In information systems and computer networking, what are typical uses of terminals at the edge of a system? Choose the most inclusive description that reflects how terminals interact with people and the underlying process.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of the above

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Terminals are the human–machine interface points of an information system. In industrial control, retail point-of-sale, banking kiosks, or help-desk environments, terminals play multiple roles: gathering inputs, presenting outputs, and relaying decisions to the process or system being controlled.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • “Terminal” refers broadly to an interactive end device (e.g., POS terminal, operator console, VT-style terminal, kiosk).
  • Managers and operators use terminals both to view information and to enter commands.
  • Terminals can be directly or indirectly connected to the physical process (through controllers or applications).


Concept / Approach:
A terminal’s function spans three directions: input (data capture), output (information display), and control (issuing actions). Good systems design recognizes that the same device often supports all three to close the decision loop: sense → decide → act, with humans in the loop as needed.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify terminal input role: entry of sensor readings, transactions, or form data.Identify terminal output role: dashboards, alerts, reports for managers/operators.Identify terminal control role: applying setpoints, approvals, or commands that alter the process.Since terminals routinely serve all three, select the inclusive choice.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider a warehouse terminal: workers scan barcodes (input), supervisors view stock and KPIs (output), and managers authorize reorders or dispatches (control). The terminal thus participates in collection, communication, and action.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Collect only / Provide only / Communicate only: each is a partial view of a terminal’s capability; modern systems integrate all three.


None of the above: Incorrect because terminals commonly support all listed roles.



Common Pitfalls:
Treating terminals as “display-only.” In practice, terminals are bi-directional endpoints in socio-technical workflows.



Final Answer:
All of the above

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