Distributed System

A distributed system is a collection of autonomous computers linked by a network, with

software designed to produce an integrated computing facility. In a distributed system,
components located on networked computers communicate and coordinate their actions by
passing messages.

Design issues:

Types of Distributed System

1. Client/Server Systems
2. Peer-to-Peer Systems
3. Middleware
4. Three-tier
5. N-tier

1. Client/Server Systems: Client-Server System is the most basic

communication method where the client sends input to the server and the
server replies to the client with an output. The client requests the server for
 resources or a task to do, the server allocates the resource or performs the task
and sends the result in the form of a response to the request of the client.
Client Server System can be applied with multiple servers.
2. Peer-to-Peer Systems: Peer-to-Peer System communication model works as
a decentralized model in which the system works like both Client and Server.
Nodes are an important part of a system. In this, each node performs its task
on its local memory and shares data through the supporting medium, this node
can work as a server or as a client for a system. Programs in the peer-to-peer
system can communicate at the same level without any hierarchy.
3. Middleware: Middleware can be thought of as an application that sits
between two separate applications and provides service to both. It works as a
base for different interoperability applications running on different operating
systems. Data can be transferred to other between others by using this service.
4. Three-tier: Three-tier system uses a separate layer and server for each
function of a program. In this data of the client is stored in the middle tier rather
than sorted into the client system or on their server through which development
can be done easily. It includes an Application Layer, Data Layer, and
Presentation Layer. This is mostly used in web or online applications.
5. N-tier: N-tier is also called a multitier distributed system. The N-tier system
can contain any number of functions in the network. N-tier systems contain
similar structures to three-tier architecture. When interoperability sends the
request to another application to perform a task or to provide a service. N-tier is
commonly used in web applications and data systems.
Ways of Distributed Systems /Types of distributed
computing model:
A distributed system is also known as distributed computer science and distributed
databases; independent components that interact with other different machines that
exchange messages to achieve common goals. As such, the distributed system
appears to the end-user like an interface or a computer. Together the system can
maximize resources and information while preventing system failure and did not
affect service availability.

 Cluster Computing: Cluster Computing is a collection of connected

computers that work together as a unit to perform operations together,
functioning in a single system. Clusters are generally connected quickly
via local area networks & each node is running the same operating system.
When input comes from a client to the main computer, the master CPU
divides the task into simple jobs and sends it to the slave note to do it
when the jobs are done by the slave nodes, they send it back to the master
node, and then it shows the result to the main computer.

Advantages of Cluster Computing

1. High Performance
2. Easy to manage
3. Scalable
4. Expandability
5. Availability
6. Flexibility
7. Cost-effectiveness
8. Distributed applications
Disadvantages of Cluster Computing
1. High cost.
2. The problem is finding the fault.
3. More space is needed.
4. The increased infrastructure is needed.
5. In distributed systems, it is challenging to provide adequate security
because both the nodes and the connections must be protected.
Applications of Cluster Computing
1. In many web applications functionalities such as Security, Search Engines,
Database servers, web servers, proxy, and email.
2. It is flexible to allocate work as small data tasks for processing.
3. Assist and help to solve complex computational problems.
4. Cluster computing can be used in weather modeling.
5. Earthquake, Nuclear, Simulation, and tornado forecast.

Grid Computing :

 In grid computing, the subgroup consists of distributed systems, which are

often set up as a network of computer systems, each system can belong to
a different administrative domain and can differ greatly in terms of
hardware, software, and implementation network technology. The
different department has different computer with different OS to make the
control node present which helps different computer with different OS to
communicate with each other and transfer messages to work.

Advantages of Grid Computing

1. Can solve bigger and more complex problems in a shorter time frame.
Easier collaboration with other organizations and better use of existing
equipment.
2. Existing hardware is used to the fullest.
 3. Collaboration with organizations made easier

Disadvantages of Grid Computing

1. Grid software and standards continue to evolve.
2. Getting started learning curve.
3. Non-interactive job submission.
4. You may need a fast connection between computer resources.
5. Licensing on many servers can be prohibitive for some applications.

Applications of Grid Computing

1. Organizations that develop grid standards and practices for the guild line.
2. Works as a middleware solution for connecting different businesses.
3. It is a solution-based solution that can meet computing, data, and network
needs.

Network Operating system

A network operating system(NOS) is software that connects multiple devices and

computers on the network and allows them to share resources on the network. Let’s
see what are the functions of the network operating system.

