What is a Distributed System?
Definition
A distributed system is a collection of autonomous computing elements that appears to its users as a single coherent system.
Characteristics
Collection of autonomous computing elements
Nodes behave independently of each other.
Nodes are programmed to achieve common goals, which are realized by exchanging messages with each other.
Single coherent system
Users believe they are dealing with a single system
Distribution transparency
Middleware
Middleware is a layer that is logically placed between OS and applications.
Middleware offers services that can also be found in most operating systems, including:
Facilities for interapplication communication
Security services
Accounting services
Masking of and recovery from failures
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