What mechanism allows a computer to manage delays when requesting data from a server?

The mechanism that allows a computer to manage delays when requesting data from a server is the response timeout. This feature is essential in network communications as it defines a specific period that the client (computer) will wait for a response from the server after sending a request. If the server does not respond within this timeframe, the client can take appropriate actions, such as retrying the request, logging an error, or informing the user about the delay.

The response timeout is crucial in ensuring that the client doesn't wait indefinitely for a server's reply, which could happen due to various reasons like network congestion, server overload, or unavailability. By implementing a response timeout, the system can effectively manage its operations and provide a more robust user experience, allowing applications to remain responsive and mitigate potential issues caused by server delays.