Chapter 03: Network Computing (Part 1)

The statement accurately describes virtual universities as online institutions where students can attend classes remotely via the internet. Therefore, the correct answer is true.

Businesses should pay close attention to what bloggers are writing about them and their products because bloggers have the power to influence public opinion and shape the reputation of a business. Bloggers often have a loyal following and their opinions and reviews can reach a wide audience. Positive reviews can boost sales and enhance brand image, while negative reviews can harm a business's reputation and lead to loss of customers. Therefore, it is important for businesses to monitor and respond to bloggers' opinions to manage their online presence effectively.

Metasearch engines are designed to search multiple search engines simultaneously and combine the results from each search engine into one comprehensive list. This allows users to save time and effort by getting a broader range of results from different sources in a single search. Therefore, the statement is true as it accurately describes the functionality of metasearch engines.

The given statement is true because a blog is indeed a personal website that is open to the public. It is a platform where the creator can freely express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions on various topics. Blogs can cover a wide range of subjects such as lifestyle, travel, technology, or personal experiences. The open nature of blogs allows for interaction with readers through comments and discussions, making it a popular medium for sharing ideas and engaging with a wider audience.

The statement is true because the major problem of discovery is indeed the vast amount of information available. With the advancement of technology and the internet, there is an overwhelming abundance of data and content that can make it difficult for individuals to find relevant and reliable information. This can lead to information overload, making it challenging to filter through the noise and identify valuable insights or resources. Therefore, the sheer volume of information is a significant obstacle in the process of discovery.

Social networking sites provide a platform for individuals to connect with others who share similar interests, hobbies, or beliefs. These sites allow users to create profiles, join groups, and engage in discussions, making it easier to find like-minded people online. By connecting with others who have similar interests, individuals can build meaningful relationships, share ideas, and find support within their communities. Therefore, social networking sites can indeed be a useful way to find like-minded people online.

Electronic mail, also known as email, is a widely used form of communication over the Internet. It allows individuals to send and receive messages, documents, and other types of information electronically. With the increasing reliance on digital communication, email has become one of the most popular and widely used applications on the Internet. It is used by individuals, businesses, and organizations of all sizes, making it the largest-volume application running over the Internet. Therefore, the statement that electronic mail is the largest-volume application running over the Internet is true.

This statement is false. Computers can exchange data not only over large networks but also over small networks or even directly between two computers. The size of the network does not determine the ability of computers to exchange data.

The statement is false because the quality of automatic translation of web pages is usually not as good as human translation. While automatic translation technology has improved over the years, it still often produces inaccurate translations, especially for complex or nuanced content. Human translators have a better understanding of context, cultural nuances, and idiomatic expressions, which allows them to provide more accurate and natural translations. Therefore, relying solely on automatic translation for web pages may result in errors and misunderstandings.

Commercial portals are designed to cater to a wide range of users and provide them with commonly accessed information or services. These portals typically offer routine content that is relevant to a broad audience. Therefore, the statement that commercial portals are intended for broad audiences and offer fairly routine content is true.

The statement suggests that standalone computers and computer networks have an equal impact on employee productivity. However, this is not true. Computer networks allow for the sharing of resources, information, and collaboration among employees, which can significantly enhance productivity. Standalone computers, on the other hand, limit the capabilities and efficiency of employees as they lack the connectivity and communication features provided by computer networks. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

E-learning offers several benefits, including current, high-quality content. This means that learners have access to the most up-to-date information and resources. Additionally, e-learning provides consistency, ensuring that all learners receive the same content and instruction regardless of their location or time zone. Furthermore, e-learning offers flexibility, allowing learners to access and complete their coursework at their own pace and convenience. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above" as e-learning encompasses all of these benefits.

Industrywide portals are not intended for broad audiences, but rather for specific industries or sectors. These portals provide specialized content and resources that cater to the specific needs and interests of professionals within a particular industry. Therefore, the statement that industrywide portals offer fairly routine content is incorrect.

