Difference between Parallel Computing and Distributed Computing

Parallel Computing:
In parallel computing multiple processors performs multiple tasks assigned to
them simultaneously. Memory in parallel systems can either be shared or
distributed. Parallel computing provides concurrency and saves time and
money.
Distributed Computing:
In distributed computing we have multiple autonomous computers which
seems to the user as single system. In distributed systems there is no shared
memory and computers communicate with each other through message
passing. In distributed computing a single task is divided among different
computers.
Difference between Parallel Computing and Distributed Computing:

S.NO PARALLEL COMPUTING DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING

Many operations are System components are located

1. performed simultaneously at different locations

2. Single computer is required Uses multiple computers

Multiple processors
perform multiple Multiple computers perform
3. operations multiple operations

It may have shared or

4. distributed memory It have only distributed memory

Processors communicate Computer communicate with

with each other through each other through message
5. bus passing.

Improves system scalability, fault

Improves the system tolerance and resource sharing
6. performance capabilities
Difference Between Grid Computing Vs. Distributed Computing

Definition of Distributed Computing

Distributed Computing is an environment in which a group of independent and

geographically dispersed computer systems take part to solve a complex
problem, each by solving a part of solution and then combining the result from
all computers. These systems are loosely coupled systems coordinately
working for a common goal. It can be defined as

1. A computing system in which services are provided by a pool of

computers collaborating over a network .
2. A computing environment that may involve computers of differing
architectures and data representation formats that share data and
system resources.

Definition of Grid Computing

The Basic idea between Grid Computing is to utilize the ideal CPU cycles and
storage of million of computer systems across a worldwide network function as
a flexible, pervasive, and inexpensive accessible pool that could be harnessed by
anyone who needs it, similar to the way power companies and their users share
the electrical grid. There are many definitions of the term: Grid computing:

1. A service for sharing computer power and data storage capacity over the
Internet
2. An ambitious and exciting global effort to develop an environment in
which individual users can access computers, databases and experimental
facilities simply and transparently, without having to consider where
those facilities are located
3. Grid computing is a model for allowing companies to use a large number
of computing resources on demand, no matter where they are located.
www.informatica.com/solutions/resource_center/glossary/default.htm
Grid Computing Vs. Distributed Computing

some of the differences between these two are

1. Distributed Computing normally refers to managing or pooling the

hundreds or thousands of computer systems which individually are more
limited in their memory and processing power.
 On the other hand, grid computing has some extra characteristics. It is
concerned to efficient utilization of a pool of heterogeneous systems
with optimal workload management utilizing an enterprise's entire
computational resources( servers, networks, storage, and information)
acting together to create one or more large pools of computing
resources. There is no limitation of users, departments or originations in
grid computing.

2. Grid computing is focused on the ability to support computation across

multiple administrative domains that sets it apart from traditional
distributed computing. Grids offer a way of using the information
technology resources optimally inside an organization involving
virtualization of computing resources.

Its concept of support for multiple administrative policies and security

authentication and authorization mechanisms enables it to be
distributed over a local, metropolitan, or wide-area network.

The MBR is the Master Boot Record.

The MBR is a small program which runs whenever a computer boots up.
The MBR is stored in the first sector of the boot disk.
The boot disk may be a hard drive, a floppy drive, or even a CD or DVD drive.

The Task of the MBR

The normal job of the MBR program is to search the partition table for the
active partition, copy the boot sector from the active partition into memory,
and transfer control over to that program.
 If the MBR cannot accomplish this task successfully, it will print one of these
error messages:
• Invalid partition table
• Error loading operating system
• Missing operating system

What Is CMOS and What Is It For?

CMOS (short for complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) is the term

usually used to describe the small amount of memory on a
computer motherboard that stores the BIOS settings. Some of these BIOS
settings include the system time and date as well as hardware settings.

A CMOS sensor is different—it's used by digital cameras to convert images into

digital data.

Other Names for CMOS

CMOS Battery on a Computer Motherboard. Steve Gschmeissner / Getty

Images

CMOS (pronounced see-moss) is sometimes referred to as Real-Time Clock

(RTC), CMOS RAM, Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM), Non-Volatile BIOS memory,
or complementary-symmetry metal-oxide-semiconductor (COS-MOS).

CMOS is also an abbreviation for other terms that are unrelated to what's talked
about on this page like cellular management operation system and comparison
mean opinion score.

Clearing CMOS

Most talk of CMOS involves clearing CMOS, which means to reset the BIOS
settings to their default levels. This is a really easy task that's a great
troubleshooting step for many types of computer problems.

For example, maybe your computer is freezing up during the POST, in which
case clearing the CMOS to reset the BIOS settings to factory default levels,
might be the easiest solution.
Or maybe you need to clear CMOS to reset misconfigured BIOS settings to fix
certain hardware-related error messages, such as Code 29 errors.

