Client/server awareness. Visit three local stores in your neighborhood or mall and notice the information technology in the store - e. g., computerized cash registers, surveillance cameras, inventory information, etc. Ask an employee about the technology. If the store uses servers, report what they do and what the clients do. Questions should be polite and specific. Do employees need special training to use the computers? Are servers kept in the back of the store? Is there a computer somewhere else linked to computers in the store? Do they ever break down? What happens if they do break down? Write a report of about five hundred words describing the information in the stores, and submit it to the teacher.

local stores in neighborhood do not have computerized cash registers but they may have cameras if they are in a bad neighborhood. inventory is controlled by checking the shelves.

the Qs about computers, servers and clients are for national chain stores. they use clients at each store which are connected to the central servers at HQ. employees need special training as the system is complicated. the whole system is maintained by their IT department.

Do employees need special training to use the computers?

Yes, a modern retail information system requires special training before the employees can use it for daily transactions. It is provided by the employer or an IT vendor.

Are servers kept in the back of the store?

Most servers are kept at remote locations for safe keeping. Unless there is only one store, then the server will be in the back.

Is there a computer somewhere else linked to computers in the store?

Computers in the store called clients are linked to a computer called server in a central location.

Do they ever break down? What happens if they do break down?

Computer breaks down all the time. That is why company has an IT department or an IT vendor to maintain and repair them.