4.3.2 - The Internet - Distributed Computing
- Created by: Annie
- Created on: 28-04-13 18:37
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- Distributed Computing
- What is it?
- Processing is shared over a number of computers connected by a network (typically Internet) _
- Some projects require a huge amount of data to be processed _
- One computer cannot usually handle this processing _
- A supercomputer may be able to handle it but supercomputers are extremely expensive _
- Distributed Computing offers an alternative _
- Idle computers are used to analyse small packets of data and returns it back to the central computer _
- Most computers do not work to its full potential so distributed computing rarely affects the computer usage _
- Where is it used?
- Research on Climate Change
- Volunteers have model software installed on their computers which will process information on weather patterns and other changes in the weather _
- This data is used to predict future weather changes over this century _
- Search for Extra-Terrestrial Life
- The organisation SETI uses telescopes in order to attempt to pick up outside radiowaves _
- The waves take a lot processing power to detect which the company cannot afford _
- Distributed Computing allows for the organisation to spread out the processing over a wide range of computers _
- Popular Power
- Popular Power is a company founded in 2000 that developed an application which people could install on their computers _
- The company was taking part in a non-profit project to develop an influzena vaccine _
- However, the company couldn't raise all the money it needed to continue and shut down in 2001 _
- Research on Climate Change
- Advantages
- Cheaper than buying a supercomptuer _
- More efficient as many computers can work on many different things at the same time _
- Computers can be processing information anywhere in the world _
- Disadvantages
- What is it?
- Increased security risks due to the data being so widespread over many computers _
- Disadvantages
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