Centralized and Distributive

Systems
By: Adam Thomas
Keshan Gopaul
Michael Tinto

What is a centralized
system?
A system in which all computing is
controlled through a central terminal
server(cts).
This server provides the processing,
programs and storage for the network
Workstations or terminals are used
only for input/output purposes
All resources are shared by all users

Centralized Systems
Advantages:
Easier to troubleshoot
Security Issues are easier to nail down and fix
Software and Maintenance costs are reduced

Disadvantages:
If the CTS goes down, the whole network goes
down.
Build up of jobs for resources to carry out (e.g.
the printer).
Processing and storage is shared so waiting
time of the system is long.

Distributed Systems
Every user has their own PC, with its
own resources.
Storage is often mixed over the network
between the local PC, shared PCs, or a
dedicated file server.
Each PC requires the
purchase of its own
resources
(OS, programs, etc.).

Distributed Systems
Advantages of Distributed Systems:
Reliable.
Resources can be shared between connected
PCs.
Aggregate computing power.

Disadvantages of Distributed Systems:

Security: Many points of entry to the network.
Higher cost.

Centralized vs. Distributed

Centralized

Distributed

Reliability

If a client machine is
down, other
computers in the
network wont be
affected.
If central server is
down, no computers
would be able to
access resources.

If one machine is down,

other machines would
not be affected.
If the unavailable
machine contain a
important files, it would
be unavailable.

Cost

Only the need to buy

one network license
for program.
Software costs would
be lower than multiple
licenses.

Need to buy licenses for

each computer using
respective program.
Software costs would be
higher.

Maintenance

Only central
Resources on every
computers program to
computer must be