Learn in the textbookFundamentals of Processing Types and System Configuration
DefinitionDistributed processing (分散処理) is a processing form in which work is shared among multiple computers linked by a network, which cooperate to carry out the whole job.
ExplanationIf some machines stop, the rest can usually keep working, and capacity grows easily by adding machines; on the other hand, coordinating and managing the machines becomes more complex. When machines at the same level share the work side by side, it is called horizontal distribution (水平分散), and when upper- and lower-level machines take on separate roles, it is called vertical distribution (垂直分散).
AnalogyIt is like setting up a depot in each district to share the parcels. If one stops, the others keep things moving, but the depots must stay in touch with each other.