Unit 1: Hardware and Software Fundamentals

Answer: C — The correct answer, C) Increased scalability and fault tolerance, is a benefit of using a cluster of lower-performance servers because it allows the company to easily add or remove servers as needed, increasing scalability, and if one server fails, the others can continue to operate, increasing fault tolerance. Option A is incorrect because while the initial cost of a cluster of lower-performance servers may be lower, the overall cost of ownership may be higher due to increased maintenance and administration costs. Option B is incorrect because a cluster of servers can be more complex to administer than a single server. Option D is incorrect because a cluster of servers may actually consume more power than a single server, depending on the specific hardware used.

Answer: C — A client-server network has a central server that manages network resources, making option C the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because in a client-server network, not all computers act as servers. Option B is incorrect because client-server networks are often used in large business networks, not small home networks. Option D is partially correct in that client-server networks can be more difficult to set up, but it is due to the central server, not another reason.

Answer: B — The correct answer is B) Hybrid architecture with both CPU and GPU, because it combines the high-performance processing capabilities of CPUs with the low power consumption and parallel processing capabilities of GPUs, making it well-suited for scientific simulations and data analysis. Option A) Von Neumann architecture is incorrect because it is a traditional architecture that may not provide the required performance for scientific simulations. Option C) Harvard architecture is incorrect because it is primarily used for embedded systems and may not provide the required performance for scientific simulations. Option D) CISC architecture is incorrect because it is a complex instruction set architecture that may not provide the required performance and power efficiency for scientific simulations.

Answer: A — A thick client setup typically involves client machines with more processing power and local data storage, allowing for more autonomous operation and reduced reliance on the server. This is in contrast to thin client setups, where the server handles most of the processing and data storage. Option B is incorrect because it describes a thin client setup. Option C is incorrect because it describes a potential aspect of either setup, but not a defining characteristic of thick clients. Option D is incorrect because it describes a potential benefit of thin clients, not thick clients.

Answer: D — The correct answer is D) Hardware, because hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, such as the CPU, motherboard, and RAM. The other options are incorrect because software (A) refers to the programs and operating system, firmware (B) is a type of software that is stored in non-volatile memory, and malware (C) is a type of software that is designed to harm or exploit a computer system.