Computer cluster

A computer cluster is a group of interconnected computers coordinated to work as one system, increasing performance, availability, or capacity beyond what a single computer provides.

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Cluster computing: A computing approach in which multiple connected computers cooperate to perform tasks. The broader approach that computer clusters implement through coordinated nodes.
High-performance computing: The use of powerful computing resources to solve computationally demanding problems. Clusters combine many processors to tackle workloads too large for one machine.
Grid computing: A distributed computing model that coordinates resources across separate administrative domains. Unlike a tightly managed cluster, a grid can unite loosely coupled, geographically dispersed systems.
Computer network: A system of interconnected devices that exchange data using communication protocols. A cluster requires a network for its computers to coordinate and share information.
Scalability: The ability of a system to handle increased demand by adding resources or improving capacity. Clusters can often expand by adding nodes instead of replacing one large machine.
Message passing: A communication method in which processes exchange data by sending and receiving messages. Cluster processes use messages to coordinate work across separate machines.
Beowulf cluster: A parallel-computing cluster built from commodity computers, commonly running Linux. It exemplifies low-cost clusters assembled from standard hardware.
Cloud computing: On-demand access to configurable computing resources delivered over a network. Cloud computing describes a service and provisioning model, not necessarily a fixed group of machines.
Node (computing): An individual computer or device participating in a larger computing system. Each computer in a cluster acts as a node with its own resources and possible failures.
Fault tolerance: The ability of a system to continue operating when some components fail. Redundant nodes and replicated services can let clusters tolerate individual failures.