Functions of the NOS (Network Operating System)

The following are the main functions of NOS:
 Creating and managing user accounts on the network.
 Controlling access to resources on the network.
 Provide communication services between the devices on the network.
 Monitor and troubleshoot the network.
 Configuring and Managing the resources on the network.

Types of Network Operating Systems

 Peer to Peer: Peer-to-peer network operating systems allow the sharing of
resources and files with small-sized networks and having fewer resources.
In general, peer-to-peer network operating systems are used on LAN.
 Client/server: Client-server network operating systems provide users
access to resources through the central server. This NOS is too expensive
to implement and maintain. This operating system is good for the big
networks which provide many services.

Features of Network Operating Systems

 Printers and application sharing on the network.
 File systems and database sharing.
  Provide good security by using functionality like user authentication and
access control.
 Create backups of data.
 Inter-networking.

Advantages of Network Operating Systems

 Highly stable due to central server.
 Provide good security.
 Upgradation of new technology and hardware can be easily implemented
in the network.
 Provide remote access to servers from different locations.
Disadvantages of Network Operating Systems
 Depend on the central location to perform the operations.
 High cost to buying server.
 Regular updating and maintenance are required.
Examples of Network Operating Systems
Following are the examples of network operating systems.
 Microsoft Windows Server
 UNIX/Linux
 Artisoft’s LANtastic
 Banyan’s VINES

DOS Operating System

MS-DOS Operating System also called the Disk Operating system was Developed
by Microsoft for x86 personal computers. It works on the phenomenon of doing less
and getting more. It is a 16-bit operating system. A closed-source model was
initially released on August 12, 1981, and the final release on September 14, 2000.
Why is MS-DOS Operating System Used?
It is used for many purposes:
 Education and research: It is used in the Education and research field to
know how simple MS-DOS is and how it works. The source code is
available from Microsoft in two versions.
 Legacy systems: Some organizations prefer using MS-DOS because it has
been used reliably over decades whereas others don’t have the budget to
upgrade the application since this process is costly.
 Embedded systems: Embedded systems are dependent on MS-DOS
especially new devices with x86 processor architecture. It is also used on
legacy Embedded systems which have been used for decades.
 Classic Computer Games: There are still some games that were
developed on MS-DOS and still support only MS-DOS.
Features of MS-DOS Operating System
 It is a minimalist OS which means it can boot a computer and run
programs.
 Still usable for simple tasks like word processing and playing games.
 The mouse cannot be used to give inputs instead it uses basic system
commands to perform the task.
 It is a 16-bit, free operating system.
  It is a single-user operating system.
 It is very lightweight due to fewer features available and no multitasking.

Working of MS-DOS
MS-DOS input and output occur at the command line in the form of issued
commands and system results of those commands. When booted, MS-DOS systems
display a command prompt. MS-DOS commands are then entered using a keyboard.
Commands are either one of the standard DOS commands, implemented as part of
the OS, or they are the file name of an executable program. Although it does not
natively support a GUI, MS-DOS can run graphical programs if they are installed on
a system disk or diskette. Users enter the command for a graphical program, and the
program takes control of the input and output devices. When the program terminates,
the control reverts to MS-DOS and the command prompt reappears.

Limitations of MS DOS Operating System

 It is not a multitasking operating system that is we cannot run too many
applications in the background.
 Files on the system can be easily deleted or the system can also be easily
destroyed.
 It does not provide any warning message before you delete or perform any
unwanted task like in windows or Linux.
 It is text-based and it does not have any graphical user interface.
 Not secure to be used in any kind of public network.
 Encryption is not supported.
 Difficulty in memory access.
 Mouse cannot be used to give inputs.
 Types of MS-DOS Commands
 There are mainly two types of MS-DOS commands:
 1. Internal Commands
 Internal commands are those commands that are loaded automatically in the
memory when DOS is loaded into memory during the booting process. These
commands are easier to learn and use. They require no external files for their
storage as in the case of external commands. These are for performing a basic
operation on files and in directories. They do not need any external file
support. These commands are used for common jobs such as copying and
erasing files.
 2. External Commands
 These external commands are for performing advanced tasks and they do not
need some external file support as they are not stored in COMMAND.com.
The external commands are used less frequently and are stored in some
external files which are stored in some secondary storage devices. Whenever
an external command is to be executed then the external file in which that
particular command is stored is transferred from the secondary storage disk to
the main memory(RAM).