UNIT 1

INTRODUCTION
Definition:
A distribution system is a collection of
independent computers, interconnected via a
network, capable of collaborating on a task.
Distributed computing is computing
performed in a distributed system.
Two aspects:
 Deals with hardware
 Deals with software
 Autonomous processors communicating over a
communication network

Some characteristics
 No common physical clock

 No shared memory

 Geographical separation

 Autonomy and heterogeneity

Features and Consequences
 Concurrency
 No Global Clock
 Independent failures
 Autonomy and heterogeneity
Disadvantages of DS
 Software: Difficult to develop software for
distributed systems.
 Network: Saturations, Lossy transmissions.
 Security: Easy access also applies to secret

data.
 Absence of global clock.
Difference between Parallel Computing and
Distributed Computing
No Parallel Computing
1. The goal of parallel
computing has traditionally
been to provide performance,
either in terms of processor
power or memory.
2. In parallel computation the
interaction between
processors is frequent.
3. It is typically fine grained with
low overhead.
4. Assumed to be reliable.
5. Parallel computation values
short execution time.
Distributed Computing
The goal of distributed computing
is to provide convenience, where
convenience includes high
availability, reliability and physical
distribution.
In distributed computation the
interaction is infrequent.
It is heavier weight.
Assumed to be unreliable.
Distributed computation values
long up time.