A beowulf cluster is formed using normal computers that are identical. These are arranged into a small local area network (LAN). There are programs that allow these computers to share processing among them.So beowulf clusters form a parallel processing unit using common personal computers.An image that displays the first beowulf cluster at Barcelona Supercomputing Center is as follows −Image Credit − By Vcarceler [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia CommonsFeatures of Beowulf ClustersSome important features of beowulf clusters are as follows −Beowulf clusters are formed using normal computers. There is no software that denoted a cluster as a beowulf cluster.A ... Read More

In symmetric multiprocessing, multiple processors work in parallel and share resources like system bus and memory. It is a type of multiprocessing system and much more complex than asymmetric multiprocessing system.Symmetric Multiprocessing ArchitectureThe image depicting symmetric multiprocessing architecture is as follows −Some points explaining the above figure are −All the processors in the symmetric multiprocessing architecture contain a common bus and main memory. That is why symmetric multiprocessing is known as tightly coupled multiprocessing.Each of the processors in symmetric multiprocessing are equal and can execute different processes as required no matter where these processes are stored in memory. This is ... Read More

Storage Area Networks are typically used to provide access to data storage. These make sure that storage devices such as disks, tape drives etc. can be accessed by an operating system as system storage devices.Storage Area Networks are quite cheap and so are used both by large conglomerates and small businesses.An image that illustrates storage area networks is as follows −Components of Storage Area NetworksThe different components in storage area networks are −Host LayerAll the servers that provide access to the storage area network collectively constitute the host layer. These servers have host bus adapters that allow the operating system ... Read More

The hot standby mode is a fail-safe in which a hot standby component is part of an active system. If any component of the system fails, the hot standby component takes its place. In general, a hot standby can refer to any device, system etc. that overtakes operation from a failed device and reduces the startup delay that would otherwise be huge.A figure to further explain the hot standby mode is as follows −In general, it is expected that a system will have some failures. So, a hot standby is necessary to combat these failures.At the extreme, a hot standby ... Read More

Cache is a type of memory that is used to increase the speed of data access. Normally, the data required for any process resides in the main memory. However, it is transferred to the cache memory temporarily if it is used frequently enough. The process of storing and accessing data from a cache is known as caching.Uncached System vs Cached SystemA figure to better understand the difference between cached and uncached system is as follows −Some important points to explain the above figureare −In an uncached system, there is no cache memory. So, all the data required by the processor ... Read More

Asymmetric multiprocessor systems are a part of multiprocessor systems along with symmetric multiprocessor systems. Multiprocessor systems have multiple processors working in parallel that share the computer clock, memory, bus, peripheral devices etc.Features of Asymmetric MultiprocessingSome of the key points about asymmetric multiprocessing are explained with the help of the following diagram −Here are the points −All the processors are not treated equally in asymmetric multiprogramming. For example, a processor may handle only I/O related operations and another may handle only operating system code. This is in direct contrast to symmetric multiprocessing systems because there all processors are treated equally and ... Read More

Most computer systems are single processor systems but multiprocessor systems are increasing in importance nowadays. These systems have multiple processors working in parallel that share the computer clock, memory, bus, peripheral devices etc.There are mainly two types of multiprocessor systems. These are −Symmetric Multiprocessor SystemAsymmetric Multiprocessor SystemIn symmetric multiprocessing, multiple processors share a common memory and operating system. All of these processors work in tandem to execute processes. The operating system treats all the processors equally, and no processor is reserved for special purposes.Features of Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP)Some of the key points about symmetric multiprocessing are explained with the help ... Read More

Cache is a type of memory that is used to increase the speed of data access. Normally, the data required for any process resides in the main memory. However, it is transferred to the cache memory temporarily if it is used frequently enough.A diagram to better understand the data transfer in cache management is as follows −Cache PerformanceThe cache performance can be explained using the following steps −If a process needs some data, it first searches in the cache memory. If the data is available in the cache, this is termed as a cache hit and the data is accessed ... Read More

An operating system is a construct that allows the user application programs to interact with the system hardware. Operating system by itself does not provide any function but it provides an atmosphere in which different applications and programs can do useful work.The operating system can be observed from the point of view of the user or the system. This is known as the user view and the system view respectively. More details about these are given as follows −User ViewThe user view depends on the system interface that is used by the users. The different types of user view experiences ... Read More

A distributed system contains multiple nodes that are physically separate but linked together using the network. All the nodes in this system communicate with each other and handle processes in tandem. Each of these nodes contains a small part of the distributed operating system software.A diagram to better explain the distributed system is −Types of Distributed SystemsThe nodes in the distributed systems can be arranged in the form of client/server systems or peer to peer systems. Details about these are as follows −Client/Server SystemsIn client server systems, the client requests a resource and the server provides that resource. A server ... Read More