Explain distributed Operating System with advantages and disadvantages | Operating System Question & Answer

 A distributed system consists of a collection of autonomous computers, connected through a network and distribution middle ware, which enables computers to coordinate their activities and to share the resources of the system, so that users perceive the system as a single, integrated computing facility.  

 In such system the processors do not share memory or a clock; instead each processor has its own local memory.  

 In such systems, if one machine or site fails the remaining sites can continue operation.  

 So these types of systems are the reliable systems. 

 The processors communicate with one another through various communications lines, such as a high speed buses or telephone lines. 

 These systems are usually referred to as Loosely Coupled Systems or Distributed Systems

 The structure shown in figure contains a set of individual computer systems and workstations connected via communication systems.  

 By this structure we cannot say it is a distributed system because it is the software, not the hardware, that determines whether a system is distributed or not.  

 The users of a true distributed system should not know, on which machine their programs are running and where their files are stored. 

Advantages: 

 With resource sharing facility, a user at one site may be able to use the resources available at another.  

 Speedup the exchange of data with one another via electronic mail. 

 If one site fails in a distributed system, the remaining sites can potentially continue operating.

 Better service to the customers. 

 Reduction of the load on the host computer. 

 Reduction of delays in data processing. 

Disadvantages: 

 Security problem due to sharing

 Some messages can be lost in the network system

 Bandwidth is another problem if there is large data then all network wires to be replaced which tends to become expensive

 Overloading is another problem in distributed operating systems

 If there is a database connected on local system and many users accessing that database through remote or distributed way, then performance become slow 

 The databases in network operating is difficult to administrate then single user system