and All Correct Answers 2025-2026
Updated.
1960s - Answer - Computers were Big
- (Mainframe Architecture)
- Used by shared time, shared data storage space, very central (but separate)
1970s - Answer - Computer became departmental (Minicomputer Architecture)
- Used your computer for your data, no sharing data (very separate)
1980s - Answer - Computers became personal (Microcomputer or desktop)
- individuals have their own computer power and data storage space (very decentralized)
1990s - Answer - Computers are networked (Client-Server Architecture)
- Individuals, small businesses, departments, large organizations have decentralized computer
power but centralized data storage
2008 - Answer - Cloud Computing Begins
Elastic Cloud Computer Architecture - Answer an Amazon Web Service vocabulary word-
leased resources stretch more than what you buy
Pooled Cloud Computer Architecture - Answer or shared hardware - virtual space instead of
physical space
Over the Internet Cloud Computer Architecture - Answer not stored locally - you do not have
to care for the hardware
Why use the cloud? - Answer Reduced costs
Easy access to data and applications
Scalability (elasticity in AWS)
, Why Not use the cloud? - Answer • Loss of control
• Don't know where data is located
• Not aware of data theft until later
• Might be required to store data on-site (law or policy)
Best uses for the cloud - Answer • Seasonal business (Christmas shopping online)
• Streaming services (heavy use video, unlimited customer base)
• Heavy data-dependent business (not thought of before the cloud)
• Businesses that need pooled resources (like electricity or water)
Infrastructure (or Hardware) - Answer File servers to hold the software
• Storage to hold the date
• Network to connect to everything (internal and external)
• Virtualization that allows hardware to work efficiently
Platform - Answer • Operating system (Windows, iOS, Linux, Unix, Android)
• Middleware that works with Operating System, helps application & devices make connections
• Runtime helps computer code run in the operating system
Software - Answer • Applications, such as Mymadison, Canvas, e-commerce software for
purchases, inventory control software, CRM, word processing, excel, etc.
• Data from the business or organization
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Answer Lease a server, data storage, network and
virtualization
Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Answer • Lease a server, data storage, network, and
virtualization
• Vendor provides an operating system (like Windows), web server, database
Software as a Service (SaaS) - Answer • Lease a server, data storage, network and