What are the key differences between centralized and distributed systems?

Centralized systems are controlled from one main location, while distributed systems spread tasks across multiple machines or locations.

In a centralized system, all the tasks and services are managed and executed by a single, central unit. This could be a mainframe computer or a server that hosts the system. All the data is stored in this central location and all the processing happens here. This makes it easier to manage and control the system, as there is only one point of control. However, it also means that if the central unit fails, the whole system goes down. Additionally, centralized systems can become overloaded if too many users or tasks are trying to access it at once.

On the other hand, distributed systems divide tasks and services across multiple machines or locations. These could be different servers in a network, or different computers in a cloud computing setup. Each machine in the system can operate independently, processing its own tasks and storing its own data. This means that if one machine fails, the rest of the system can continue to operate. It also allows for greater scalability, as more machines can be added to the system as needed. However, distributed systems can be more complex to manage and control, as there are multiple points of potential failure and it can be harder to ensure all parts of the system are working together correctly.

In terms of data storage, centralized systems store all data in one place, making it easier to manage and secure. However, this can also create a bottleneck, as all data requests have to go through the central unit. Distributed systems, meanwhile, store data across multiple machines, which can improve access times and reduce the risk of data loss, but can also make data management and security more challenging. For more information on how data types are managed in these systems, see Understanding Data Types.

The role of the operating system in these setups also varies. Centralized systems often rely on robust operating systems to handle extensive tasks from a single location. For further details, refer to Functions of Operating Systems.

For a deeper exploration into these systems, see Centralised vs Distributed Systems, which offers a comprehensive comparison.

IB Computer Science Tutor Summary: Centralized systems are run from a single place, making them easier to manage but risky if that central point fails. Distributed systems spread tasks across many machines, improving reliability and the ability to handle more work, but they're trickier to manage and keep secure. Centralized systems can bottleneck data, while distributed ones can speed up access but complicate data handling.