WorksheetsDefining IT Infrastructure
Total questions: 88
Worksheet time: 44mins
Which statement best defines IT infrastructure in a firm?
Temporary project tools without firm-wide use
A single enterprise application for all departments
Shared technology resources forming application platforms
Individual employee devices used for personal tasks
Fill in the blank: IT infrastructure provides the (a) for a firm’s specific information system applications.
Which investment is typically part of IT infrastructure and shared across business units?
Hardware, software, and consulting services
Physical office layouts and furniture
Marketing campaigns and brand assets
Human resources policies and payroll
A firm wants to improve vendor collaboration and internal process management. What should it prioritize to enable these services?
Outsourcing all development offshore
Launching more consumer advertisements
Hiring only non-technical sales staff
Strengthening IT infrastructure capabilities
In the diagram showing Business Strategy, IT Strategy, and IT Services and Infrastructure, what is the primary role of infrastructure regarding strategy alignment?
Support business and information systems strategies
Replace business strategy with technology choices
Limit services offered to customers and suppliers
Operate independently from strategic planning
A company adopts a new cloud platform. Using strategic reasoning, which outcome aligns with the service-oriented view presented?
Expanded customer, supplier, and enterprise services
Reduced service availability across all stakeholders
No change to business or IT strategies at all
Elimination of the need for shared resources
Which statement best describes firmwide IT services within an enterprise?
Shared human and technical capabilities across all units
Isolated tools for individual departments only
Ad hoc systems built by employees informally
External vendor solutions without internal roles
Computing platforms primarily enable which outcome for a firm?
Replace organizational policies with automation
Eliminate the need for mobile devices entirely
Encrypt all files using end‑to‑end algorithms
Connect stakeholders in a coherent digital environment
Telecommunication services provide connectivity for which types of media?
Data, voice and video
Voice and print
Audio and graphics
Text and images
Data management services are mainly responsible for what function?
Train employees in basic system use
Design user interfaces for applications
Configure wireless network hardware
Store, manage and enable data analysis
Application software services typically include enterprise-wide tools such as ERP, CRM, SCM and KMS.
True but limited to finance modules
False because they are only desktop apps
True for shared online capabilities
False since CRM is a telecom system
Fill in the blank: Physical facilities management services develop and manage the physical (a) required for computing and telecommunications.
IT management services coordinate with business units to plan infrastructure and handle which additional responsibility?
Write all application code in-house
Draft national telecom regulations
Operate external data centers alone
Manage accounting for IT expenditure
IT standards services establish policies that determine which technology will be used, along with what two aspects?
Cost and staffing
When and how
Security and privacy
Why and where
IT education services mainly provide which support to staff and managers?
Training in system use and investment planning
Daily hardware repairs and replacements
On-call network encryption services
Personal productivity coaching only
IT research and development services help a firm differentiate itself by doing what?
Standardize legacy system documentation
Research future IT projects and investments
Run the help desk for password resets
Limit experimentation to proven tools
Which combination best illustrates the scope of computing platforms in a firm?
Cloud‑only infrastructure without endpoints
Mainframes, midrange, desktops, laptops, mobile, cloud
Desktops only for on‑premises development
Smartphones and tablets for executives
A retail company wants seamless collaboration among employees, customers and suppliers. Which firmwide service is most central to achieving this?
IT standards services for policy compliance only
Data management services for archival storage
Physical facilities management for building maintenance
Computing platforms enabling a coherent digital environment
Which era marks the beginning of general‑purpose mainframe and minicomputer use in organizations?
1992 to present era
1981 to present era
1959 to present era
1983 to present era
Fill in the blank: The personal computer era spans from (a) to present.
Which era most directly enabled widespread distributed applications between clients and servers?
Cloud and mobile computing, 2000 to present
Enterprise computing era, 1992 to present
Client/server era, 1983 to present
Personal computer era, 1981 to present
Organizations aiming to integrate systems across departments most likely emerged in which listed era?
Client/server era, 1983 to present
Personal computer era, 1981 to present
Enterprise computing era, 1992 to present
General‑purpose mainframe era, 1959 to present
A startup prioritizing on‑demand resources and mobile access is aligning with which era?