Networks enable a wide range of applications including discovery, communications, and collaboration. Discovery refers to the ability to find and access resources and information on a network. Communications involve the exchange of data and information between different devices and users connected to the network. Collaboration involves the ability to work together and share resources, ideas, and information through the network. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above" as networks facilitate all these applications.

The statement suggests that employees who telecommute generally find that it enhances their careers. However, the correct answer is false, indicating that this statement is not true. This implies that telecommuting may not necessarily lead to career enhancement for all employees. The explanation could be that while telecommuting offers flexibility and work-life balance, it may also limit opportunities for networking, collaboration, and visibility within the organization, which are often crucial for career growth.

Corporate portals are designed to coordinate content within a specific organization and its partners' communities. These portals serve as a centralized platform where employees, partners, and stakeholders can access and share information, collaborate on projects, and communicate with each other. Unlike publishing portals that focus on disseminating information to a wide audience, corporate portals are more targeted and cater to the specific needs and interests of a particular organization and its partners.

Search engines and metasearch engines are examples of network applications that facilitate the discovery of information. These applications allow users to search for and find relevant information on the internet by querying databases and indexes of web pages. They help users discover new websites, articles, images, and other resources based on their search queries. Therefore, the correct answer is "Discovery."

Skype is an example of voice over IP because it allows users to make voice and video calls over the internet, using IP (Internet Protocol) technology. It enables real-time communication between users through the transmission of voice signals as digital data packets, eliminating the need for traditional telephone lines. Skype revolutionized the way people communicate by providing a cost-effective and convenient alternative to traditional telephony systems.

Affinity portals support communities such as hobby groups or a political party. These portals are designed to bring together individuals with similar interests or affiliations. They provide a platform for members to connect, share information, and engage in discussions related to their common interests. Affinity portals often offer features like forums, chat rooms, event calendars, and member directories to facilitate interaction and collaboration within the community.

The correct answer is "discovery" because a network application that enables users to access information located in databases all over the world would typically involve the process of discovering and connecting to those databases. This could involve searching for available databases, identifying relevant information sources, and establishing connections to retrieve the desired information.

Workflow, groupware, and telepresence systems are examples of network applications that facilitate collaboration among individuals or teams. These applications enable users to work together, share information, and communicate effectively, regardless of their physical location. They enhance productivity and efficiency by allowing multiple users to access and work on the same documents or projects simultaneously. Collaboration tools also provide features such as messaging, file sharing, task management, and video conferencing, which promote teamwork and coordination. Therefore, the correct answer is "Collaboration."

Computer networks enable geographically dispersed employees to work together by providing a platform for communication and collaboration. Through network connections, employees can share information, access shared resources, and work on projects together regardless of their physical location. This allows for increased productivity and efficiency within an organization, as employees can easily communicate and collaborate on tasks, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving. Additionally, computer networks also enable organizations to be more flexible, as they can adapt to changing business needs and easily scale their operations.

Portals are an example of a network application that focuses on discovery. Portals provide a centralized platform where users can access various resources, information, and services from different sources. They act as gateways to a wide range of content and functionalities, enabling users to discover and explore different options conveniently. Through portals, users can navigate and find relevant information, applications, and services that suit their needs, making the discovery process more efficient and streamlined.

The given answer states that networks have had limited impact on organizational productivity. However, this statement is incorrect as networks have actually had a significant impact on organizational productivity. Networks allow for efficient communication and data exchange between computers, enabling faster and more streamlined processes within organizations. They facilitate collaboration, information sharing, and resource sharing, all of which contribute to increased productivity. Therefore, the correct answer should be "Networks have had a significant impact on organizational productivity."

Commercial portals offer content for diverse communities and are intended for broad audiences. These portals are typically designed to cater to a wide range of users and provide a variety of content, products, and services. They are often used by businesses to promote their products or services to a larger audience and generate revenue through advertising or e-commerce. Unlike personal, affinity, or corporate portals, which are more specific in their target audience or purpose, commercial portals aim to reach a broader range of users and offer a wide range of content and services.