Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

Which term describes a computer that requests and provides services in a network?

1. Client

2. Peer

3. Host

4. Port

The correct answer is: Peer

The term that accurately describes a computer that requests and provides services in a network is "client." In networking terminology, a client is a machine or software that initiates requests for services from a server, which then fulfills those requests by providing data or resources. The relationship between a client and a server is a fundamental aspect of networked systems. While the term "peer" refers to a computer in a peer-to-peer network that can act both as a client and a server without a central authority, it doesn’t specifically capture the role of requesting services like a client does. The term "host" generally refers to any device connected to a network that has an IP address, which can include servers, clients, and other devices, but it does not specifically denote the service-requesting aspect. "Port," on the other hand, is a communication endpoint on a host that helps in directing traffic to specific processes or applications running down a single address. Understanding these distinctions provides clear insight into the structure of network interactions. Knowing that a client is the entity requesting services is essential for grasping the dynamics of network communication and service provision.