OpenSourceMag: Clustering is a way to create a system where computers gain access to each others' data and resources. In principle, this adds more computing power and redundancy to the system; however, practical implementations often consume more resources due to the overhead associated with synchronization of facilities in different computers.

One type of a clustering system is one where file systems form a cluster to better serve clients of data stored in the files. For instance, many Internet servers and telecommunications systems can benefit from such a setup, as an error in one computer does not necessarily harm the whole cluster. Instead, the failing computer can simply be removed from the cluster, and others can continue their normal operations.

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