Easy Ways to Clear CMOS

How BIOS and CMOS Work Together

The BIOS is a computer chip on the motherboard like CMOS except that its
purpose is to communicate between the processor and other hardware
components like the hard drive, USB ports, sound card, video card, and more.
A computer without a BIOS wouldn't understand how these pieces of the
computer work together.

The BIOS firmware is also what performs the Power On Self Test to test those
pieces of hardware, and what ultimately runs the boot loader to launch
the operating system.

What Is the BIOS?

CMOS is also a computer chip on the motherboard, or more specifically a RAM

chip, which means it would normally lose the settings it's storing when the
computer is shut down (just like how the contents of RAM are not maintained
each time you restart your computer). However, the CMOS battery is used to
provide constant power to the chip.

When the computer first boots up, BIOS pulls information from the CMOS chip
to understand the hardware settings, time, and anything else that's stored in
it. The chip typically stores as little as 256 bytes of information.

What Is a CMOS Battery?

The CMOS is usually powered by a coin-sized CR2032 cell battery, referred to

as the CMOS battery.

Most CMOS batteries will last the lifetime of a motherboard, up to 10 years in

most cases, but will sometimes need to be replaced.

Incorrect or slow system date and time, and loss of BIOS settings, are major
signs of a dead or dying CMOS battery. Replacing them is as easy as swapping
out the dead one for a new one.
More About CMOS & CMOS Batteries

While most motherboards have a spot for a CMOS battery, some smaller
computers, like many tablets and laptops, have a small external compartment
for the CMOS battery that connects to the motherboard via two small wires.

Some devices that use CMOS include microprocessors, microcontrollers, and

static RAM (SRAM).

It's important to understand that CMOS and BIOS are not interchangeable
terms for the same thing. While they work together for a specific function
within the computer, they are two entirely different components.

When the computer is first starting up, there's an option to boot into BIOS or
CMOS. Opening the CMOS setup is how you can change the settings it's
storing, like the date and time and how the different computer components
are first started up. You can also use CMOS setup to disable/enable some
hardware devices.

CMOS chips are desirable for battery-powered devices like laptops because
they use less power than other types of chips. Although they use both negative
polarity circuits and positive polarity circuits (NMOS and PMOS), only one
circuit type is powered on at a time.

The Mac equivalent to CMOS is PRAM, which stands for Parameter RAM. You
can also reset your Mac's PRAM.

❖ Social Effects of ICT

❖ AT WORK computers have removed boring repetitive tasks in factories –

now done by robots… Removed the need to do lots of calculations
manually- e.g. calculating salaries, taxes, profit and loss It is quicker to
search for the data you want on a computer database e.g. To find a
customer or details of what you are selling. It takes less time to keep
records accurate and up to date.
❖ Unemployment? Because computers are quicker fewer clerical staff are
needed so thousands of office jobs have disappeared e.g. Payroll staff and
filing clerks. Also Banking staff have been reduced with increasing use of
 ATMs. Fewer manual workers are needed. For instance as computers can
do a lot of jobs in factories.
❖ Working with computers There are more IT jobs available but these
require: –Different skills –Different abilities Staff need to be trained to do
these new jobs
❖ Teleworking & Telecommuting Many people can now work from home
using the Internet. To do their work they can use: Video conferencing
Email Skype Access to the work Intranet
❖ Teleworking Advantages for employee Flexible hours. Saves travelling
time. Saves on the cost of travelling. Disadvantages for employee No
social contact during the day. Difficult to get motivated. Difficult to
separate job from home life.
❖ When things go wrong Photo editing can be used to change pictures and
video. Misleading information can be created when the technology is
abused. Hacking can lead to computer fraud. Incorrect and undesirable
data may be stored about people without them knowing it. Plagiarism is
easier with so much work published on the Internet. Invasions of privacy
– employers monitoring staff. Software theft.
❖ In the Home The microprocessor – controlled devices such as washing
machines, dishwashers etc. have reduced the time spent on domestic
tasks. There has been an increase in leisure time activities associated with
digital devices such as games consoles, digital televisions, mobile phones
and computers.
❖ Advantages of having this technology at home. It is easier to carry out
domestic tasks quickly and efficiently – multiple programs on the washing
machine. The ill or disabled can be assisted by the technology e.g. shop
from home. It provides entertainment in the form of games.
❖ Disadvantages Some people find technology difficult to cope with. Digital
control devices can be costly to repair. People can become isolated from
society. Computer games are time consuming and family interaction can
be reduced. Undesirable material may be viewed on the Internet.
❖ Computers in every day lives Use of credit cards & debit cards to shop.
Computerised statements give detailed information. Inland revenue has
more accurate records about us by monitoring the Tax people pay.
Information about availability & cost of items helps us make informed
decisions.