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Difference Between Parallel and Distributed Computing
Distributed and parallel computing consists of multiple processors or autonomous computers where either memory is shared or a computer is used as a single system. In this article, we will discuss the difference between distributed and parallel computing.
What is Parallel Computing?
Parallel computing is a system in which multiple processors are used to perform different types of tasks. This is a system in which memory can be shared or distributed between the processors. Parallel computing is a system which can be used to save money and time. Parallel computing is also known as parallel processing in which each processor has to complete the task that is allocated to it.
CPU utilization is the main advantage of the parallel computing system which helps in the performance. If a processor fails, the functioning of other processors is not impacted.
What is a Distributed Computing?
Distributed computing is a system in which multiple autonomous computers are used and each user thinks that he has a single system. Shared memory is not available on these computers.
Communication can be done between computers with the help of message passing. A single task can be divided between different systems. This is a system which acts as a single system but there are different software components that are available on different systems.
The systems are connected to each other through LAN or WAN. Different configurations can be used to make a distributed system. A distributed system is created with an aim to make a network of computers that work as a single computer.
Difference between Parallel and Distributed Computing
There are many differences between parallel and distributed computing which we can find in the table below ?
| Parallel Computing | Distributed Computing |
|---|---|
| Different types of processes can be done simultaneously. | The location of system components is different and a single task is distributed among the systems. |
| A single computer can be used for parallel computing. | A distributed computing system needs a lot of computers. |
| Parallel system consists of multiple processors which help in the performance of multiple operations. | Multiple operations are performed by multiple computers in distributed computing. |
| Parallel computing supports shared or distributed memory. | Distributed computing has distributed memory. |
| The bus is used for communication between different processors. | Message passing is used for communication between computers. |
| System performance can be improved easily through parallel computing. | Distributed computing is able to perform the following
|
| A single thread can be used to manage all the tasks. | Computers in a distributed system coordinate with each other by using advanced mechanisms. |
| Scalability is limited as the number of processors in a system is limited. | High scalability is offered as more computers can be added to a network if needed. |
| Fault tolerance is limited. | Fault tolerance is comparatively much more as handling network issues and node failures is easy. |
| A single master clock is shared by all the processors. | This system uses synchronization algorithms. |
Conclusion
Parallel and distributed computing are systems which can be used to handle multiple tasks. In parallel computing, a single system is used that consists of multiple processors. These processors communicate with each other through a bus. Multiple tasks can be accomplished by multiple processors. Distributed computing consists of a lot of computers that communicate with each other through message passing. Each computer handles different types of tasks.
FAQs on Parallel Computing Vs. Distributed Computing
1. Which system requires only a single computer to complete the tasks?
Parallel computing needs only a single system that consists of multiple processors. All the tasks are performed by these processors simultaneously which makes its performance faster than the distributed computing.
2. Which computing follows synchronization algorithms?
Synchronization algorithms are used by the distributed computing. All tasks are completed on multiple computers and the results have to be synchronized so that a single result can be used for all the tasks.
3. Which computing improves system performance?
System performance is improved in parallel computing as a single computer uses multiple processors to complete different tasks. In the distributed system, a task is divided between different computers and the synchronization has to be done.
4. What is the mode of communication in parallel and distributed computing?
In the parallel computing, a bus is used for communication between processors. In distributed computing, message passing is done for communication.
5. What type of memory is used in parallel and distributed computing?
Shared or distributed memory is used in parallel computing while distributed memory is used in distributed computing.
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