Skip to main content

DECENTRALIZED COMPUTING

A decentralized computer system, as opposed to a centralized one, is collection of autonomous computers which communicate with one another to perform a common service. A decentralized system might occupy a single room, but more typically decentralized systems have geographic and organizational diversity.

The world telephone system is the biggest and best example of a decentralized system. It consists of thousands of computers, and almost a billion terminals. Some of the nodes of the system are tiny local PBX's while others are quite large, able to handle many calls per second. Different parts of the system are operated by cooperating organizations with different hardware, different languages and different ideologies. They have agreed to protocols which allow direct dialing from anywhere to anywhere and the consequent automatic routing and billing.

Other examples of decentralized systems can be found in the world travel industry system, inter-connecting travel agents with hotels, airlines, and other reservation systems, and the emerging electronic financial system, connecting financial institutions, businesses and governments.

These systems have the following common features:

* Diverse organizations and organizational procedures,

* Diverse computer architectures, both hardware and software,

* Diverse terminal types,

* Diverse system sizes, from tiny to large, and

* Diverse site environments.

Decentralized computing is a trend in modern day business environments. On the other hand centralized computing was prevalent during the early days of computers. Decentralized computing involves allocation of resources, both hardware and software, to each workstation. In contrast, centralized computing exists when the majority of functions are carried out, or obtained from a remote centralized location.

A decentralized computer system has many benefits over a conventional centralized network. Desktop computers 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 centralized computer system. Decentralized 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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Also read

Cutting people off isn’t strength—It is a trauma response

Your ability to cut people off and self-isolate is not a skill you should be proud of—It is a trauma response Cutting people off and self-isolating may feel like a protective shield, but it is often rooted in unresolved or unhealed trauma and an inability to depend on others. While these behaviors seem like self-preservation, they end up reinforcing isolation and blocking meaningful connections. Confronting these patterns, seeking therapy, and nurturing supportive relationships can help break this unhealthy cycle. Plus, a simple act like planting a jasmine plant can symbolise the start of your journey towards emotional healing. Why do we cut people off and isolate? If you’re someone who prides themselves on “cutting people off” or keeping a tight circle, you might believe it’s a skill—a way to protect yourself from betrayal, hurt, or unnecessary drama. I get it. I’ve been there, too. But here’s the thing: this ability to isolate yourself is not as empowering as it may seem. In fact, i...
1 comment
Read more

Heavy thoughts & depression?Lal Kitab remedies for healing and peace

Feeling mentally foggy, heavy or down? These powerful Lal Kitab remedies help you heal emotionally and find mental peace This isn't therapy or meds. It's ancient soul-soothing wisdom that works in 2025. Overthinking. Sadness. Brain fog. If your mind feels like it’s stuck in low power mode, Lal Kitab astrology might just surprise you. We explore quirky-yet-powerful remedies—from feeding birds to silent mornings—that align with your Moon sign to reset your emotional vibe. This isn’t magic; it’s ancient wisdom that works when your soul feels heavy.  Lal Kitab remedies that gently heal your emotional state might be what your mind has been begging for. Why are so many young people struggling with emotional heaviness today? Let’s be honest—our minds weren’t built for this much noise. Every day we scroll through endless feeds, absorb hundreds of “perfect lives,” try to make money, stay fit, heal generational trauma, respond to messages, and oh yes, save the planet. It’s no surpri...
Post a Comment
Read more

Debate : Do the ends justify the means...

Note : Give it all a fair thought before you jot down... Flaming and religion-bashing will not be tolerated. Your participation is gladly appreciated. I dunno if you folks remember this incident; a couple of yrs back, the UPSC exam had a question where the emainee had to assert his views on *revolutionary terrorism* initiated by Bhagat Singh. As is typical of the government, hue and cry was not far behind... Anyway, let us look at some facts -   Bhagat Singh was an atheist, considered to be one of the earliest Marxist in India and in line with hi thinking, he renamed the Hindustan Republican Party and called it the Hindustan Socialist Revolutionary Party. Bhagat Finally, awaiting his own execution for the murder of Saunders, Bhagat Singh at the young age of 24 studied Marxism thoroughly and wrote a profound pamphlet “Why I am an Atheist.” which is an ideological statement in itself. The circumstances of his death and execution are worth recounting. Although, Bhagat Singh had a...
30 comments
Read more