General‑purpose mainframe era, 1959 to present
Enterprise computing era, 1992 to present
Client/server era, 1983 to present
Cloud and mobile computing, 2000 to present
Which IBM series first offered commercial time sharing, multitasking, and virtual memory?
IBM 1401 transistorized line
IBM 7090 scientific series
IBM System/360 family
IBM VAX compatible line
In 1959, the introduction of which machines marked widespread commercial use of mainframes?
DEC PDP-11 and VAX
Cray-1 and Cray-2
IBM 1401 and 7090
UNIVAC I and II
Mainframe computing in large corporations was characterized primarily by (a) control.
What infrastructure pattern distinguished the mainframe era in corporate data centers?
Peer-to-peer community networks
Single-vendor hardware and software
Open-source multi-vendor stacks
Cloud-native microservices
Which DEC product line enabled decentralized computing at lower cost than IBM mainframes?
DEC Rainbow PCs
DEC Alpha servers
DEC PDP-11 minicomputers
DEC VT terminal series
Why did minicomputers gain traction in the late 1960s and 1970s?
They required fewer programmers overall
They offered powerful machines at lower price
They eliminated proprietary data lines entirely
They were smaller but less powerful
Describe a realistic scenario where a university shifts from a single mainframe to minicomputers. Which benefit most directly motivates the change?
Elimination of networking needs
Increased dependence on one vendor
Customized computing for departments
Centralized control over all terminals
In recent years, the minicomputer evolved into which role within networks?
Supercomputing accelerator
Mobile handheld device
Midrange computer or server
Personal desktop computer
In the leftmost image, identify the system often credited as a modular mainframe design that influenced enterprise computing in the 1960s.
UNIVAC I business data processor
Cray-1 vector supercomputer
DEC PDP-8 laboratory minicomputer
IBM System/360 modular mainframe
Compare the middle images featuring DEC PDP-11 racks with the rightmost modern server row. What key difference in I/O interaction is most evident from the visuals?
Batch card readers versus GPU accelerators
Tape reels versus optical networking gear
Front-panel switches versus remote management
Analog meters versus liquid cooling manifolds
In the modern data center image on the second slide, the standardized enclosure used to mount servers is called a (a) .
Which event is commonly marked as the start of the modern personal computer era?
Debut of Windows 3.0 in 1990
Launch of MS-DOS in 1983
Release of IBM PC in 1981
Introduction of Ethernet in 1973
Fill in the blank: A Wintel PC refers to a computer running (a) on an Intel microprocessor.
Which statement best explains why early machines like the Xerox Alto and MITS Altair 8800 did not define the PC era?
They were only used in government labs
They lacked graphical displays for users
They were more expensive than mainframes
They had limited distribution to enthusiasts
Which combination lists typical personal desktop productivity tools that proliferated with PCs in the 1980s and early 1990s?
Word processors, spreadsheets, presentations
Compilers, debuggers, kernel modules
Antivirus, firewalls, intrusion systems
CAD suites, PLC controllers, SCADA
Before widespread networking in the 1990s, how were most PCs deployed?
As cloud-connected terminals
As thin clients to mainframes
As clustered supercomputers
As stand-alone systems
Reasoning task: A firm in 1982 wants to decentralize computing. Which choice aligns with the trend described for that period?
Adopt IBM PCs across departments
Expand a centralized mainframe
Delay purchases until Windows 95
Replace microprocessors with minicomputers
Identify the device category shown in the middle image labeled “Altair 8800 Microcomputer.”
An early microcomputer kit
A vector graphics terminal
A dedicated network router
A tape-based storage unit
Which statement best describes client/server computing?
Servers only store files without processing
Clients run all tasks without network support
Servers connect to clients for local backups
Clients connect to servers to split processing
In a client/server setup, what is the primary role of the client?
Hosting web pages for browsers
Managing network routing tasks
Processing shared enterprise data
User entry point for applications
Fill in the blank: The term (a) refers to both the software application that provides services and the physical computer running network software.
Which example best matches a two-tier architecture in this era?
