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                                   CHAPTER FOUR ANSWERS TO REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. A mainframe computer allows hundreds of people to have access to a network.

2. Personal computers can be used as terminals on mainframes, minicomputers, and LANs.

3. Emulation means one terminal is configured to look like another. A personal computer often emulates a DEC VT-100.

4. Two common names for a general-purpose terminal are cathode ray tube (CRT)and video display terminal (VDT).

5. Uncontrolled, controlled.

6. Smart terminals and intelligent terminals end data to the host computer using synchronous or block transmission.

7. A host computer uses an address to recognize an individual terminal on a communication network.

8. An intelligent terminal has functions in firmware, and can operate independently of the host computer.

9. A programmable terminal at some time must be connected to the network, a PC does not have to be connected to the network.

10. A bar code reader is used to enter information from a UPC code entered into a point-of sale (POS) terminal.

11. When prices change, the database storing the items and prices is changed. The bar codes on the items do not have to be changed, yet the new price will register when the item is purchased.

12. ATMs, or automated teller machines, have revolutionized the banking industry by allowing the customers to bank and complete transactions at their own convenience.

13. A personal computer can be used as a fax machine by using a fax modem, which allows the PC to function like a fax machine.

14. One example of a company that uses remote input devices is Hertz. Rapid Return service is a method of returning rental cars. Rapid Return service allows the customer to return rental cars faster, by eliminating the need for the customer to park the car, return to a counter to fill out forms, and wait for a receipt.

15. The primary station initiates a session while a secondary station responds. Usually a single primary station exists in a network and several secondary stations exist.

16. In a point-to-point network configuration, each terminal has a direct communication link to the computer. In a multipoint network configuration, many terminals share the same communication link to the computer.

17. The two types of polling used in a multipoint network are roll call polling and hub polling. In roll call polling, the primary station asks each secondary station if it has data to transmit in a round robin fashion. In hub polling, the initial poll comes from the primary station, but then each secondary station sends the poll on to the next secondary station.

18. RS-449 interface standards add capabilities not available with RS-232D. RS-449 has 37 pins, whereas RS-232 only has 25.

19. Refer to Figure 4-29. Handshaking is a method of communication between a DTE (data terminal equipment) and a DCE (data communication equipment), which involves the exchange of signals needed to transmit data.

20. A computer or terminal is a DTE (data terminal equipment) and a modem is a DCE (data communication equipment).