Distributed is defined as a type of computer system that is run simultaneously by many computers but run as a single system with the benefit of greater performance, capability, and reliability.
There are 3 separate goals a distributed computing system may be designed for:
- Performance: Be able to do a lot of intense computing in a short time.
- Scalability: Be able to service many people, in many locations at the same time.
- Reliability: Be able to service people even if one fails or is unavailable.