Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

In what scenario would a mainframe computer typically be employed?

1. Developing mobile apps

2. Performing complex graphics rendering

3. Processing large volumes of transactions

4. Running a personal website

The correct answer is: Processing large volumes of transactions

Mainframe computers are typically employed in scenarios where there is a need to process large volumes of transactions effectively and reliably. These systems are designed to handle immense workloads, including batch processing and real-time transaction handling, making them ideal for industries such as banking, insurance, and finance, where thousands of transactions occur simultaneously. The inherent architecture of a mainframe supports extensive multitasking and can manage multiple users and applications without reducing performance or speed. Their ability to scale and maintain high levels of throughput ensures that they can handle the heavy-duty processing needs often encountered in enterprise environments. This makes them indispensable for organizations that require robust and secure transaction processing capabilities. In contrast, developing mobile apps, performing complex graphics rendering, and running a personal website typically require more specialized computing resources or consumer-level hardware, rather than the heavy-duty capabilities provided by mainframes. Mobile app development often involves smaller computers or development environments suited for testing and deployment. Graphics rendering is generally handled by high-performance workstations equipped with powerful GPUs. Personal websites can be effectively managed on standard web hosting services or personal computers, providing sufficient resources without the need for the vast capabilities of a mainframe.