Distributed Processing Systems
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Vincent John Agustin AlipioDistributed Processing Systems
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Vincent John Agustin AlipioCommon questions
Powered by AIDistributed systems increase reliability because if one machine in the system crashes, the remaining computers continue to function, allowing the overall system to survive as a whole. Additionally, they support incremental growth, allowing computing power to be added progressively in small increments, thereby facilitating modular expandability .
One primary disadvantage of distributed systems is troubleshooting difficulties. Diagnosing issues often requires remote connections and thorough communication checks across nodes, which can be complex and time-consuming. Additionally, distributed systems suffer from less software support due to the numerous components involved, increasing the likelihood of software errors. This combination can lead to increased maintenance overhead and challenging problem resolution processes .
Open systems in distributed computing have a positive impact on performance by allowing communication between different systems at any time, enhancing interoperability and collaboration. They contribute to significant flexibility, as it becomes easy to install, implement, and debug new services. Open systems ensure that each service remains equally accessible to every client, whether local or remote. These characteristics enable distributed environments to rapidly adapt to changing requirements and technologies .
Cluster computing systems are typically used to build a 'supercomputer' from 'off the shelf' computers in a high-speed network, usually a LAN, to run a single program in parallel across multiple machines. In contrast, grid computing systems are composed of different types of computers (varying hardware, operating systems, networks, and security), which are brought together from different organizations to enable collaboration. This variety in resources and objectives distinguishes grid systems from more homogenous cluster systems .
Distributed systems facilitate resource sharing by making it easier for users to access and share remote resources such as printers, files, and web pages, enhancing availability and accessibility across different networked computers. However, this increased ease of sharing introduces significant security challenges, as easier resource and data exchange can also lead to potential security vulnerabilities. As such, distributed systems must implement robust security measures to address these issues .
Pervasive distributed systems, which include mobile and embedded computer devices such as PDAs, smartphones, and sensors, are generally more unstable than traditional distributed systems. This instability arises from the typical scenarios these devices operate in, such as variable network conditions and battery constraints. Key features that support their functionality include automatic network connectivity adjustments, service discovery, and self-configuration abilities (e.g., Universal Plug and Play - UPnP), which allow them to adapt to operational changes without human intervention .
Scalability is a fundamental goal that significantly influences the design of distributed systems. A scalable system remains efficient and effective even as the number of resources and users increases. Designers must address challenges like controlling resource costs and minimizing performance loss while accommodating growth. This often requires sophisticated architectural planning to ensure systems can expand without compromising quality or functionality .
Economically, distributed systems can be more advantageous than traditional mainframe systems due to cost-efficiency. By utilizing a collection of microprocessors, distributed systems can offer a better price-to-performance ratio compared to the often expensive and large mainframe setups. This makes distributed computing a financially appealing alternative for many organizations .
Concurrency is vital in distributed systems as it allows multiple clients to access shared resources simultaneously, which optimizes resource utilization and enhances system efficiency. However, this also poses challenges such as ensuring resource integrity and consistent operation within a concurrent environment. Systems must implement mechanisms to manage concurrent access and resolve conflicts to maintain stability and performance .
Transparency is crucial in distributed systems because it hides the complexity of the underlying processes and resources being physically distributed across multiple computers from the users. This means users are not aware of the distribution and see the system as a single coherent entity, resulting in a seamless and straightforward user experience. Transparency ensures that users can operate without needing to manage or even be aware of the underlying networking complexity .
