Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

What does grid computing primarily leverage to solve computational problems?

1. A limited number of powerful computers.

2. A vast network of smaller, interconnected systems.

3. Virtualized services provided over the Internet.

4. A single high-performance computing server.

The correct answer is: A vast network of smaller, interconnected systems.

Grid computing primarily leverages a vast network of smaller, interconnected systems to solve computational problems. This approach allows for the distribution and sharing of processing tasks among multiple computers, often located in different geographical locations. By utilizing the collective resources of these interconnected systems, grid computing can handle much larger and more complex computational tasks than a single machine could manage on its own. This method is particularly effective for applications that require significant processing power and can benefit from parallel execution, such as scientific simulations, data analysis, and large-scale problem solving. The distributed nature of grid computing not only increases computational power but also enhances resource utilization, as idle computing resources across the network can be harnessed for tasks when they are not in use. In contrast, options that suggest using just a limited number of powerful computers or a single high-performance computing server do not encapsulate the essence of grid computing, which is rooted in decentralization and resource sharing. Similarly, while virtualized services over the Internet may resemble cloud computing models, they do not accurately represent the grid computing paradigm, which focuses on the integration of various independent systems working collaboratively rather than providing services on demand.