Distributed Operating Systems

Distributed Operating Systems

Vol. 17, No. 4, December 1985 | ANDREW S. TANENBAUM and ROBBERT VAN RENESSE
The paper by Andrew S. Tanenbaum and Robbert van Renesse provides an introduction to distributed operating systems, focusing on their design issues and current research projects. Distributed operating systems are characterized by transparency, where multiple processors are invisible to the user, and they aim to provide a virtual uniprocessor experience. The authors distinguish distributed systems from computer networks and network operating systems, emphasizing that the key difference lies in the user's awareness of multiple machines being used. Key design issues in distributed systems include communication primitives, naming and protection, resource management, fault tolerance, and services. Communication primitives, such as message passing and remote procedure calls (RPCs), are crucial for intermachine communication. Naming and protection mechanisms ensure that users can access files and services without issues, while resource management handles the allocation of CPU resources across multiple processors. Fault tolerance is essential for maintaining system reliability, and services must be designed to meet user needs. The paper also examines several current research projects, including the Cambridge Distributed Computing System, Amoeba, V, and Eden. These projects explore various aspects of distributed systems, such as file systems, protection, and resource management. The authors conclude by discussing the challenges and future directions in distributed operating systems, highlighting the importance of addressing issues like communication overhead, error handling, and implementation details. Overall, the paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of distributed operating systems, emphasizing the need for further research to overcome existing challenges and improve system performance and reliability.The paper by Andrew S. Tanenbaum and Robbert van Renesse provides an introduction to distributed operating systems, focusing on their design issues and current research projects. Distributed operating systems are characterized by transparency, where multiple processors are invisible to the user, and they aim to provide a virtual uniprocessor experience. The authors distinguish distributed systems from computer networks and network operating systems, emphasizing that the key difference lies in the user's awareness of multiple machines being used. Key design issues in distributed systems include communication primitives, naming and protection, resource management, fault tolerance, and services. Communication primitives, such as message passing and remote procedure calls (RPCs), are crucial for intermachine communication. Naming and protection mechanisms ensure that users can access files and services without issues, while resource management handles the allocation of CPU resources across multiple processors. Fault tolerance is essential for maintaining system reliability, and services must be designed to meet user needs. The paper also examines several current research projects, including the Cambridge Distributed Computing System, Amoeba, V, and Eden. These projects explore various aspects of distributed systems, such as file systems, protection, and resource management. The authors conclude by discussing the challenges and future directions in distributed operating systems, highlighting the importance of addressing issues like communication overhead, error handling, and implementation details. Overall, the paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of distributed operating systems, emphasizing the need for further research to overcome existing challenges and improve system performance and reliability.
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