Abstract
This chapter provides the basic concepts of distributed systems. Although the elementary unit of a distributed system is a computer that is networked with other computers, the computer is autonomous in the way it carries out its actions. Computers are linked to one another over a communications network that enables an exchange of messages among computers. The objective of this message exchange is to achieve cooperation among computers for the purpose of attaining a common goal. A physical view of a distributed system describes this technology. It includes computers as nodes of the communications network along with details about the communications network itself. In contrast, a logical view of a distributed system highlights the applications aspects. Middleware provides mechanisms and tools that simplify the development of distributed applications. One of its objectives is distribution transparency, which reduces the complexity of dealing with extensively distributed systems. Distributed systems offer a variety of advantages compared to centrally organized mainframes. Decentralization is a more economic option because networked computing systems offer a better price/performance ratio than mainframe systems.
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