What are some real-world examples of parallel vs distributed computing?

What are some real-world examples of parallel vs distributed computing?

Parallel computing involves multiple processors executing tasks simultaneously, while distributed computing involves multiple systems working together. A real-world example of parallel computing is image processing, where different parts of an image are processed at the same time. An example of distributed computing is cloud services, where tasks are spread across multiple servers.

Can you give more examples of each?

Sure! For parallel computing, consider scientific simulations like weather forecasting, where calculations are done in parallel to improve speed. For distributed computing, think of blockchain technology, where transactions are processed across a network of computers.

What are the advantages of each approach?

Parallel computing can significantly speed up processing times for large tasks, while distributed computing offers scalability and fault tolerance, as tasks can be redistributed if a node fails.

Are there any disadvantages?

Yes, parallel computing can be limited by the need for shared memory and communication overhead, while distributed computing can face challenges like network latency and complexity in managing multiple systems.