Server clusters forward to multiple proxies
Desktop client talks directly to server
Client runs database locally and remotely
Client communicates through three middleware layers
A company needs to serve millions of web requests. Which server hardware choice aligns with the described era’s trend?
Low-power thin client appliance
Multi-processor commodity server racks
Single-user desktop with large HDD
Legacy mainframe without networking
Consider the division of work in client/server computing. Which pairing is most appropriate?
Client: routing; Server: user input handling
Client: database; Server: keyboard management
Client: backups; Server: display rendering
Client: interface; Server: processing and storage
Which networking standard enabled firms to tie disparate networks into an enterprise-wide infrastructure in the mid-1990s?
Common Object Request Broker Architecture
File Transfer Protocol over dial-up
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol suite
Fill in the blank: By the early 1990s, firms adopted networking standards and software tools to integrate (a) networks and applications across the organization.
Which combination best describes the hardware linked by an enterprise-wide infrastructure?
Game consoles, smart TVs, drones
Mainframes, servers, PCs, mobile devices
Printers, scanners, webcams only
Single supercomputer without peripherals
Why did information start to flow freely across organizations after adoption of TCP/IP? Choose the best explanation.
It reduced hardware costs dramatically
It standardized communication across heterogeneous networks
It replaced all legacy applications instantly
It required private leased lines for every site
A company plans to connect its telephone system, Internet access, and public network services with internal applications. What must be included besides hardware to enable seamless data flow?
Manual data entry between departments
High-end GPUs for visualization
Software to link applications and enable data flow
Proprietary cabling standards only
You are tasked with modernizing a firm that still uses isolated departmental networks. Outline the first strategic step to move toward an enterprise-wide infrastructure.
Adopt TCP/IP and integrate networks using standardized tools
Eliminate mobile devices from the environment
Replace every PC with a new model immediately
Disconnect mainframes to avoid complexity
Which statement best describes cloud computing in modern IT infrastructure?
Replacing the Internet with private leased lines
Running all applications only on local desktops
Using offline storage for data backups exclusively
Accessing a shared pool of resources over networks
Fill in the blank: In cloud computing, resources are provided on an (a) basis from any connected device.
Which example aligns with Software as a Service (SaaS)?
Building custom middleware for internal APIs
Subscribing to a web-based CRM platform monthly
Installing a desktop-only spreadsheet program
Buying servers for in-house database hosting
A firm needs to rapidly add compute and storage during peak season. Which cloud characteristic enables this?
Fixed capacity purchased upfront
Elastic scalability in data centers
Manual hardware installation onsite
Periodic offline resource pooling
Which scenario best applies the client device concept in cloud computing?
An IoT sensor logging to onboard memory only
A printer storing backups locally overnight
A mainframe isolated from any network
A tablet accessing applications via the Internet
You are evaluating providers for remote IT infrastructure. Which evidence supports choosing a hyperscale cloud operator?
Specializes in low-speed dial-up connectivity
Provides only offline packaged software media
Focuses on single-office LAN installation services
Operates huge centers with compute, storage, high-speed links
A company wants to maintain IT infrastructure remotely while delivering software to customers over the Internet. Which combination fits this goal?
Migrate to offline backups and disable web access
Use scalable cloud centers and deliver apps as SaaS
Purchase local hardware and ship CDs to clients
Deploy private dial-up and install desktop binaries
Which stage in IT infrastructure evolution first introduces distributed client machines connecting to a central server over local networks, as depicted in the left diagram?
Cloud and mobile computing era with Internet
Client/server era with networked clients
Personal computer era with standalone devices
Mainframe/minicomputer era with terminals
In an N-tier client/server network, which tier is responsible for business logic processing between the web server and the data store?
Application server tier
Web presentation tier
Client workstation tier
Database storage tier
Fill in the blank: The seven major components of IT infrastructure include (a) , operating system platforms, and enterprise software applications.
Which item is NOT listed among the seven major components of IT infrastructure?
Data management and storage
Internet platforms
Project management methodologies
Consulting system integration services
Which component category would include Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS in the ecosystem diagram?
Networking/telecommunications
Enterprise software applications
Internet platforms
Operating systems platforms
Which vendor appears under data management and storage in the ecosystem diagram?
