Decentralized computing
Encyclopedia
Decentralized computing is the allocation of resources, both hardware
and software
, to each individual workstation
, or office location. In contrast, centralized computing exists when the majority of functions are carried out, or obtained from a remote centralized location. Decentralized computing is a trend in modern day business environments. This is the opposite of centralized computing
, which was prevalent during the early days of computers.
A decentralized computer system has many benefits over a conventional centralized network
. Desktop computer
s have advanced so rapidly, that their potential performance far exceeds the requirements of most business applications. This results in most desktop computers remaining idle
(in relation to their full potential). A decentralized system can utilize the potential of these systems to maximize efficiency. However, it is debatable whether these networks increase overall effectiveness.
All computers have to be updated individually with new software, unlike a centralised computer system. Decentralised systems still enable file sharing
and all computers can share peripherals such as printers
and scanners
as well as modems, allowing all the computers in the network to connect to the internet
.
A collection of decentralized computers systems are components of a larger computer network, held together by local stations of equal importance and capability. These systems are capable of running independently of each other.
system, or P2P system, is a collection of applications run on several local computers, which connect remotely to each other to complete a function or a task. There is no main operating system
to which satellite systems are subordinate. This approach to software development
(and distribution) affords developers great savings, as they don’t have to create a central control point. An example application is LAN messaging
which allows users to communicate without a central server.
, a music file sharing
application, which granted users access to an enormous database of files. Record companies brought legal action against Napster, blaming the system for lost record sales. Napster was found in violation of copyright
laws by distributing pirated software
, and was shut down.
After the fall of Napster, there was a demand for a file sharing system that would be less vulnerable to litigation
. Gnutella
, a decentralized system, was developed. This system allowed files to be queried and shared between users, without a central directory
, and therefore shielded the network from law.
Computer hardware
Personal computer hardware are component devices which are typically installed into or peripheral to a computer case to create a personal computer upon which system software is installed including a firmware interface such as a BIOS and an operating system which supports application software that...
and software
Computer software
Computer software, or just software, is a collection of computer programs and related data that provide the instructions for telling a computer what to do and how to do it....
, to each individual workstation
Workstation
A workstation is a high-end microcomputer designed for technical or scientific applications. Intended primarily to be used by one person at a time, they are commonly connected to a local area network and run multi-user operating systems...
, or office location. In contrast, centralized computing exists when the majority of functions are carried out, or obtained from a remote centralized location. Decentralized computing is a trend in modern day business environments. This is the opposite of centralized computing
Centralized computing
Centralized computing is computing done at a central location, using terminals that are attached to a central computer. The computer itself may control all the peripherals directly , or they may be attached via a terminal server...
, which was prevalent during the early days of computers.
A decentralized computer system has many benefits over a conventional centralized network
Computer network
A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information....
. Desktop computer
Desktop computer
A desktop computer is a personal computer in a form intended for regular use at a single location, as opposed to a mobile laptop or portable computer. Early desktop computers are designed to lay flat on the desk, while modern towers stand upright...
s have advanced so rapidly, that their potential performance far exceeds the requirements of most business applications. This results in most desktop computers remaining idle
Idle (CPU)
A computer processor is described as idle when it is not being used by any program.Programs which make use of CPU Idle Time mean that they run at a low priority so as not to impact programs that run at normal priority...
(in relation to their full potential). A decentralized system can utilize the potential of these systems to maximize efficiency. However, it is debatable whether these networks increase overall effectiveness.
All computers have to be updated individually with new software, unlike a centralised computer system. Decentralised systems still enable file sharing
File sharing
File sharing is the practice of distributing or providing access to digitally stored information, such as computer programs, multimedia , documents, or electronic books. It may be implemented through a variety of ways...
and all computers can share peripherals such as printers
Computer printer
In computing, a printer is a peripheral which produces a text or graphics of documents stored in electronic form, usually on physical print media such as paper or transparencies. Many printers are primarily used as local peripherals, and are attached by a printer cable or, in most new printers, a...
and scanners
Image scanner
In computing, an image scanner—often abbreviated to just scanner—is a device that optically scans images, printed text, handwriting, or an object, and converts it to a digital image. Common examples found in offices are variations of the desktop scanner where the document is placed on a glass...
as well as modems, allowing all the computers in the network to connect to the internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
.
A collection of decentralized computers systems are components of a larger computer network, held together by local stations of equal importance and capability. These systems are capable of running independently of each other.
Peer-to-Peer
Based on a “grid model” a peer-to-peerPeer-to-peer
Peer-to-peer computing or networking is a distributed application architecture that partitions tasks or workloads among peers. Peers are equally privileged, equipotent participants in the application...
system, or P2P system, is a collection of applications run on several local computers, which connect remotely to each other to complete a function or a task. There is no main operating system
Operating system
An operating system is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system...
to which satellite systems are subordinate. This approach to software development
Software development
Software development is the development of a software product...
(and distribution) affords developers great savings, as they don’t have to create a central control point. An example application is LAN messaging
LAN messenger
A LAN messenger is an instant messaging program designed for use within a single local area network .There are advantages using a LAN messenger over a normal instant messenger. The LAN messenger runs inside a company or private LAN, and so an active Internet connection or a central server is not...
which allows users to communicate without a central server.
File sharing applications
One of the most interesting debates over decentralized computing involves NapsterNapster
Napster is an online music store and a Best Buy company. It was originally founded as a pioneering peer-to-peer file sharing Internet service that emphasized sharing audio files that were typically digitally encoded music as MP3 format files...
, a music file sharing
File sharing
File sharing is the practice of distributing or providing access to digitally stored information, such as computer programs, multimedia , documents, or electronic books. It may be implemented through a variety of ways...
application, which granted users access to an enormous database of files. Record companies brought legal action against Napster, blaming the system for lost record sales. Napster was found in violation of copyright
Copyright
Copyright is a legal concept, enacted by most governments, giving the creator of an original work exclusive rights to it, usually for a limited time...
laws by distributing pirated software
Copyright infringement of software
Copyright infringement of software=The copyright infringement of software refers to several practices which involve the unauthorized copying of computer software. Copyright infringement of this kind varies globally...
, and was shut down.
After the fall of Napster, there was a demand for a file sharing system that would be less vulnerable to litigation
Lawsuit
A lawsuit or "suit in law" is a civil action brought in a court of law in which a plaintiff, a party who claims to have incurred loss as a result of a defendant's actions, demands a legal or equitable remedy. The defendant is required to respond to the plaintiff's complaint...
. Gnutella
Gnutella
Gnutella is a large peer-to-peer network which, at the time of its creation, was the first decentralized peer-to-peer network of its kind, leading to other, later networks adopting the model...
, a decentralized system, was developed. This system allowed files to be queried and shared between users, without a central directory
Directory (file systems)
In computing, a folder, directory, catalog, or drawer, is a virtual container originally derived from an earlier Object-oriented programming concept by the same name within a digital file system, in which groups of computer files and other folders can be kept and organized.A typical file system may...
, and therefore shielded the network from law.