2-16, 21, 27

16) Programming languages are languages that a programmer can write instructions in, and a computer
can understand, through the use of a compiler.
 C++ can manipulate data at the bit level.
 Visual basic can create Microsoft Windows like GUIs.
 Java can run on many different operating systems.

21)
1. Security of data, code & communications/ data security & document retention/ security threats
2. Connectivity/ wireless access/ high speed internet connections/ voice and data
3. Backup solutions/ disaster recovery/ business continuity
4. Secure electronic collaboration with clients – client portals
5. Paperless workflow/ paperless technology/ electronic work papers
6. Laptop security/ encryption
7. Small business software/ Office 2010/ Windows 7
8. User mobility/ mobile computing/ mobile devices
9. Tax software/ electronic transmittal of tax forms/ modern e-file
10. Server virtualization and consolidation

These items are very similar to the list created in 2008. Obviously there are a few differences that
mostly relate to specific changes in the business environment, like in 2008, conforming to assurance
and compliance standards most likely due to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and in 2010, the small business
software is in response to the recent wave of new software available. New things will appear on the
list from year to year, based on advances in technology, but the list will remained relatively stable
with a high degree of concern focused on security, backup/ disaster recovery, and mobile computing
and connectivity.

27)
1. Mainframes have the advantages of supporting multi-user processing and simplified control
over hardware, software, and user access. The main disadvantage at Prado Roberts
Manufacturing is the fact that most managers have microcomputers, so Prado Roberts paying to
operate two different types of computer systems. Secondly, managers are having to pull
information off of the mainframe to conduct their work, and managing small databases that are
separate from the mainframe, introducing inefficiencies into the system.
2. One problem that companies experience with moving away from a legacy system is the massive
cost of implementing a new system. An action that could be taken would be to implement a
client/server system utilizing the company’s mainframe instead of purchasing local file servers
along with the mainframe computer. Prado Roberts would not experience an abnormally large
cost to switch systems considering its managers already have microcomputers.
3. The advantages of microcomputers/client server systems are: flexibility in distributing hardware,
software, data, and processing capabilities through a network; reduced telecommunication
costs; and the use of inexpensive diskless microcomputers. The disadvantages of client/server
systems are that multiple copies of the same files must be stored on different regional servers.
This makes backup and recovery of data more complicated. Also changing versions of software is
much more difficult. These advantages would apply to Prado Roberts Manufacturing, especially
in the expanded capability to share software and data through the entire network.