SAP for enterprise middleware
Apple for client devices
Cisco for networking hardware
IBM DB2 for databases
Select the best description of an N-tier architecture benefit illustrated in the right diagram.
Combines all logic on client machines
Separates presentation, logic, and data layers
Requires a single monolithic mainframe
Eliminates need for Internet connectivity
Which evolution era emphasizes company-wide connectivity with multiple servers linking departments?
Cloud and mobile computing era
Personal computer era
Enterprise computing era
Mainframe/minicomputer era
Which ecosystem category lists Apache and Microsoft IIS as examples?
Consultants and system integrators
Operating systems platforms
Internet platforms
Data management and storage
A company needs expert help to integrate SAP with existing systems. Which component category is most relevant?
Computer hardware platforms
Internet platforms
Operating systems platforms
Consultants and system integrators
Which device category is primarily used by end users for personal productivity and mobile tasks?
Mainframes for transaction processing
Servers in data center racks
Network routers and switches
Client machines like laptops and phones
Identify the platform designed to handle huge volumes of transactions and data in banking and telecommunications.
Personal desktop towers
Enterprise mainframe systems
Departmental file servers
Client laptops and smartphones
Fill in the blank: The leading provider historically associated with mainframes is (a) .
Which statement best distinguishes client machines from servers?
Client machines mount in data center racks
Servers are optimized for handheld use
Servers primarily provide touch interfaces
Client machines run user applications locally
Which operating systems are commonly used for corporate servers?
Windows 10 Home, macOS, iPadOS
DOS, BeOS, AmigaOS
Android, iOS, Chrome OS
Windows Server, Unix, Linux
Which operating systems typically run on client devices like laptops, phones, and Chromebooks?
Unix and BSD variants
Proprietary middleware platforms
Windows OS, Android, iOS, Chrome OS
Only Linux server distributions
A bank needs reliable batch processing and high-throughput transaction handling. Which hardware platform should it prioritize?
Consumer tablets for mobility
Distributed web servers only
Mainframes as digital workhorses
Desktop PCs with gaming GPUs
Explain the trade-off implied by “desktop chips vs. mobile chips.” Which option captures the typical difference?
Mobile chips always have more cores than desktop chips
Mobile chips favor performance; desktop chips favor battery life
Both chip types are identical in design and power
Desktop chips favor performance; mobile chips favor efficiency
Choose the best OS for hosting enterprise applications that need strong multiuser and security features on servers.
Unix or Linux distributions
Android with multitouch UI
iOS for mobile devices
Windows 10 Home edition
Fill in the blank: Google’s lightweight client operating system focused on cloud computing is (a) .
Which feature best explains why organizations choose Windows Server for enterprise IT infrastructures?
Exclusive support for legacy peripherals
Built-in gaming services for consumers
Low-cost desktop customization tools
Enterprise-wide OS and network services
Fill in the blank: Unix and Linux are (a) , reliable, and less expensive than mainframe operating systems.
Which statement describes a scalability advantage of Unix/Linux in heterogeneous environments?
They only run on proprietary chipsets
They can run on many processor types
They require specialized mainframe CPUs
They depend on single-vendor hardware
A company wants Windows across PCs and tablets with multitouch. Which versions meet this need?
Windows Vista and XP editions
Windows 10 and Windows 8
Windows Server Core only
Windows 7 Starter releases
Which characteristic defines Android’s development model for mobile devices?
Open-source by the Open Handset Alliance
Shareware maintained by volunteers
Proprietary licensed to handset makers
Closed-source managed by a single vendor
Fill in the blank: Android competes with iOS, Apple’s mobile operating system for the iPhone, (a) , and iPod Touch.
An IT planner must choose a server OS that appeals to organizations seeking Windows-based infrastructures. Which option fits best?
Android Enterprise Edition
Microsoft Windows Server
Unix with GNOME desktop
Linux for smartphones
Which market reality supports adopting Android for broad device deployment worldwide?
Installed on less than ten percent of phones
Installed only on niche developer devices
Installed exclusively on Apple hardware
Installed on more than half of mobile devices
