Foundations of Distributed Systems: Introductory Quiz Quiz

1. Understanding Distributed Systems

   Which of the following best describes a distributed system?

   1. A group of computers working together as a single system
   2. A single computer with multiple users
   3. A large computer controlling multiple screens
   4. A device connecting printers to a network
   5. A spreadsheet software used by several people

2. Benefits of Distribution

   What is one main advantage of using a distributed system for data storage?

   1. It allows faster typing speeds
   2. It enables centralized processing only
   3. It increases reliability by duplicating data across several locations
   4. It reduces electricity usage to zero
   5. It ensures all data is always stored on the slowest device

3. Fundamental Concepts

   In a distributed system, what does the term 'node' refer to?

   1. A single physical or virtual machine participating in the system
   2. A central database only
   3. A network cable connector
   4. A password required for system access
   5. An unrelated mathematical concept

4. Communication in Distribution

   When two computers in a distributed system need to share information, what method do they typically use?

   1. Direct communication over a network such as message passing
   2. Punch cards exchange
   3. Physical mail delivery
   4. Reading from the same keyboard
   5. Directly accessing the same monitor

5. Transparency Feature

   Which term describes hiding the complexities of the distributed nature so the system appears as a single entity to the user?

   1. Transparency
   2. Transparancy
   3. Transition
   4. Tranceparency
   5. Transaction

6. Types of Distributed Systems

   Which of the following is an example of a distributed system design?

   1. Peer-to-peer file sharing among multiple computers
   2. A single-user standalone laptop
   3. A basic calculator device
   4. A printer connected by USB cable
   5. A wall clock

7. Fault Tolerance

   Why is fault tolerance important in distributed systems?

   1. It ensures the system can keep running even if some nodes fail
   2. It increases the network size unnecessarily
   3. It decreases overall security
   4. It makes programming languages obsolete
   5. It is only used to make the system slower

8. Consistency Issues

   In a distributed system, what could happen if two users try to update the same record at the exact same time?

   1. Data may become inconsistent unless special procedures are in place
   2. The system always ignores one user
   3. Bandwidth will increase automatically
   4. All users log out automatically
   5. The system renames the record to avoid confusion

9. Scalability

   How does distributed system architecture help address scalability requirements?

   1. By allowing new nodes to be added easily to handle increased workload
   2. By preventing new users from joining
   3. By shutting down unused computers automatically
   4. By requiring all data to be processed on a single machine
   5. By running only on outdated hardware

10. Synchronization

    Which mechanism can help ensure that actions performed by different nodes occur in the correct order in a distributed system?

    1. Using clocks or synchronization protocols
    2. Decreasing network speed
    3. Unplugging nodes randomly
    4. Making all nodes share the same mouse
    5. Ignoring communication failures