot display any graphical user interface on the screen.
   • It relies on a reliable network connection, so the service is lost if the network fails.
   • It needs a more powerful processor in every device than a thick client would.
   • It requires each device to hold a full local copy of the data at all times.

6. Which is a disadvantage of thick-client computing?

   • It prevents users from working when the network connection is unavailable.
   • It cannot store any data locally, so every file must be sent to the server.
   • It cannot run any software without a continuous connection to a server.
   • Each device needs enough processing power and storage, and software must be updated on every machine.

7. Which device is most likely to be a thin client?

   • A games console with a high-end graphics processor and local storage, which can run software on its own without needing any central server.
   • A smartphone that stores all of its photos and runs its own apps.
   • A low-cost terminal that displays a desktop provided by a central server.
   • A laptop that has a full copy of an office suite installed.

8. Why might an organisation prefer thin clients for a call centre?

   • Thin clients remove the need for any network connection between staff and the server.
   • Thin clients are the only devices that can run a graphical user interface.
   • It has lower hardware costs and simpler central management, and data stays on the server.
   • Thin clients let each employee keep a private copy of customer data on their own device, so the data is never held by the central server.

9. Why might a salesperson travelling without a reliable connection prefer a thick client?

   • The laptop prevents any data from being stored on the device at all.
   • The laptop does not need any battery, which makes it useful when travelling.
   • The laptop avoids the need for any software updates, so it is always current.
   • The laptop can run applications and access stored data without needing a constant network connection.

10. Evaluate: which statement best compares thin and thick clients for security of data?

    • Thin clients keep data on the server, which can reduce the risk of data loss if a device is lost or stolen.
    • Thick clients always store data in encrypted form, so thin clients are less secure.
    • Thick clients prevent any unauthorised user from logging in to the system.
    • Thin clients have no security risks because they never connect to a network.

11. Compare the processing location of thin and thick clients.

    • Thin clients perform all processing locally, whereas thick clients rely on the server.
    • Both thin and thick clients perform all processing locally on their own processor.
    • Neither type of client does any processing, because the network does it for them.
    • Thin clients rely on the server for most processing, whereas thick clients perform much of the processing locally.

12. A company must support staff who work offline on field visits and staff in the office. Which combination best suits this need?

    • Neither client type, because staff who work offline must use a paper-based system.
    • Thick clients for field staff and thin clients for office staff, depending on how each group works.
    • Thick clients for all staff, because offline work is not possible with a server at all, so every member of staff must carry a laptop.
    • Thin clients for all staff, because field staff can work offline with them.

13. Which statement about the network needs of thin clients is correct?

    • Thin clients need only a dial-up connection, because they send very little data, so a slow network is always good enough for every task.
    • Thin clients need no network connection because they process data locally.
    • Thin clients need a fast, reliable network because the server does most of the processing.
    • Thin clients can be used on any network, because they work when disconnected.

14. Why do thin clients often have a longer working life than thick clients?

    • They need less powerful hardware, and the server can be upgraded instead of each device.
    • They are never used with software, so there is nothing to upgrade.
    • They are designed to be replaced every six months to keep them current.
    • They use less battery, so their hardware never wears out.

15. A thick client holds a copy of a database that must match the central version. Which problem is most likely?

    • Data may become inconsistent if each copy is not updated and synchronised.
    • The server will automatically replace the database on every device every hour.
    • The copies will always be identical, so no synchronisation is ever needed.
    • The thick client will be unable to store any data after synchronising.

16. Which approach reduces the cost of managing many client devices?

    • Giving every device its own separate copy of the server software.
    • Buying the most expensive thick clients so that they never need maintenance.
    • Using thin clients, so that most software is installed and maintained only on the central server.
    • Using thick clients, so that each device is maintained separately by its user.

17. Which statement is true of a thin client that displays a remote desktop?

    • The device and server each keep a full copy of the desktop and synchronise it.
    • The device stores all the applications and files for the desktop locally.
    • The processing happens on the device, and the server only stores the files.
    • The processing for the desktop happens on the server, and the device only displays the screen and sends input.

18. Evaluate: which factor is most likely to make a thick client the better choice for a home user?

    • The user wants to rely on a central server for all processing and storage, with the device doing nothing except showing the screen.
    • The user wants a device that depends entirely on a network connection.
    • The user needs to work offline and wants applications to run on their own computer.
    • The user wants to avoid installing any software on the computer.

19. Which client type gives greater control over local hardware resources?

    • A thin client, because the server controls the device's graphics card directly.
    • Neither client type, because hardware is controlled only by the network.
    • A thin client, because its processing is performed on the local display.
    • A thick client, because it runs applications on its own processor and storage.

20. Which factor most affects whether a client can keep working when the network is down?

    • The brand of the router that connects the device to the internet, since some routers are better at storing data for the device to use.
    • The colour depth of the screen used to display the application.
    • The size of the keyboard that is attached to the device.
    • Whether the processing and data its applications need are stored on the device.

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