Lesson 4.9.4.11

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

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 4.9.4.11, Thin- versus thick-client computing: 20 multiple choice questions for the AQA Computer Science (7517), Unit 9: Fundamentals of communication and networking, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. Which system relies on a central server for almost all processing and storage?

    • Peer node
    • Stand-alone computer
    • Thin client
    • Thick client

  2. Which type of computer system performs most of its processing and data storage locally?

    • Thick client
    • Terminal
    • Thin client
    • Proxy server

  3. What is a major administration advantage of using thin-client computing?

    • Centralised updates
    • Local data storage
    • Offline processing
    • Distributed backup

  4. What is a key advantage of thick-client computing over thin-client computing?

    • Centralised maintenance
    • Lower hardware cost
    • Reduced network bandwidth
    • Offline functionality

  5. What is a main disadvantage of thin-client computing?

    • Complex maintenance
    • Network dependency
    • Expensive hardware
    • High local storage

  6. What is a main administration disadvantage of thick-client networks?

    • Centralised control
    • Server dependency
    • High network reliance
    • Per-device updates

  7. Which device acts as a thin client in a computer network?

    • Gaming PC
    • Standalone workstation
    • Dumb terminal
    • Database server

  8. Why are thin clients suitable for high-density environments like call centres?

    • Offline capability
    • Peer-to-peer sharing
    • Lower hardware costs
    • High local processing

  9. Why would a travelling salesperson prefer a thick-client laptop?

    • Zero local storage
    • Centralised processing
    • Lower initial cost
    • Works offline

  10. Why is thin-client computing considered more secure for data protection?

    • Centralised data storage
    • Encrypted local drives
    • Local user control
    • Distributed processing

  11. Where does application processing primarily occur in thin-client architecture?

    • In the cache
    • On the client
    • On peer nodes
    • On the server

  12. Which client type best suits field workers operating without reliable internet?

    • Web client
    • Thick client
    • Dumb terminal
    • Thin client

  13. What network condition is essential for thin-client computing to function effectively?

    • Local routing
    • Low bandwidth
    • High reliability
    • Offline access

  14. Why do thin-client hardware devices generally have longer lifespans than thick clients?

    • Upgrades happen centrally
    • More processing cores
    • Faster local storage
    • Larger local batteries

  15. What issue arises when thick clients store local copies of a central database?

    • Data inconsistency
    • Central memory leak
    • Server overload
    • Bandwidth saturation

  16. How does thin-client computing reduce ongoing software management costs?

    • Peer-to-peer patch sharing
    • Individual licensing
    • Single-location installation
    • Automated client replacement

  17. What is the primary role of a thin-client terminal in remote desktop computing?

    • Executing database queries
    • Compiling local scripts
    • Running application code
    • Displaying screen output

  18. Which client type processing model is best suited for offline use?

    • Thin client
    • Web client
    • Thick client
    • Terminal client

  19. Which client type processes data locally using its own CPU and storage?

    • Cloud client
    • Zero client
    • Thin client
    • Thick client

  20. What enables a client device to continue functioning during a network outage?

    • High bandwidth
    • Server dependency
    • Centralised storage
    • Local processing

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