1. What is Client-server Computing?

Client/server is a computational architecture that involves client processes requesting service from
server processes.

Client/server computing is the logical extension of modular programming. Modular programming has as
its fundamental assumption that separation of a large piece of software into its constituent parts
("modules") creates the possibility for easier development and better maintainability.

Client/server computing takes this a step further by recognizing that those modules need not all be
executed within the same memory space. With this architecture, the calling module becomes the
"client" (that which requests a service), and the called module becomes the "server" (that which
provides the service).

The logical extension of this is to have clients and servers running on the appropriate hardware and
software platforms for their functions. For example, database management system servers running on
platforms specially designed and configured to perform queries, or file servers running on platforms
with special elements for managing files.

It is this latter perspective that has created the widely-believed myth that client/server has something to
do with PCs or Unix machines.

2. What is a Client process?

The client is a process (program) that sends a message to a server process (program), requesting that
the server perform a task (service).

Client programs usually manage the user-interface portion of the application, validate data entered by
the user, dispatch requests to server programs, and sometimes execute business logic. The client-based
process is the front- end of the application that the user sees and interacts with. The client process
contains solution-specific logic and provides the interface between the user and the rest of the
application system. The client process also manages the local resources that the user interacts with such
as the monitor, keyboard, workstation CPU and peripherals. One of the key elements of a client
workstation is the graphical user interface (GUI). Normally a part of operating system i.e. the window
manager detects user actions, manages the windows on the display and displays the data in the
windows.

3. What is a Server process?

A server process (program) fulfills the client request by performing the task requested. Server programs
generally receive requests from client programs, execute database retrieval and updates, manage data
integrity and dispatch responses to client requests. Sometimes server programs execute common or
complex business logic. The server-based process "may" run on another machine on the network. This
server could be the host operating system or network file server; the server is then provided both file
system services and application services. Or in some cases, another desktop machine provides the
application services. The server process acts as a software engine that manages shared resources such
as databases, printers, communication links, or high powered-processors. The server process performs
the back-end tasks that are common to similar applications.

4. What is a Two-Tier Architecture?

A two-tier architecture is where a client talks directly to a server, with no intervening server. It is
typically used in small environments (less than 50 users).

A common error in client/server development is to prototype an application in a small, two-tier

5 . What is a Three-Tier Architecture?

A three-tier architecture introduces a server (or an "agent") between the client and the server. It can
provide translation services (as in adapting a legacy application on a mainframe to a client/server
environment), metering services (as inacting as a transaction monitor to limit the number of
simultaneous requests to a given server), or intelligent agent services (as in mapping a request to a
number of different servers, collating the results, and returning a single response to the client.

6. What is Middleware?

Connectivity allows applications to transparently communicate with other programs or processes,

Media protocols determine the type of physical connections used on a network (some examples of
media protocols are Ethernet, Token Ring, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), coaxial and twisted-
pair).

A transport protocol provides the mechanism to move packets of data from client to server (some
examples of transport protocols are Novell's IPX/SPX, Apple's AppleTalk, Transmission Control Protocol/
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) and Government Open Systems
Interconnection Profile(GOSIP)). Once the physical connection has been established and transport
protocols chosen, a client-server protocol is required before the user can access the network services.

A client-server protocol dictates the manner in which clients request information and services from a
server and also how the server replies to that request (some examples of client-server protocols are
NetBIOS, RPC, Advanced Program-to-Program Communication (APPC), Named Pipes, Sockets, Transport
Level Interface (TLI) and Sequenced Packet Exchange (SPX)).

IMPortant

Client Server Computing:

1. Division of labor
Client-server systems divide up the work of computing among many
separate machines.
2. Network infrastructure
Given this division of labor, client-server systems rely on networks to weld
together disparate computers into a cohesive whole.
3. Emphasis on the user

Client Server Application:-

The business world is becoming more and more complex with every passing day. Responding to the
market, exploiting an opportunity and attaining total customer satisfaction all depend on the timely,
open and rapid flow of information. Only the organizations that can process and distribute the right
information at the right time can survive in this scenario.

Client Server Application with its ability to input, process, store, and access data anytime and anywhere
from the node and from any device is rapidly becoming popular among the organizations. Client Server
Application is an application you can launch from your start menu and a server application that runs on
the server.

Relatively cost-effective, flexible and very complex applications which can be used from any platform
can be designed using Client Server application. Mature tool developers can develop highly efficient,
highly usable interfaces which runs much faster, through Client Server applications. Customer software
applications developed using structured methodologies, at a reasonable price reduces complexity and
risk making Client/Server applications attractive.

Query
A select query is used to create subsets of data that you can use to answer specific questions. It can also
be used to supply data to other database objects. Once you create a select query, you can use it
whenever you need.

Form

A form is a database object that you can use to enter, edit, or display data from a table or a query. You
can use forms to control access to data, such as which fields or rows of data are displayed. For example,
certain users might need to see only several fields in a table with many fields. Providing those users with
a form that contains just those fields makes it easier for them to use the database. You can also add
buttons and other functionality to a form to automate frequently performed actions.

Think of forms as windows through which people see and reach your database. An effective form speeds
the use of your database, because people don't have to search for what they need. A visually attractive
form makes working with the database more pleasant and more efficient, and it can also help prevent
incorrect data from being entered. Microsoft Office Access 2007 gives you new tools to help you create
forms quickly, and provides new form types and features that improve the usability of your database.

Report

A database report presents information retrieved from a table or query in a preformatted, attractive
manner.