Client/server history:\nEvaluate the statement:\n\n"The first client/server architectures developed were file servers."

Introduction / Context:
Early client/server computing in local area networks frequently used file server models, where clients requested entire files across the network and performed most processing locally. This question checks historical awareness of client/server evolution from file servers to database servers and multi-tier architectures.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• LAN-based systems predated widespread multi-tier application servers.
• File servers hosted shared files; clients handled business logic.
• Later, database servers reduced network traffic by executing queries server-side.

Concept / Approach:
File server architectures were simpler but less efficient for multi-user data operations, causing heavy network traffic and concurrency issues. The shift to database servers and application servers centralized query processing and transaction control, improving scalability and integrity.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare performance profiles: file servers transfer whole files; database servers transfer result sets after server-side filtering/joins.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Platform- or era-specific claims ignore the general historical path.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing networked file systems with database servers; assuming the Web was the origin of client/server (it was a later, HTTP-based model).

Final Answer:
Applies (this historical summary is correct)