COMPUTER CLUSTER Meaning and
Definition
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A computer cluster refers to a networked group of interconnected computers that function as a single system to collectively solve computational tasks or process large amounts of data. It is designed to enhance processing power, improve performance, increase reliability, and enable high availability of resources. A computer cluster typically consists of multiple individual computers or servers that are connected via a network and work together to achieve a common objective.
Clusters distribute different parts of a task among the connected computers, allowing for parallel processing and faster completion of complex tasks. Specifically, they assist in solving problems that are computationally intensive or require a significant amount of memory or storage. The interconnected nature of a computer cluster enables resource sharing and load balancing, ensuring optimal utilization of available hardware resources across the network.
These clusters often feature specialized software known as cluster management software or middleware, which coordinates and manages the distributed computing resources. This software monitors the status of individual nodes, handles data transfer between nodes, and assigns tasks to different nodes of the cluster. Additionally, computer clusters can be configured with fault tolerance mechanisms, such as redundancy and failover capabilities, to ensure uninterrupted operation and data integrity.
Computer clusters are extensively used in various fields, including scientific research, data analysis, weather forecasting, financial modeling, and virtualization. They offer scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness by allowing organizations to build powerful computing systems by interconnecting multiple off-the-shelf computers, rather than relying on a single high-end supercomputer.
Etymology of COMPUTER CLUSTER
The word "computer" originates from the Latin word "computare", which means "to calculate". It evolved through various historical stages and languages to refer to a device that performs calculations or processes information.
The term "cluster" traces its roots to the Old English word "clyster", which means "a bunch or collection". It was later adopted from the Old Norse word "klustr", with a similar meaning.
The etymology of the phrase "computer cluster" is a combination of these two terms. "Cluster" refers to a group or collection of similar things, while "computer" denotes the electronic device used for processing and calculations. Therefore, a "computer cluster" represents a collection of interconnected computers working together to provide increased computing power and resources.
